Bend, OR. — Deschutes County and the City of Bend are moving forward with a coordinated plan to extend operations at the Temporary Safe Stay Area (TSSA) near Juniper Ridge while continuing a phased reduction and eventual closure of the site.
During a joint meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, County Commissioners and Bend City Councilors discussed next steps for the TSSA, which was established in 2025 on County- and City-owned land to provide a managed location for dispersed campers. The site is jointly operated to address health and safety concerns, reduce wildfire risk, and offer basic hygiene services to people experiencing homelessness.
Under the updated framework, the full closure deadline for the Temporary Safe Stay Area has been extended by six months, from Dec. 31, 2026, to June 30, 2027. However, the planned closure of the northern and eastern portions of the site—referred to as sections 1 and 2—will proceed as scheduled in June 2026.
A majority of both governing bodies expressed support for the extension and directed staff to return with a formal framework for approval at upcoming public meetings.
“Delaying the closure by six months gives us time to develop more pathways out of homelessness for people and reduces the likelihood that TSSA campers will disperse to new unsanctioned encampments in our community,” said Phil Chang, chair of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners.
Melanie Kebler, mayor of Bend, said the additional time will help strengthen coordination with service providers and improve outcomes for people living at the site. “We’re focused on helping people find solutions to move into more permanent housing,” Kebler said. “With a little more time and clearer guidelines, we are ensuring the Temporary Safe Stay Area can be safely managed while allowing continued collaboration with the service providers who are steadily moving people out of homelessness and into housing.”
As part of the updated plan, County and City staff will develop additional guidance focused on managing the existing population without expanding it. After sections 1 and 2 close in June 2026, camping and services will be limited to individuals already living at the site, with the goal of stabilizing and assisting those residents rather than allowing new occupants.
The phased closures will significantly reduce the size of the Temporary Safe Stay Area. By June 2026, the site will shrink from approximately 170 acres to about 75 acres, limited to sections 3 and 4. Full closure is planned on or before June 30, 2027.
Formal notices requiring individuals in sections 1 and 2 to vacate will begin in March 2026. Those affected will be allowed to relocate to the remaining portions of the site and will be offered available services to help find alternative housing.
Funding for the extended operations has not yet been finalized. Deschutes County will determine how to cover its share of the updated plan, while the City of Bend is expected to consider using one-time proceeds from recent land sales. Funding options are scheduled to be discussed at an upcoming Bend City Council work session.
Both the City of Bend and Deschutes County must take formal votes to approve the updated framework and associated funding before the extension takes effect.
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