Multnomah County's initiative to provide an alternative to incarceration for drug-related offenses has hit a snag, delaying the opening of its contentious deflection center. Originally scheduled to open on September 1st, the facility's start is postponed until mid-to-late October. This delay is in response to feedback from various stakeholders and challenges in preparing the center for operation.
County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson explained that the additional time is needed as she added that the "health department has been raising the issue that this is going to be tough, that there are so many different components," quoted OPB. As Oregon revises its drug possession laws to classify them as misdemeanors once again, the county is focusing on readying the center to align with the new legal landscape, causing a slight holdup in the progress.
The center, which will be located at 900 SE Sandy Blvd, still requires its certificate of occupancy, and suitable staffing remains a critical issue with the contracted operator Tuerk House working to hire and train employees efficiently. In the interim, the county will utilize mobile outreach teams to steer individuals towards specialized treatment rather than face potential jail time. These teams consist of behavioral health providers and peer specialists coordinating with law enforcement, as detailed by KOIN.
Moreover, community concerns have contributed to the deflection center's delayed unveiling. Proximity to a local preschool spurred legal threats over the rushed project, though Vega Pederson has indicated the lawsuit did not influence the postponement. Concerns also extend to the operational draft of the facility, which remains vague on crucial aspects like security measures and post-visit procedures for the center’s clients, according to reports by KGW. Residents have voiced dissatisfaction with the county's planning and communication regarding these crucial operational strategies, nudging officials towards further community engagement.
