Roseburg commissioners hear UCAN update on Gary Leaf Navigation Center amid neighborhood safety concerns

The Roseburg City Commission on March 25 received an update from UCAN on operations at the Gary Leaf Navigation Center and heard public comment expressing concern about nearby homeless encampments.

Jacob Schluter, housing and homeless services program manager at UCAN, described the Navigation Center as a low-barrier shelter that provides 24/7 peer-support staffing, daytime navigation services (9 a.m.–4 p.m.), overnight security (6 p.m.–6 a.m.) and wraparound partner services including Aviva, Adapt, UHA, HIV Alliance, WIC and Head Start. "We have a 75% plus success rate at exiting clients to positive situations," Schluter said, adding that the state’s homeless management information system (HMIS) defines what constitutes a positive outcome.

Schluter reported that UCAN has assisted 92 individuals through the shelter to date and that the center currently serves 41 people, including one infant; he said the congregate bunk area recently increased to 32 beds. He described program features intended to reduce barriers to shelter entry — such as allowing pets if crated or leashed — and said stays are limited to 12 months with occupancy reviews for some guests. "All of our guest hosts are trained in peer support services to help with things like filling out applications," he said.

Will, a former guest who now works as a guest host, offered a personal account of moving from shelter residency into housing and said the center helped him secure an apartment. "What we're doing there is great for the community to help people get off the streets like I did," Will said.

Two public commenters told the commission the Navigation Center and other homelessness in the city were creating safety and quality-of-life problems. Bill Bridal, who identified his address as 222 Northeast Rifle Range Street, said a proposed homeless camp near his property and the Dream Center would bring noise and crowds that could jeopardize his veteran son’s health. "We cannot have that there," Bridal said, describing his son’s sensitivity to loud noise. Brandy Stone, a Dixonville resident, said she has seen motor homes and people on sidewalks, reported near-miss incidents while driving and urged authorities to prioritize rehabilitation and enforcement. "I don't feel safe walking anymore," Stone said.

Commissioners asked UCAN staff whether neighbors had complained since expanded operations. Schluter and Will said they had received few neighborhood complaints, described nightly security rounds and regular cleanup, and invited further neighbor engagement. "If my staff got a complaint like that, they would have passed it along to me," Schluter said. He also acknowledged the program does not consistently track whether entrants previously lived in tents, and said adding that metric would be a good idea.

Commissioners praised staff and the Navigation Center’s early results. One commissioner said the group expects state funding through Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) next year and suggested a public celebration when the program hits 100 exits. The commission approved the Feb. 26, 2024 meeting minutes by motion and voice vote with no roll-call tally recorded.

The commission was also briefed on its internal evaluation and the impending appointment of a replacement member at the city council meeting. The chair asked current and incoming commissioners to consult with the CEOs of the organizations they replace and return recommendations at the next meeting. The Commission set its next meeting for April 22.