At The Bulletin, we are deeply committed to covering the issues that matter most to our community. One such issue is homelessness, and we believe it’s a topic that requires both empathy and honesty in reporting.

One of our reporters, Clayton Franke, has been doing incredible work in this area, picking up the trail where previous Bulletin reporters covering this topic have left off. Recently, Clayton wrote an insightful piece about the ongoing debate among Deschutes County commissioners regarding the future of homeless camps. His article sheds light on the complexities and varying perspectives surrounding the issue.

We have another important story — also authored by Clayton Franke — coming out today that delves into the challenges of the Coordinated Houseless Response Office in Deschutes County. Established in 2022 with the support of Oregon lawmakers, this office was created to bring cities and counties together to address homelessness. Now, two years later, the office is at a crossroads, and its leaders are contemplating the next steps.

Clayton’s work exemplifies the quality journalism we strive to deliver every day. Our coverage of homelessness goes beyond headlines, delving into the human stories and systemic issues at play. We believe that an informed community is a compassionate one, and we aim to foster understanding and dialogue through our reporting.

Thank you for your interest in staying informed about these critical issues. If you have questions about our coverage or ideas about how we can cover more in our community, please feel free to reach out: email news@bendbulletin.com. 

— Julie Johnson

city editor