May 17, 2022 3:00 p.m.

The United Community Action Network and the City of Roseburg are holding an open house at the Gary Leif Navigation Center on Monday June 20th.

It will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the facility at 948 Southeast Mill Street. Those attending will have an opportunity to tour the building, ask questions and share concerns before the center opens on or before June 30th.

A City release said during the event, UCAN officials will share their plans to operate the city-owned emergency shelter and navigation center, while service provider partners will discuss plans to provide on-site wraparound service to unhoused clients staying at the shelter.

Service providers expected at the open house include Adapt, Aviva Health, Peace at Home and Umpqua Health Alliance. Roseburg Police Chief Gary Klopfenstein and other city officials will also be there to answer questions and hear concerns.

A smaller neighborhood open house will be held at a different time just for immediate neighbors.

The release said on March 15th, the city entered into an operating agreement with UCAN to oversee a shelter and navigation center that will offer services to homeless women, men and families. The city bought the property in late February and in March the Roseburg City Council voted to name the shelter for Leif, who was instrumental in getting $1.5 million in state funding for the facility, before he died on July 22, 2021.

Work is on track to open the center by June 30th, enabling the city to keep the state funding and apply for an additional $1 million for the facility. In addition, Umpqua Health Alliance has provided the city with two grants totaling $300,000 for the center.

Phase 1 of the opening will include 10 pallet shelters set up in the parking area and case management services to help people become more self-sufficient. Phase 2 includes renovating the building to allow 30 shelter beds.