Lane County Opens Shankle Brooklyn Street Shelter

News Release from Lane Co. Government
Posted on FlashAlert: October 5th, 2022 7:00 AM

Glenwood, OR—Lane County Health & Human Services (LCH&HS) today announced the opening of the new Shankle Brooklyn Shelter located in Glenwood. The shelter will serve 12 of Lane County’s most vulnerable community members at a time by providing residents rooms, a kitchen, bathrooms, common spaces and a patio area. Additionally, program participants will have access to medical and behavioral health resources, case management and assistance transitioning into permanent housing.

“From helping to expand capacity for our service partners, to opening the River Avenue Navigation Center, to building more permanent supportive housing, this facility is part of systems improvements Lane County is has a part in advancing which will help our most vulnerable community members take a step towards permanent housing.” said LCH&HS Director, Eve Gray.

The facility is named after the late Reverend Arthur J. Shankle who, along with his wife Luvenia Shankle, founded Bethel Temple church there in the early 60’s.

“At a time when communities of color faced opposition simply to exist in Oregon, Reverend Shankle and his congregation created a sanctuary. They created a safe place to gather, and to create community, and Lane County seeks to honor that heritage by continuing to create stability and community at the Shankle Brooklyn Street Shelter,” said the Chair of the Board of Lane County Commissioners, Pat Farr.

To mark the opening of the shelter, Lane County Health & Human Services is hosting a Grand Opening Ceremony on Thursday, October 6^th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the Shankle Brooklyn Street Shelter (1545 Brooklyn Street). The ceremony will include speakers ranging from Chair of the Lane County Board of Commissioners, Pat Farr, Springfield City Councilor, Steve Moe, current Bethel Temple Pastor Quentin Reynolds, founding members of Bethel Temple, and individuals with experience living through homelessness. Members of the media are welcome to attend.