(Photo above courtesy of Bethehem Inn)
Glenn M. Kotara, president of the board of Bethlehem Inn, responded to recent concerns raised in the local newspaper providing a more accurate picture of what is happening in our community. Kotara stated that during any major project there are numerous discussions of diverse options that are endlessly debated before arriving at the final workable plan. “The process is all the better for this give and take, allowing both private and public perspectives to be heard and incorporated into the end result for the best of the whole community,” he said.
The board of directors reports that the capital campaign has raised nearly $4 million toward construction costs to rebuild Bethlehem Inn. “Our aim is to begin building after securing commitments of $4.5 million. We take responsibility to our donors very seriously, and we are grateful for their trust and their generosity.”
Bethlehem Inn and its board of directors have presented plans to the City of Bend for a first phase of building with the intent of replacing an existing unsustainable structure with a facility that is truly designed for its intended purpose. The new facility will provide emergency shelter services for up to 10 families struggling to move from homelessness to stability and will establish an effective service hub for all Bethlehem Inn residents.
Kortara continued: “The construction plan for a first phase of rebuilding is still in the permitting process, which means that matters of impact on our neighbors and timing of construction are still in question. One of the reasons the Inn has refrained from public comments about the project is that we respect the process and want to incorporate into our plan all of the feedback we receive during the review process. The review process can affect both the timing of the project and the cost of completing the work.
“Despite the claims of the Bend Bulletin story on November 20, no issues have been raised during the review that fundamentally alter plans to proceed with construction. The shifts in timing for construction, a matter of at most several weeks, are consistent with the normal range for a project of this significance. The decision to build on the current site was arrived at with thorough examination of the capacity of the current site and the needs of the community.
“One of the most important parts of a building process for a not-for-profit organization is ensuring that resources are available to pay for the cost of a building. Capital campaigns usually have a lengthy “quiet phase” during which early plans are shared with key stakeholders, both private donors and public agency partners. This quiet campaign activity ensures the construction plan is financially workable.
“The recent story claiming that the Bethlehem Inn campaign has not “launched” is not accurate, as the quiet phase of capital campaign development has in fact been underway for just under a year. While costs for capital campaigns often constitute 10 percent or more of the total funds raised, we are pleased to share that Bethlehem Inn has managed to contain costs at 2 percent of funds secured to date.
“The Bethlehem Inn board expects the campaign to run efficiently thanks to our excellent campaign team, including our campaign consultant, executive leadership and especially the volunteers who have committed both personal funds and diligent efforts.
“I share this statement in order to provide greater public understanding of an important and widely supported undertaking. Ultimately, it is the purpose of Bethlehem Inn to lift people out of homelessness and to promote quality of life for all Central Oregon. Special courtesy is due to the thousands of community members who support Bethlehem Inn as contributors and volunteers. Your efforts truly help to transform lives.”
