Bend Update: Controversy over Managed Homeless Shelters and Zoning for 'Safe Parking' Sites The Battle for the Curb Navigating the controversy over managed shelters and 'Safe Parking' zoning in Bend, Oregon. Quick Hits: The Data Deep-Dive 📍 1,647 Individuals The 2023 PIT Count for Central Oregon shows a 17% spike in homelessness, with 80% located in Deschutes County. 📏 The 300-Foot Friction City Council’s shelter code allows sites near residential zones, sparking a "buffer zone" debate with local schools. 🚗 3-Vehicle Limit "Safe Parking" by right is limited to 3 cars per site; larger programs require complex permits and neighborhood reviews. Why the High Desert is Heating Up The Legislative Catalyst May 2022: Shelter Code amendments ease zoning restrictions in residential areas. July 2023: HB 3115 mandates "objectively reasonable" local camping ordinances. Hunnell Road: The July 17 clearing pushed the crisis into visible "managed" sites. The Capacity Gap Comparing total unhoused population vs. available managed beds in Bend. People Experiencing Homelessness ~1,600+ Total Managed Beds/Spots ~500 Data Source: Central Oregon Point-in-Time Count & Municipal Records. The Vibe Check Neighborhood Tension 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 High: Proximity to schools remains the #1 flashpoint. Managed Site Efficacy ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Moderate: Success depends heavily on non-profit staffing.