Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding map, indictment)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 65-year-old Bend-area man was arrested Thursday on 25 felony counts of first-degree animal neglect, more than eight months after a welfare check at an abandoned La Pine-area home led to a raid that turned up over 100 dead and rotting animal carcasses inside.

Here’s the full news release from Deschutes County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Barringer:

On 6/19/25 at 12:00 p.m., Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested William Griffiths in Bend.  Griffiths had an active warrant for his arrest after a Deschutes County grand jury returned an indictment on 6/13/25 charging him with 25 counts of Animal Neglect in the First Degree. 

The indictment stemmed from an investigation that began last October south of La Pine.  On 10/6/24, a Patrol Deputy with Deschutes County was dispatched to a welfare check in the 50000 block of Deer St. south of La Pine.  The caller reported to the Deputy that she had arrived at the house in question to retrieve property that originally came from a private business in Bend where Griffiths used to work, and she believed the property was most likely still at the house.  She said when she went to the house, she discovered what she believed to be several dead reptiles in and around the house, and the house appeared to be abandoned.

The Patrol Deputy and an Animal Control Officer responded to the address and conducted a welfare check inside the residence to determine if there were any people or animals that were in need of medical care.  No humans were discovered, but they discovered over 100 dead and rotting animal carcasses inside the house, including the carcasses of snakes, lizards, and turtles.  There were also carcasses of rodents and tarantulas within the house.  No live animals were located.

Oregon Revised Statutes specifically include reptiles in its definitions of animals as applied to animal neglect statutes.

Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence.  They applied for and were granted a search warrant, which was executed the same day to search the residence for evidence of criminal activity. 

A Detective later located and interviewed the owner of the house and animals, William Griffiths.  During the interview, the Detective developed probable cause for the crimes of Animal Neglect in the First Degree listed in the indictment. 

Griffiths was located in a trailer in the 63000 block of Dickey Road east of Bend.  He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Deschutes County Adult Jail on the warrant for his arrest.  

William Griffiths Animal Neglect IndictmentDownload

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —The Bend Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Sara Odendahl as the Interim CEO. Sara is the Chamber’s Director of Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives and will shift her role to take the helm of the Chamber after Katy Brooks leaves for a new position with the City of Bend on June 30. 

A seasoned government affairs professional, Sara has led the Chamber’s policy and advocacy work since coming on staff in 2023. Sara has been an instrumental member of the Chamber’s leadership team and co-led the organization’s Workforce Housing Initiative and newly launched Regional Business Alliance.

“Sara has gained incredible trust in Bend and Central Oregon for her effectiveness and collaboration in advocating for business at the local and state levels,” said Tia Lewis, Bend Chamber Board Chair. “She is highly respected and will be a steady hand at the helm as the search for a new CEO is underway.”

Prior to joining the Chamber, Sara served as an independent consultant advising the Chamber’s Advocacy Council and leadership team on local and state policy issues. Sara brings over a decade of experience in political consulting and public policy, having spent much of her career at the Colorado State Capitol. Her policy expertise spans general business issues, nonprofit and local government issues, health care and early childhood education, with a strong focus on children’s health, public health, and regional economic development. 

“It has been a pleasure working with the Chamber team to advocate for businesses, develop an effective workforce housing initiative, and serve as an innovative leader and partner in our community,” said Odendahl. “I am particularly grateful to work with a supportive board and talented Chamber team as we continue to serve the business community in Bend.”

Before her work in government affairs, Sara built a foundation in strategic communications through roles at advertising and branding agencies, specializing in employer communications and social impact campaigns. Since relocating from Denver to Bend in 2019, she and her husband, Kent, have launched Work-Collective, a thriving community coworking space in NorthWest Crossing with a new Midtown location opening later this summer.

Sara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Master’s in Public Administration and Public Policy from the University of Colorado Denver. A natural collaborator and problem solver, her leadership strengths include strategic planning, coalition building, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership. 

The Chamber looks forward to Sara’s thoughtful and dynamic leadership as she helps guide the organization through this transitional period. The Chamber will begin its search for a new CEO and will soon share recruitment information for those interested in applying.

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Lynsey Harris

BEND, Ore. (IKTVZ) — June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and each week, we’re sharing stories and resources to help families better understand this disease. In our third conversation with a local neurologist, we’re focusing on how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed — and the early warning signs families should never ignore.

Dr. Gregory Ferenz, a Bend-based neurologist, says while some forgetfulness is expected as we age — like misplacing glasses or walking into a room and forgetting why — Alzheimer’s involves more serious memory disruptions.

“In early Alzheimer’s, you may notice a loved one forgetting recent conversations or repeating the same questions,” Dr. Ferenz explains. “People may lose their ability to hold fluent conversations, withdraw from social situations, or even lose track of familiar places like a grocery store parking lot.”

He adds that some of the earliest red flags are often emotional or behavioral. “Depression, anxiety, and irritability can all be early signs. These mood shifts are easy to overlook but important to recognize.”

If you suspect something may be wrong, Dr. Ferenz says the first step is to talk to your primary care doctor. “Even though 97% of primary care doctors believe memory screenings are important, they often don’t have time to do one unless it’s brought up by the patient or a family member,” he notes.

There is new hope in diagnosing Alzheimer’s earlier than ever. Just this week, the FDA approved a simple blood test to detect Alzheimer’s pathology — a major step forward. Until now, the main tools for diagnosis included an amyloid PET scan or lumbar puncture, both more invasive and less accessible.

“With this new blood test, we can potentially identify the disease years before dementia symptoms appear,” Dr. Ferenz says. “The earlier we detect it, the more we can do.”

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Assistance League of Bend is proud to partner with Every Child Central Oregon to provide Emergency Clothing Bundles to children in the foster care system.

When children are placed in foster care, the transition is often sudden and overwhelming. Many arrive with only the clothes on their backs. 

Assistance League of Bend’s Emergency Clothing Bundles offer immediate comfort and dignity. Each bundle includes a complete outfit, socks, underwear, pajamas, and seasonally appropriate clothes for local weather. 

Jill Rutherford of Every Child Central Oregon shared: 

“We are deeply grateful for our continued partnership with the Assistance League of Bend. The generous support in providing new, 24-hour clothing bundles ensures that Deschutes County youth entering foster care are met with dignity, comfort, and care from day one. These bundles, filled with essential items like pajamas, undergarments, and a full day’s worth of clothing, make a meaningful difference during an uncertain time. Partnerships like this help us ensure every child feels seen, valued, and supported from the moment they enter care.” 

Assistance League of Bend recently delivered 36 bundles, bringing the total to over 100 Emergency Clothing Bundles donated this year. 

Together with Every Child Central Oregon and in partnership with the state Department of Human Services, we remain committed to the flourishing of every child—because every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported. 

Contact Ann Schmidt at  marketing@assistanceleaguebend.org to learn more about the clothing bundles initiative.

Assistance League of Bend is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization making a difference in the lives of children and adults facing hardship like poverty, homelessness and cancer in Deschutes County.  

Please visit their website https://www.assistanceleague.org/bend/ for more information. 

Assistance League of Bend and Every Child Central Oregonis also a 21 Cares for Kids Partner with KTVZ https://ktvz.com/community/21-cares-for-kids/ 

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from resident; charges not filed, officials now say)

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to Central Oregon Fire Management, crews made more substantial progress Thursday on the more than 3,200-acre Alder Springs Fire near Crooked River Ranch, after creating a 50-foot perimeter around the blaze a day earlier.

It’s been three days since residents like Rachael Pitts-Shire and her family have been home.

“Lots of anxiety and then lots of unknown,” she said Thursday. “The power went out, and then we got the text. Shortly after the alert text that we were evacuation Level 3 – Go Now.”

Ten of her family members were forced to evacuate, choosing to stay in Alfalfa as they watched the fire grow. Luckily, their home has now been reduced to a Level 2 Be Set evacuation level.

She says community members who chose to stay have been keeping an eye on neighborhoods, even putting their trash cans out while services continued. 

“People were checking in on each other,” Pitts-Shire said. “Lots of people were offering to go pick up people’s horses or check on people’s grandparents that maybe didn’t have the technology to necessarily get the alerts for the evacuation.”

Thursday evening, officials corrected a statement made at Thursday evening’s community meeting about charges being filed in connection with the fire’s start. Here’s there full statement:

“The Central Oregon Incident Management Team would like to make a correction to the information shared at the community meeting about charges being filed as a result of the Alder Springs Fire investigation. The Team can confirm that the cause was human, and while the investigators are pursuing active leads, no charges have been filed to date. The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released when it is available.”

There were more signs of progress on the fire lines late Thursday, as the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said Lake Billy Chinook Public Lands 3, including zones CR09, CR02SW, CR02NW, SIS-016, RED-91, RED-92 and RED-101 have been downgraded to no evacuation status. Zone CRPL2 has been downgraded to Level (1 Be Ready), they said.

“It’s weird to have that level of stress relief when it goes to Level 2. But that’s also the moment when you get the most panic, when you’re at Level 2 at home, waiting for it to go to Level 3,” said Pitts-Shire.

Deschutes County also made an announcement around 3 p.m., posted by Lt. Nathan Garibay:

“Due to continued progress by firefighters, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is dropping all evacuation notices in Deschutes County. Please refer to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for information on evacuation notices in Jefferson County. A current map of evacuation notices can be found at deschutes.org/emergency.

The American Red Cross has closed the shelter at Highland Baptist Church. The large animal shelter at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds has also been closed.”

Jefferson and Deschutes counties lowered and removed evacuation levels Thursday amid more progress on the Alder Springs Fire.

Level 3 GO NOW evacuations were dropped late Wednesday afternoon, bringing hundreds of Crooked River Ranch residents back to the area, many with power restored.

The fire has cost $4.7 million to fight so far, the National Interagency Fire Center said in Thursday’s national Situation Report. No structures have been lost and no injuries reported, officials told residents at a community meeting in Terrebonne Wednesday night.

“Watch out for fire personnel for the next several days,” the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office advised in a Facebook post Wednesday evening. “Even if you return in a Level 2 (BE SET zone), be cautious of smoke and aware fire personnel could be on your property if a flare-up happens near your land.

“Still remain vigilant and be ready to go if anything changes. We appreciate your patience during this fire. Fire personnel have been working diligently day and night to contain this fire, which is currently at 21% containment. Thank you to everyone who has assisted in the Alder Springs Fire so far and will continue to do so through the week,” the Facebook post said.

—

Here is Thursday morning’s Alder Springs Fire update:

Central Oregon —Wildland fire crews made great progress on the Alder Springs Fire yesterday, increasing containment and securing the perimeter up to 50 feet around the entire fire. Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces continued their structure protection work in and around Crooked River Ranch. The fire is 3,278 acres and is now 21% contained.

Yesterday crews worked the east flank of the fire from Crooked River Ranch to the Deschutes River continuing mop up and cooling hot spots deeper into the interior of the fire. The Texas Canyon Interagency Hotshot crew has been working hot spots in the steep canyon drainage, supported by helicopters dropping water on areas of more dense heat. Rappelers and smokejumpers focused on mopping up and extinguishing hot spots in the Carcass Canyon area while crews continued securing the perimeter from Whychus Creek north to the confluence with the Deschutes River. OSFM continued working around structures, extinguishing hotspots and conducting tactical patrols near previously threatened homes.

With increased containment and the presence of OSFM task force engines in Crooked River Ranch, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has lifted all Level 3 evacuation orders for the Alder Springs Fire and downgraded zones. Residents are encouraged to visit evacuation maps provided by each county for updated evacuation information. Please use caution returning to homes and neighborhoods because fire resources are still present and working in the area. Access to BLM-administered lands including the Steelhead Falls, Scout Camp and Otter Bench trailheads remains closed.

Today, firefighters will continue containment efforts by increasing mop up to 100 feet around the fire perimeter. While there will still be smoke on the interior of the fire area, crews will spend the day building off yesterday’s success with the assistance of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or “drones” that use heat sensing technology to more efficiently find heat close to the perimeter. This will allow firefighters to identify and prevent hot spots from rekindling in hot and windy weather to threaten containment. With the immediate threat decreasing, OSFM has begun scaling back its response and is in the process of demobilizing some task forces, allowing them to return to their home communities. Meanwhile, today’s crews remain on the ground, continuing community surveys and assessing structures for safety and damage. OSFM remains committed to supporting local communities and coordinating efforts statewide as the situation evolves.

Evacuations: The Jefferson and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Offices have changed evacuation levels and there are no longer Level 3 (GO) evacuation orders in place.  For more information on evacuation notices visit:Deschutes County Evacuation Map: https://tinyurl.com/DeschutesCountyEmergencyJefferson County Evacuation Map: https://tinyurl.com/JeffersonCountyEmergencyMap

Alder Springs Fire Information: 503-383-9647Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Evacuation Information: 541-420-9652Alder Springs Fire Facebook Page: Facebook.com/AlderSpringsFire

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Kade Linville

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From the upcoming Amazon center, Redmond’s ongoing water conservation efforts, and plans to keep safe and have fun this 4th of July, Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch answers your latest questions.

Fitch appears on KTVZ News at Sunrise in the 6:30 a.m. segment on the third Thursday of every month. Make sure to submit your questions for the mayor here for next month’s segment. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) —The Oregon Health Authority issued a recreational use health advisory Wednesday for Lake Billy Chinook in Jefferson County due to the presence of cyanotoxins above recreational use values for human exposure.

OHA said people should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encouraged people to visit Lake Billy Chinook and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Boating is safe, as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source.

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek convened a roundtable in Bend on Wednesday afternoon to hear from rural Oregon health care experts, providers and food system specialists about what she fears will be the severe, widespread impacts of proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (known as SNAP).

“The proposed bill, sponsored by Republican lawmakers in Washington, D.C., will cut vital health care and food services for Oregonians in order to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans,” Kotek’s office said in a news release after the event, which was followed by a news conference on the same issues.

KTVZ+ provided livestream coverage of both events, which you can view above.

During the news conference, Kotek said, “This isn’t about tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. It’s about what we do for our state.”

The event was held at Mosaic Community Health, whose CEO, Family Nurse Practitioner Megan Haase, told reporters she is “deeply concerned about the potential impacts” of cuts to Medicaid, a program that more than half of Mosaic’s 34,000 clients depend upon.

“Without Medicaid, many people we be forced to avoid or delay seeking care,” which Haase said will “actually cost more in the long run.”

Kotek said, “This is not the time to cut. This is the time to invest.” And she added that the impacts of SNAP benefit cuts for those in need could be far-reaching, to the point of some grocery stores closing.

“It’s a big deal,” she said. “And frankly, it’s not smart economic policy.”

Here’s the rest of a news release from the governor’s office about the roundtable event:

Governor Kotek said: 

“More often than not, if you live in rural Oregon, it means traveling 30 miles or more to get your health care needs met. Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP threaten hospitals, clinics, medical offices, and services Oregonians depend on. These proposed cuts by Congressional Republicans put families who are planning to have children at risk, jeopardize health care access for kids, and could strip health insurance coverage from over 200,000 Oregonians.

“Today, I heard from caregivers of children who rely on the Oregon Health Plan. I wish every single member of Congress considering supporting the bill could have sat across from these folks today, because that’s who they were elected to answer to, not the ultra-wealthy who are getting tax breaks at the expense of children and families’ health care – especially in rural communities. To the 1 in 3 Oregonians who rely on Medicaid and SNAP:  I will continue to fight against this proposal and uplift your voices at every turn.”

If the current proposal was signed into law, 100,000 to 200,000 Oregonians will likely lose coverage, resulting in $718 million to $1.4 billion in reduced federal funding coming to Oregon per year, or $8 billion to $16 billion over the next 10 years. New red tape that will burden nearly 500,000 Oregonians and require significant taxpayer dollars and new positions could cost more than $100 million to implement. Overall, Congress is poised to make accessing health care more difficult, more costly, and available to fewer Oregonians.

The proposed cuts threaten to take food off the table for Oregonians, place unsustainable financial burdens on the State, and risk the well-being of families and local economies. If passed, the legislation would dismantle SNAP’s federal-state structure, forcing Oregon to absorb $850 million in new costs per biennium and slashing food aid for families, children, seniors, and immigrants. 

The Governor convened the following people Wednesday:

Andrea Carr, Medicaid and SNAP recipient

Dr. Logan Clausen, Chief Medical Officer, Central Oregon Pediatric Associates

Jeremy Davis, CEO, Grande Ronde Hospital 

Kellie Frank, Harney Food Systems Coordinator

Sean Jessup, CEO, Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization 

Dr. Jinnell Lewis, MD, (multiple employment), Presenting as a Full Spectrum Family Medicine Physician and Residency Leader 

Megan Haase, CEO, Mosaic Community Health

Olivia Quiroz, Executive Director, Oregon Latino Health Coalition

Dr. Linda Selby, Chief Medical Officer, Harney District Hospital Family Care

Jenny Widder, Medicaid and SNAP recipient 

“I appreciate Governor Kotek coming to Central Oregon to learn more about the impacts that loss of Medicaid and SNAP benefits would have on rural Oregonians,” Megan Haase, FNP and CEO of Mosaic Community Health, said. “I am deeply concerned about the potential impacts that proposed cuts to Medicaid would have on our patients and our entire Central Oregon community. More than half of our 34,000 patients rely on Medicaid for health coverage, including low-income families, children, people with disabilities, seniors, and pregnant women. Cuts to Medicaid will leave even more Central Oregonians without health insurance, moving us further away from our goal of a healthy community.”

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Public Safety Campus soon will become a temporary home for people with nowhere else to go. 

Nonprofit Mountain View Community Development, which operates eight Safe Parking & Microshelter sites in Redmond, is expanding into Bend and has been working with staff at the Deschutes County-owned property to add a site on the southeast corner of the campus, just north of Bend Animal Hospital. 

Deschutes County commissioners Patti Adair and Phil Chang voted to approve the lease at the board’s meeting Wednesday, a week after an initial discussion of the project brought another 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Tony DeBone opposed. 

Here’s the rest of the Mountain View Community Development news release on the program:

The property is home to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, as well as 911, Community Justice, Health Services and Oregon State Police. 

“I’m very familiar with this program,” said Undersheriff Aaron Wells, “and it has always been a helpful tool for law enforcement, so we’re happy to see it expand. Wherever Safe Parking sites have been hosted, we have not seen an increase in law enforcement calls. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to being part of the solution to homelessness in the county, and this is one more way we can provide support.” 

The Safety Campus will host up to six vehicles, RVs or microshelters — garden-shed-sized structures with electricity, heating and cooling. 

“The site was first brought to our attention by Commissioner Adair,” said Rick Russell, executive director of the nonprofit. “We look for any property that’s available. Law enforcement has always been a strong partner for us and has seen the benefit of this program. And we asked the Sheriff’s Department to be a partner on this with us.” 

Bend currently has six Safe Parking sites run by other organizations, but this would be the first on public property. Mountain View Community Development operates three sites on publicly-owned land in Redmond. Participants in the program are required to meet regularly with case managers, and there are security cameras on each site. 

Russell said Safe Parking is an important option for many unhoused people, particularly those with children and pets, as well as survivors of assault. 

“We provide a safe, legal, sanitary place for people to park,” Russell said. “Being homeless often leads to feelings of hopelessness, and our case managers help our participants believe that stable housing is possible for them. It’s not an easy road. We’ve all seen the effects of the increase in housing costs and the lack of affordable housing. This is one way to bridge the gap between unauthorized camping and getting back to stability.” 

The Safety Campus is the first site the nonprofit is seeking to develop, but it won’t be the last. Russell said Mountain View Community Development has a contract with the city of Bend to operate 20 spaces, and it is in talks with property owners at three other sites. 

“The City of Bend is addressing houselessness across the community, and Safe Parking is a valuable tool,” said Mayor Melanie Kebler, adding that there are currently six sites throughout the city. “The City works closely with Safe Parking operators and property owners. These sites have proven to be cost-effective and have integrated into their neighborhoods. Households accessing Safe Parking are often the most vulnerable, and we are committed to transitioning people into safe settings and on to permanent housing.” 

“We know this program works,” Russell added, “and there is significant need in Bend to provide a place for people to get the services they need while living in vehicles. The best way to move people out of homelessness and into housing is to get them stabilized in a Safe Parking environment. We’re grateful to the commissioners and to the City of Bend for their commitment to helping unhoused people.” 

For more information, visit www.mvcdoregon.org. 

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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.

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