Regarding the debate over homelessness in Eugene and across Oregon, former Eugene mayor Lucy Vinis praised Rep. Val Hoyle’s commitment to evidence-based solutions on homelessness, but named no measurable result.

I am not running for re-election, so I have nothing to gain except setting the record straight from my experience. Born and raised in Cottage Grove, where I am mayor, I speak as a neighbor to my neighbors.

Our city tried Housing First, and it did not work here. Our unhoused population and drug-related problems grew substantially. I am tired of politicians saying that questioning a failed model means we lack compassion. Not true. People here are compassionate. We want real help for people on the streets: detox, treatment, mental-health care, a path to stability. But spending more without measurable results does not help anyone.

Our pallet shelter camp closed in June 2024, when federal funding ended. Neighbors beside unmanaged camps dealt with rats the size of Chihuahuas. First responders kept reviving overdose victims. Residents were frustrated enough to recall council members who backed Housing First.

When Gov. Tina Kotek toured our managed camp, she had no time to meet with me. It was a slap in the face to the people I represent. Vinis called Monique DeSpain’s warnings about Housing First a political shortcut. Cottage Grove lived that shortcut. DeSpain was right: Recovery takes accountability, not just a roof.

Rep. Hoyle, you’ve served in Congress since 2023. What measurable results can you point to here? How much detox capacity or how many treatment beds have you secured for us?

Talk with the neighbors, the first responders, the people in these camps. Rural communities face the same rules as cities, with far fewer resources and unfunded mandates hitting hardest.

I am tired of politicians talking about commitment. Show us the results. Struggling people deserve real help and a genuine chance to recover.

Candace Solesbee
Cottage Grove mayor