Exterior image of The Salem Navigation Center. Photo courtesy of the City of Salem website.
the weather starts getting colder, the homeless population in Salem increases. The Salem Navigation Center opened June 1, 2023. It has a capacity of over 60 beds and a center where people can guide those in need to find public benefits, health services and permanent housing.
A Good Place for Weather Protection
At the Center, there has also been an increase in residents due to the Salem Warming Network, a collaborative network that provides temporary shelter when the weather reaches extremely low temperatures. This program allows shelters like the Salem Navigation Center to increase their capacity in order to ensure the safety of people during the winter.
Youth and Young Adult’s Living Situations can be Majorly Improved
As for youth that have been impacted by the homeless epidemic, a different course of action has been taken. Though the Salem Navigation Center attempts to help everyone who walks through their doors, there are shelters and programs that are directly targeted to youth and young adults in need. Microshelters across Salem offer assistance to a targeted group of people and as of recently, more have been opening across Marion County. In July of 2023, Church of the Park’s micro-shelter village opened and assists ages 18-24.
For those who are affected as a whole family, Family Promise is a non-profit organization that helps families in need and has served the Mid-Willamette Valley community for 24 years.
Volunteering at the Student Center
Students interested in helping can make themselves aware of the needs of possible students going through homelessness as well as other people around them. Volunteering is highly encouraged and appreciated as well. Volunteering can include serving on a board or commission, volunteering to run or work for Salem events. Donations are always highly appreciated and don’t always have to be money, donating old cell phones or electronics to the Salem Police Department to provide a lifeline to someone in need.
“Students can help by being aware and sensitive to the possible needs of fellow students experiencing homelessness, working to help interact in ways that help people be comfortable and in ways that aren’t discriminatory based upon their housing status.” Gretchen Bennet, City of Salem staff member, said.
This is Just the Beginning
Though accessing help is difficult for some, there are many ways for those in need to access it. Slowly but surely, shelters and micro-shelters are opening and becoming more accessible to those in need.
