"One of the concerns that I often hear from communities is that of skepticism when Rogue Retreat approaches them with the proposal to open a facility in their community. There is a fear that crime will rise, that general neighborhood appearance will diminish, and that the "undesirables" will impact general livability in that area. As a city that embraces 7 or more Rogue Retreat facilities within our city limits, I can assure you that this is not the case. As a nearly 20 year law enforcement professional, I have zero concern with the management, placement, and safety surrounding these programs. In fact, I often tell community groups that the police calls-for-service at these facilities are usually less than in most of our affluent neighborhoods."

-Lieutenant Geoff Kirkpatrick, Community Engagement Division, Medford Police Department (Jackson County, Oregon)

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Four reasons to read The Rogue Retreat Story:

Reason 1 - DISCOVER SOLUTIONS: There is hardly a state, city, county, or community in the country that does not struggle with the problem of homelessness. More than any time in the past, community leaders in the private and public sectors are stepping up and searching for creative solutions. In Southern Oregon's back yard, Rogue Retreat has stepped up to create successful transitional housing models with case management and wrap-around services. The Rogue Retreat Story will inspire and give you a glimpse into real-life solutions from which you can pick-and-choose for your community.

Reason 2 - ADD BEDS: The lack of affordable housing is a challenge in the state of Oregon and throughout the U.S. Until we get to the place where there is enough affordable housing for all our residents, "we are all working," says Chad McComas, "to add beds" for our unhoused neighbors (Chapter Nine). Rogue Retreat has discovered how to add beds legally and safely inside a house, managed campground, tiny house village, RV park, and more. The Rogue Retreat Story shows you how they did it and how you, too, can as well.

Reason 3 - EDUCATE: The key to changing community perceptions around homelessness is "educating the public and businesses at every corner," says Chad. There is nothing that changes perception better than success. Learn the secrets to their success in The Rogue Retreat Story.

Reason 4 - MEET CHAD & STAFF: It's an honor to introduce you to Chad McComas (Co-Founder and Executive Director) and the staff at Rogue Retreat. They are all dedicated, self-lessly helping unsheltered neighbors who have fallen into the "well of homelessness" and cannot get out on their own. They need a "hand up" not just a "hand out." With a phenomenal success rate of 50% becoming self-sufficient and self-sustaining residents, many in turn begin to give back. You will get to know them in this book.

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"The Rogue Retreat Story is a record of one group's struggles and successes in meeting the needs of the most vulnerable members of their community. By always learning and always innovating, Rogue Retreat has created a continuum of programs to assist people on their journey from homelessness to hope to housing. But this is more than just their story. It is part of their ongoing commitment to share their hard-earned knowledge with other communities struggling to address homelessness. It is a story that helps us believe change is possible in our own communities and challenges us to begin writing our own stories of hope."

-James Cook, Vice-Chair of Oasis Village & Central Oregon Community Advocate (Deschutes County, Oregon)

"The leadership and staff of Rouge Retreat have long demonstrated their ability to pull together community partners to help change the trajectory of the homeless."

-Shaun Pritchard, Executive Director, UCAN (Douglas and Josephine Counties, Oregon)