Take a look at what’s being done in The Dalles, Oregon to address homelessness by expanding access to transitional housing, food, and mental and behavioral healthcare and explore statistics that paint a picture of the spectrum of houselessness and how it informs what communities will need to be focused on in the coming years.

This week’s question of the week is how are locals responding to the news that the City of The Dalles has issued a public nuisance notice to St. Vincent de Paul in downtown The Dalles? CCCNews interviewed locals in the area of W 2nd Pl and Pentland St to find out.

The decision was made after the council heard multiple complaints during the public comments section of the meeting from residents and business operators surrounding the nonprofit meal center for the houseless at 315 W. Third Street.

A community member who is experiencing houselessness has been hospitalized due severe hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the winter weather. City of The Dalles Police, community members, local health services, the Department of Human Services, and Mid-Columbia Community Action Council responded to the incident in a timely manner resulting in the administering of lifesaving care and securing shelter for the individual.

St. Vincent de Paul Society’s downtown location is undergoing a beautification process. Volunteer painters Lance Pardee and Galen Ballinger have painted the once gray building a sky colored blue and brightened up the entrance with a mural of a friendly and welcoming sun.

A new covered picnic table area has been constructed at St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP) in memory of recently deceased SVDP and Community Meals board member Edwin Fred Anghilante.