In order to access this temporary housing program, veterans are required to pass a background check to ensure that no one with violent criminal history or sex-related charges will be served at this site. This is a drug, alcohol, and weapon-free program and a curfew is in place for veterans staying on site.
This project is a partnership between Polk County and the Dallas United Methodist Church (DUMC). DUMC has been a leader in social service partnerships for many years. Currently DUMC serves as a meal site for James 2 Kitchen and a produce distribution site, offers a variety of support groups, and plays a key role in many other community events with support and resources. DUMC will provide the program with peer mentors for veterans and offers a space to be used as a day center equipped with computers to help veterans locate permanent housing and stable employment.
Gale's Lodge Veterans' Shelter provides temporary (maximum of one year) emergency housing for veterans while connecting them to many social service programs with an emphasis on employment related services and permanent housing.
Below is the letter to Governor Brown from the Polk County Board of Commissioners in response the OHA and OSHA mandates for private businesses and churches to verify vaccination status for customers:
May 27, 2021
Honorable Governor Kate Brown
RE: Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Occupations Safety and Health Mandates for Private Businesses and Churches to Verify Vaccination Status for Customers
