The City of Coos Bay is committed to serving all of our citizens, including those that are unhoused, and working with neighbors to address housing issues in our larger community.

Camping Rules

Coos Bay passed a Camping Ordinance, codified in Coos Bay Municipal Code 8.45, to regulate when, where, and how people can camp within the City of Coos Bay. The ordinance was needed as court decisions and ruling from the Department of Justice removed all previous laws/ordinances related to camping within the city.

The Camping Ordinance Map shows where camping is allowed in the city limits; note that camping is only allowed in the areas marked in green. Camping must comply with the Camping Ordinance, as outlined in Camping Rules.

Community Coordination

Coos County and the Cities of Coos Bay and North Bend are working to understand how our community can respond to the housing crisis affecting our neighbors and the broader community through interviews, surveys, and meetings.

Coos Bay City Council held a Town Hall Meeting on July 25, 2022 (agenda and staff report) which included an overview of several aspects of homelessness, including housing challenges, mental health concerns, and addiction issues. The meeting also addressed a summary of Ballot Measure 110 (decriminalization of possession of certain drugs), passed by Oregon voters in November 2020 and effective in 2021.

The Coos County Coordinated Office on Houselessness, also known as the Homeless Response Office, is an office created by an intergovernmental agreement between Coos County and the Cities of Coos Bay and North Bend to serve the entire community. In order to best use scarce resources, the Community must understand the scope of the problem, evaluate the outcomes of our investment, evaluate progress and demonstrate accountability. This planning process is stipulated in House Bill 4123 (HB4123), which identified eight pilot regions around the state to receive $1M towards improved coordination of housing services. The strategic plan identifies community priorities and actions, and was adopted by the elected bodies from each jurisdiction on April 18, 2023.

Our region’s leaders are committed to facilitating programs and services that empower individuals who are unhoused or at-risk of losing their homes to continue their forward progress towards permanent housing.

Devereux Center Relocation

The Nancy Devereux Center has been determined to be the area's leading resource for homelessness, so the community partners have chosen to work with this organization for supporting resources. The Devereux Center is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization that provides support systems and advocacy for the homeless, those suffering from mental illness, and veterans. The Devereux Center is currently located at 1200 Newmark Ave., near the intersection of Newmark Ave. and Ocean Blvd. in Empire. They primarily operate a day center, open several days each week, that offers clients and community members free hot breakfast and lunch, laundry, showers, and other services. Since July 2021, the Devereux Center has also operated Coalbank Village, a short-term transitional housing camp with 19 pallet homes, which is located at W. Lockhart Ave. and S. 2nd St..

In summer 2023, the Coos Bay Urban Renewal Authority (URA) and Coos Bay City Council began steps for a proposed move of the Devereux Center from its current location in Empire. A proposed new location was 225 W. Lockhart Ave., a commercial property in an industrial area in the southern portion of the city, which is adjacent to Coalbank Village. (See Maps Devereux Center, current and proposed.) The property would be purchased by the City and the Devereux Center would lease the space with applicable Operations and Lease Agreements.

On February 9, 2024, the Coos County Homeless Response Office approved $1.5 million in state funding to move the Nancy Devereux Center in Coos Bay and expand its services in the community (press release February 14, 2024).

On March 6, 2024, Mayor Benetti announced that due to funding challenges the City of Coos Bay ceased negotiations on the property at West Lockhart Avenue being considered as a site for The Devereux Center. The City of Coos Bay remains committed to securing a site that meets the needs of The Devereux Center and the community. As site selection continues The City of Coos Bay will work with The Devereux Center as it addresses the challenges of serving a growing homeless population at its current location. Regular project updates will be provided through our monthly Livability Committee meetings, which are open to the public.

The City has applied for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The CDBG Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

Mayor Benetti and City Council members are participating in the Community Conversations, community-initiated Town Hall meetings to discuss the Devereux Center relocation, with input from those who had concerns about the identified location, challenges around information related to the building acquisition, and the move. A meeting was held at the Coos Bay Library on February 2, 2024, with the next scheduled for March 6, 2024, at 6 pm at the Egyptian Theatre.

Resources

LOC_Guide_to_Persons_Experiencing_Homelessness_in_Public_Spaces-July_2023

IGA_8082_Balance of State Grant

City of North Bend Homelessness Resources Page

Coos County Circle of Support (courtesy of South Coast Education Service District)