New City of Eugene Community Court program aims to support homelessness, minor offenses and community safety impacts

Eugene, OR – According to the city officials, the program, which is funded by a federal grant, reportedly connects shelter and targeted support to some unhoused individuals charged with misdemeanors like trespassing, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, and other non-violent charges.

City officials also said that the mail goal will be to create personal stability and disrupt behaviors detrimental to the community, which Community Court sees repeatedly.

Participants will be identified through assessments that consider prior conviction and other life factors and needs, by Court staff and the local service providers they work with. 

The four-year, $600,000 grant from the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance was awarded in October of 2022, but Community Court only received initial grant funds a few months ago and is now finalizing contracts with local service providers.