EXCLUSIVE: New Bethlehem Inn Director takes the reins and talks about the future
Tyson Beauchemin
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — One of Central Oregon’s largest facilities for finding help getting off the streets, now has a new face leading the high-barrier emergency shelter. Michael Hancock spoke exclusively with KTVZ News on what he plans to change, and what he wants to keep the same.
The shelter’s been operating in Bend for 25 years and for 15 of those years, it’s been led by longtime director Gwen Wysling.
Michael Hancock is now stepping into the position. Hancock joined the organization in 2019 and was being trained to take over for a while.
He plans to keep the organization on the same course but adapt to the changing landscape of homelessness in Central Oregon, “Our mission is to transform lives together through shelter, help and hope, and that means with our community members, donors, community partners. So what direction this organization is going to go in really depends on where there’s a need. We’re constantly evaluating our services, the services of our partners, and seeing where people falling through the cracks, and that’s where we’re gonna adjust and move”.
Hancock extended an invitation to anyone watching this. He wants you to come and see the Bethlehem Inn. He’s eager to show people exactly what services are provided for the community and explain how they operate.