The city is currently leasing land for its Urban Campground for homeless individuals. The Medford city council intends to purchase property before their lease expires at the end of the year.
The Urban Campground is currently located off Biddle Road. The proposed nearly four-acre site would be on West McAndrews Road.
But recent controversy surrounding homeless services nonprofit and campground manager, Rogue Retreat disrupted discussions about the purchase.
Members of the public called for Pastor Chad McComas to be removed from Rogue Retreat鈥檚 board. Last week McComas was accused of promoting conversion therapy at his church, Set Free Ministry, which shares some services with Rogue Retreat where he is also the executive director.
鈥淭he effects of people鈥檚 ignorance weighs heavy on all communities, especially on our unhoused and queer neighbors who are often forced into making the choice between conforming to religious ideologies or being left without basic human needs," said Sam Strong, who attended Thursday night's meeting.
Medford City Councilor Eric Stark defended Rogue Retreat's longstanding record in the community, but questioned McComas' motives.
鈥淓veryone has the right to speak their opinion, religious beliefs," Stark said, "but it cannot be part of this organization.鈥�
Council members ultimately approved the land purchase. But they retained the right to find another service provider if an ongoing investigation shows Rogue Retreat discriminates against members of the LGBTQ community.
