A Rogue Valley group's ambitious plan to establish a peer respite in the hills above Ashland faced numerous challenges, ultimately leading to its failure. The story highlights the complexities of mental health care and the struggles of those advocating for alternative approaches. Derek DeForest, a psychiatric survivor, envisioned a peer respite as a safe haven for individuals in crisis, offering a voluntary and supportive environment. However, the journey of bringing this concept to life was fraught with obstacles.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) awarded a $1.5 million grant to Stabbin Wagon, a harm reduction nonprofit, to open Mountain Beaver House, a peer respite in Jackson County. The group's mission was to provide a temporary, residential program for individuals with mental health challenges, offering a home-like setting and peer support. But the project encountered immediate resistance from city officials and residents in Medford due to Stabbin Wagon's controversial work, which included a harm-reduction van providing clean needles and overdose reversal medication.
The organization's criticism of the police and its stance on working with law enforcement further fueled the opposition. Emails revealed a coordinated effort by the Medford Police Department, city officials, and other nonprofits to protest the grant, raising concerns about the potential use of funds for a safe injection site. This controversy led Stabbin Wagon to shift its efforts to Ashland, where a more progressive local government was expected to be more receptive.
In Ashland, the group faced new challenges, including zoning issues. The lack of specific language in the respite bill regarding zoning left planning officials to debate the program's appropriateness in a residential neighborhood. Additionally, the local community's sentiment was clear: only a select few could live in such a neighborhood, creating a sense of exclusivity that hindered the project's progress.
Despite the group's efforts, including renting and furnishing the house, the project was ultimately abandoned. OHA's lack of communication and support, as well as the group's inability to navigate the complex zoning process, contributed to the failure. The story also mentions the challenges faced by other peer respite initiatives, such as Black Mental Health Oregon and The Stronghold, further emphasizing the struggles of implementing these programs.
The article concludes by highlighting the successes of Project ABLE and Folk Time, two organizations that managed to open peer respites despite similar challenges. It raises questions about OHA's grant approval process and the importance of due diligence in selecting suitable contractors. The story also emphasizes the need for building community and the impact of peer support on individuals' lives, leaving a lasting impression on those involved in the mental health advocacy movement.
