((L-R) Heather Salvesen-Capital Campaign Chair, Paula Casey-former resident and volunteer, Chris Clouart-Managing Director, Toni La Foe-former resident, Phil Henderson-Deschutes County Commissioner, Erik Kropp-Deschutes County Deputy Administrator, Tammy Baney-Deschutes County Commissioner, Donna Mills-Executive Director Central Oregon Health Council, Gwenn Wysling-Executive Director | Photo Courtesy of Bethlehem Inn)
New Family Residence & Service Hub
Bethlehem Inn supporters, staff, volunteers and city and county leaders gathered yesterday for a groundbreaking of the new Bethlehem Inn Family Residence and Service Hub. The new building will support Central Oregon families in transition from homelessness to stability.
Former Bethlehem Inn residents had the honor of shoveling the first earth at the site of the future facility, which is located at the Inn’s current property, 3705 N. Highway 97, in Bend. Local and regional supporters have now contributed more than $5 million of the $5.3 anticipated cost of the new Family Residence and Service Hub, enough for construction of the new building to begin. The Inn’s Transforming Lives Together capital campaign remains ongoing, with the goal of constructing a new facility for single residents as well.
“This campaign demonstrates that Central Oregon is a place where people care for people, where we work together to lift up those in need,” Wysling said. “This historic moment for our region is possible because of our shared commitment to care for each other.”
When complete, the 18,600 square foot facility will double the Inn’s capacity to shelter homeless families and their children, replacing a dilapidated five-family residence with space for 10 families at any given time.
Capital Campaign Chair Heather Tennant-Salvesen thanked campaign supporters and project leadership for their commitment to rebuilding Bethlehem Inn. “The old Bethlehem Inn buildings will not last forever,” she said. “We are here today to celebrate rebuilding of a facility that will literally transform thousands of lives.”
www.bethleheminn.org
