83: Oath To Growth

Some barriers to builders include a shortage of construction workers and restrictive state land use laws.

Steadfast growth in Central Oregon is continually demanding the attention of city leaders, permitting agencies and area developers, but the issue remains that housing is completely unaffordable by even median level income earners. How can we be a model for growth when the supply and demand chains are so out of balance, and there is nowhere for people to live?

Originally aired on September 15, 2023 on KPOV’s The Friday Point

49: Achievable Housing For All

Homelessness is a symptom of larger societal issues and current services merely a safety net.

Homelessness has increased at an amazing rate in recent years in Central Oregon, and the available homeless services don’t come close to serving this incredibly under-counted population of struggling community members. It is going to take full commitment to engaging diverse perspectives, having open ears and focusing on a solution-oriented attitude to understand the vastness of this issue and offer housing to all. No complicated problem can be solved today, but we can all be warm tonight.

Originally aired on January 11, 2023 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

35: Dignity Is My Lens

Habitat For Humanity and Mellissa believe in a world where everyone has the right to a home.

Presenting part three of our series examining the housing crisis in Central Oregon, featuring Mellissa Kamanya, Grants Director for Bend-Redmond Habitat. She shares her own family’s struggles with housing instability and the programs and promise of Habitat for Humanity as one solution to our community’s difficulties. Infusing hope and enabling transformations makes this organization a community gem.

Originally aired on November 17, 2022 for KPOV’s Critical Conversations

13: A Home Of Their Own

The proposed village would provide houseless community members a stepping stone to transition safely and securely.

We question the tender topic of houselessness here, where the focus is providing humane, safe and legal sheltering options for Central Oregon’s growing homeless population. James Cook and Bob Bohac, of Oasis Village, discuss in-depth what it takes to realistically support such a project and how funds can be dedicated in order to build a bridge for the houseless out of camps and into homes of their own.

Originally aired on October 20, 2021 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point