Understanding Homelessness – Video

SHiNA-hosted the neighborhood’s first Community Conversation, which brought 40 people to Amazon Community Center to learn about causes of homelessness

On February 15th, SHiNA hosted a panel discussion and ‘community conversation’ on homelessness. Panelists Heather Sielicki, community advocate and; Tracy Joscelyn, manager of Nightengale safe sleeping site; and, Kelly McIver, Communications Manager, Unhoused Response, City of Eugene spoke eloquently and frankly to neighborhood residents. SHiNA recorded the conversation via a video, which can be viewed on youtube via the link below:

We look forward to future Community Conversations on topics important to our neighbors. If you have an important topic that you think would be a good candidate for one of these meetings, reach out to your SHiNA Board at shina_board@googlegroups.com

Upcoming SHiNA Neighborhood Meeting 2/15/2023

Topic: Understanding Homelessness

Wednesday, Feb 15, 6:30-8:30PM
Hilyard Community Center
2580 Hilyard Street, Eugene

Contributed by SHiNA Chair Chris Jockheck

We see it every day.
We see it everywhere; Eugene, the Valley,
the coast, through out the state and beyond.
We turn our heads so we don’t have to engage.
We avoid certain areas, certain streets.
We see the tents, push carts, all the belongings, what is
kept and what is left behind.
We see the people: individuals, couples, children, young
and old. And we get angry. And we should be angry.

But to whom (who)? To ‘them’?, to local government?, to state government?, to federal government?, our economic system?, education system?, health care system? As we start a new year, both local and state government leaders want to address the homeless issue making it a priority. But what does that mean? How are they proposing to have the discussions so there’s a full understanding of what has created the situation? Are they dealing with the symptoms or are they going to get ‘down and dirty’, and look at dealing with the origins of the crisis? And the future (numbers are only growing).


There are many questions, and many of us think we have ‘solutions’. And we have our bias. But in order to understand the discussions that will be taking place we have to understand the issue. Who are the homeless? How does someone become homeless? Why are some people in a chronic long term situation while some are able to make a transition to a better life? What is in those carts? What role do drugs play? What role does mental health status play? A day in their life???

To help provide that understanding, SHiNA will be hosting a panel discussion and ‘community conversation’ on homelessness. Panelists will be Heather Sielicki, community advocate and; Tracy Joscelyn, manager of Nightengale safe sleeping site; and, Kelly McIver, Communications Manager, Unhoused Response, City of Eugene. We hope to see you there. This will be an in-person meeting only.

SHiNA General Neighborhood Meeting – Sunday, 10/9, 3pm on ZOOM

Southwest Hills Neighborhood Association General Membership Meeting
Sunday, October 9, 3 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89339350751

We look forward to seeing our neighbors. Please join us.
1. Update from Emerald Valley Electric Vehicle Association. Phil Barnhart will speak about how the city is preparing and what residents can do to be more resilient. Q & A to follow.

2. Nominations for SHiNA Board members will be accepted for our November election. If you would like to be a part of making your neighborhood safer, more informed, or would like to be a leader in creating neighborhood activities, SHiNA welcomes you and needs your input. NEW board members welcome!

Topic: Southwest Hills SHiNA General Meeting
Time: Oct 9, 2022 03:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89339350751
Meeting ID: 893 3935 0751

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SHiNA Picnic 2022

The annual SHiNA summer picnic, this time in collaboration with our Friendly Area Neighbors, FAN, returns this summer to a new location, Washington Park and YOU are invited to join in the fun! This free, family-friendly event is an annual tradition with friends and neighbors gathering on the grassy expanse behind the Community Center at Washington Park.

Sunday, August 21, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Washington Park, 2025 Washington St. 

* Bring your own picnic, blanket or chairs* 
Live Music • Games for the Young and Young at Heart
Enjoy a Free Root Beer Float served by Friendly Street Church of God! 
Community Walkway of Community Organization outreach tables
Prize Drawings for Gifts from Neighborhood Businesses
The Blank Slate Banner – Give us your Feedback !

This year we will be co-hosting the picnic with our adjacent neighborhood association, Friendly Area Neighbors (FAN). Not only will you have the opportunity to meet and greet your SHiNA neighbors, now we also get the opportunity to meet and celebrate with FAN’s neighbors!

Tighten up your sandals for races for the young and young at heart! The games will happen following the first set of music, and there might even be prizes!! The park’s spray play will also be operating to keep everyone cooled off and entertained.

Come learn what is going on in our community. The community walkway offers opportunities to talk with representatives from community partners and nonprofits that benefit our neighborhood and community. You can learn what SHiNA and FAN neighborhood associations are up to and how you might become involved. Get your burning questions answered and share your comments about the work being done in the community.

Be sure to sign-in to receive a ticket for drawings for gifts from our wonderful neighborhood businesses. Our area businesses are a vital link in supporting a healthy and vibrant community, and we thank them for their donations to the picnic. (A complete list of donors will be shared at the picnic.)

Last but not least, there will be a beautiful paper banner to accept all your thoughts about your neighborhood association, what do we do well, what you would like to see happening, how can we improve and better engage. Your thoughts will help strengthen our neighborhood associations.

Help make this a waste-free event by bringing your own utensils  & taking them home! 

SHiNA General Meeting

Waste to Taste Food Presentation
Eugene Public Library New Services

It’s your neighbors at ZOOM!
SHiNA Neighborhood General Meeting

Sunday, April 10, 6:30 p.m. via free ZOOM link below

Waste to Taste presentation: Jennifer Denson will speak about Waste to Taste and Burrito Brigade, groups that rescue food and distribute to those in need in our community.
Eugene Public Library: Will O’Hearn will speak about services and programs available since the library’s reopening.

ZOOM Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81842549255?pwd=emZ1UzY0QWw5aUdLU2FIbHdVcmlEdz09