Lane County will become the owner of the Red Lion Hotel at 599 East Broadway in Eugene shortly after signing the closing documents on February 26, 2021. The hotel is being purchased as part of Project Turnkey and will be used to house Holiday Farm Fire survivors who are especially vulnerable to homelessness.

“The Holiday Farm Fire devastated thousands of McKenzie area residents and left them with no place to live,” said East Lane County Commissioner Heather Buch. “Project Turnkey is an important part of our housing strategy for fire survivors. While people work to recover from the loss, we can provide the most vulnerable with a safe place to sleep and connections to other services.”

The $5.5 million purchase is being paid for by state funds. 

Homes for Good will provide the day-to-day operations for the temporary lodging program starting in March 2021. Homes for Good will support participants by connecting them to their long-term housing goals. On-site operations staff will provide 24-hour service for the residents including cleaning and janitorial services. In addition, staff will work with residents to connect them to available services to get into permanent housing.

“Homes for Good has been an incredible partner,” said Buch. “They’ve really stepped up and found ways to support fire survivors through existing housing programs and by taking on this new location. We’re also thankful for the support of Oregon Community Foundation throughout the Project Turnkey application process.” 

More information about how wildfire survivors will be selected for temporary housing at the Red Lion will be available in March.

Homes for Good will also begin to develop the scope of work to convert the hotel to Permanent Supportive Housing once there is no longer a need for temporary housing.

For more information about Holiday Farm Fire recovery resources, visit www.mckenzierebuilds.org.

About Project Turnkey

The Oregon Legislature allocated a total of $65 million for Project Turnkey for the purpose of acquiring motels/hotels for use as non-congregate shelter for people experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. Two discrete funds were provided by the state: one totaling $30 million to be awarded in counties and tribal communities impacted by the 2020 wildfires; and one totaling $35 million for the remaining 28 counties in the state. Oregon Community Foundation is administering both funds through an application and selection process, with guidance from an Advisory Committee of state, local, and community stakeholders.

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