Following Salem attack, will shelter security change?

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — In the wake of the mass stabbing at the Salem Union Gospel Mission, officials with other shelters who spoke with KOIN 6 News said they are reviewing the ways they try to keep guests and staff safe.

While non-profits that house the homeless did not want to talk on-camera about their protocols, most of them said they ask guests to check their belongings as they come in — and they have no weapons policies in place.

But KOIN 6 News did not find any shelters with metal detectors or armed guards at the front. However, at Rose Haven, there is a security guard on duty to protect the women, children and the property.

The increasing challenges with people in crisis has led to some changes at Blanchet House in downtown Portland. They serve 3 meals a day but don’t have overnight stays, and they have armed security guards in the room where the meals are served.

Blanchet House Executive Director Scott Kerman said “mental health” was the reason they opted to use armed security.

“The substance use disorder that is escalating in our community. We’ve seen it escalating ever since COVID launched in the spring of 2020. One of the things that we’re contending with is what is often referred to as ‘super meth,'” Kerman told KOIN 6 News.

Like other organizations, Blanchet House trains their staff and volunteers in de-escalation tactics.

For the record, the Union Gospel Mission in Portland is not affiliated with the one in Salem.

The Oregon legislature is currently considering a bill to help fund security grants to non-profits like those that help provide homeless services. The legislature has until the end of June to either pass or reject this bill.