The city of hermiston is seeking funding from the bureau for justice assistance grant program to implement a community court program in their municipal court

The City of Hermiston was awarded a $500,000 Project Grant by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) under the Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program (CFDA 16.585). The grant funding will be used to implement a Community Court program in Hermiston's municipal court. The program will serve individuals cited for eligible misdemeanor "quality of life" crimes within the city limits, with a focus on assisting those struggling with homelessness, substance use, and/or mental health issues. The program will accept referrals from the Hermiston Police Department and City Prosecutor. The grant award period is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2028.

The community court program will serve individuals cited with an eligible misdemeanor quality of life crime within the city limits of hermiston. The city is optimistic that the community court model will help those in our community involved in criminal justice and are struggling with homelessness, substance use, and/or mental health. The program will accept referrals from the hermiston police department and city prosecutor for individuals cited with committing an eligible misdemeanor or city ordinance violation.