By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews.com
YACHATS — When the City of Yachats opened its pavilion last month to the homeless on bad-weather nights, some Yachats residents warned of drug needles, trash and crime.
That hasn’t been the case.
“We have not seen any of that,” said Pastor Bob Barrett of Yachats Community Presbyterian Church.
A month ago, Barrett and two other residents got the City Council to unanimously vote to open the pavilion behind the Commons to allow homeless people to sleep in a dry place when nights were rainy or cold.
“It’s not a formal shelter by any means, it’s just a dry place to sleep,” Barrett said at the time. Since then, with two other community members handling opening, closing and any cleanup, “Every night it’s been open, it’s been used,” Barrett told YachatsNews.
Up to six people per night have slept in the pavilion — which is dry, but not heated — when it has been open.
“They’re respectful, they’re out on time, we haven’t had to do any cleaning,” Barrett said. “There’s been nothing of any major concern.”
When YachatsNews published an article in early November announcing the council’s decision on using the pavilion for overnight use, several readers sent emails predicting dire consequences, including drug needles left lying around, trash, and break-ins in surrounding areas.
The city’s Parks & Commons Commission, which recommends policies for city facilities, has not heard complaints about the pavilion’s overnight use. While commission chair George Mazeika said the group was waiting for a report of some kind from Barrett, its use appears to be “so far so good.”
Mayor Leslie Vaaler said the trial program was proposed by a group of citizens who, in addition to suggesting the program, volunteered their time to make it happen. “Their concern and willingness to volunteer are a shining example of what makes Yachats special,” she said in an email to YachatsNews.
Under the arrangement with council, volunteers unlock the doors to the pavilion at 6 o’clock each night during inclement weather and lock up next morning at 8 o’clock.
Barrett said that during the day when he encounters people who sleep in the pavilion at night, “They’re so appreciative. On those nights when we have driving rain and 70-miles-per-hour winds, it really could be a matter of survival for some of them.”
There is a portable toilet in the pavilion parking lot and garbage cans inside and nearby. Rules are posted in the pavilion forbidding alcohol, drugs, fires, fighting and littering.
Barrett and others pitched the idea after seeing an increase of homeless people sleeping outside at the Little Log Church & Museum, at the Commons front door and other places around town —and then seeking daytime help at the church.
“They’re coming to the church soaking wet and freezing cold,” Barrett, with little equipment like tents or sleeping bags. “I’d like to see this (pavilion arrangement) continue when the weather warrants.”
YCPC offers food when its free pantry is open, as well as some dry clothing, blankets and connections to social services in Newport or Florence.
Barrett has said that the influx of wintertime homeless people in the area is the largest he’s seen in his seven years in Yachats. Under a new Oregon law, local government can keep homeless people from staying overnight on public property if there are other options available nearby. The opened pavilion is considered one such option.
The structure is not opened for sleeping if there are activities or renters using it.