81: Chief Cheerleader

Every community in Oregon has great things going on.

Oregon’s 39th Governor, returning from a listening tour that spanned every county in the Beaver State, is thanking Oregonians for continuing to step up and work together to solve societal problems. In every community, there are folks spreading the hope that there is success in our future if we can all make the most of our situation. Governor Kotek reminds us that complex issues take a multi-layered approach that requires everyone on every level to show up.

Originally aired on October 11, 2023 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

79: Small Town Goes Big

The scale may be different, but the issues are the same.

The cities of Bend and Redmond, Oregon are intrinsically tied together, as they are dependent on each other’s success to continue to upgrade Central Oregon as a whole. To the folks in Redmond, density is coming, and to the folks in Bend, your little brother city is growing up now. The future success lies in joining forces, sharing resources and focusing on the learning opportunities that will bring the communities together.

Originally aired on August 2, 2023 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

66: Sleeping Securely

Sleeping with the windows down is a luxury not afforded by folks living in the constant unknown.

Just leaving your car unattended to go to work or the windows down for fresh air while sleeping is a risk when the vehicle is also your home. It is no less than traumatic to live under such daily stress, and Mountain View Community Development is providing more specialized services than ever for people in these unique circumstances with safe parking spaces. When it is so difficult to plan for anything away from such valuable limited possessions, community partners help with basics and make a huge difference.

Originally aired on December 14, 2022 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

49: Achievable Housing For All

Homelessness is a symptom of larger societal issues and current services merely a safety net.

Homelessness has increased at an amazing rate in recent years in Central Oregon, and the available homeless services don’t come close to serving this incredibly under-counted population of struggling community members. It is going to take full commitment to engaging diverse perspectives, having open ears and focusing on a solution-oriented attitude to understand the vastness of this issue and offer housing to all. No complicated problem can be solved today, but we can all be warm tonight.

Originally aired on January 11, 2023 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

35: Dignity Is My Lens

Habitat For Humanity and Mellissa believe in a world where everyone has the right to a home.

Presenting part three of our series examining the housing crisis in Central Oregon, featuring Mellissa Kamanya, Grants Director for Bend-Redmond Habitat. She shares her own family’s struggles with housing instability and the programs and promise of Habitat for Humanity as one solution to our community’s difficulties. Infusing hope and enabling transformations makes this organization a community gem.

Originally aired on November 17, 2022 for KPOV’s Critical Conversations

33: Future's So Bright, Gotta Buy Shades

Part 2 of our in-depth interview series with Bend-Redmond Habitat For Humanity and the examination of the housing crisis in Central Oregon.

After the life-changing opportunity to own her own home came to fruition through the support of Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, Jodie is glowing. All she ever wanted was stability for her children to thrive and was able to access custom support to make it a reality; and through the sweat equity program, community builds community. She now makes her living as a real estate agent and helps pass the torch for others to shine brightly into their futures.

Originally aired on November 10, 2022 on KPOV

13: A Home Of Their Own

The proposed village would provide houseless community members a stepping stone to transition safely and securely.

We question the tender topic of houselessness here, where the focus is providing humane, safe and legal sheltering options for Central Oregon’s growing homeless population. James Cook and Bob Bohac, of Oasis Village, discuss in-depth what it takes to realistically support such a project and how funds can be dedicated in order to build a bridge for the houseless out of camps and into homes of their own.

Originally aired on October 20, 2021 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

9: Transitioning "Indoors"

Providing safe spaces and a sense of belonging can empower the homeless to transition “indoors.”

The number of homeless is rising, and this very diverse population needs a safe space to build self-esteem, create a sense of belonging and be in control of their own transition “indoors.” To better understand the practicality and humanity of such a multi-faceted issue, we talk to Larry Kogovsek, of Sagewood Sanctuary, who is an important advocate for the homeless in Central Oregon.

Originally aired on February 26, 2020 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point