Divine Rights leaving Baker County after relocating dozens of individuals to Baker County

BAKER CITY – Over the last several months, a program called Divine Rights has relocated dozens of individuals to Baker County from around the Pacific Northwest.  According to a release issued on behalf of the Baker County District Attorney’s Office, New Directions Northwest, law enforcement and the Baker City Manager, these individuals have no connection to Baker County and are living in local hotels and are being bused to Umatilla County for methadone shots. It was also noted that “No one from the county or city leadership was consulted prior to these individuals being brought to Baker County.”

The release goes on to say that “Despite the desires of some participants to live a clean and sober lifestyle, the Divine Rights Program has been a disaster.  

These individuals have become a drain on our local resources, because Baker County is not equipped to handle the large amount of people that are now in our community.  The Baker City Police Department, which is already understaffed, has spent countless man hours responding to calls including assault, disorderly conduct, drug dealing, trespass, etc.  The Baker County Sheriff’s Office has also had to dedicate their time to responding to calls involving these individuals.  New Directions Northwest and the Emergency Room have been overwhelmed with crisis calls for people that are having mental health crises, overdoses, and other issues.

In the last few days, the Divine Rights organization has stated that they are leaving Baker County.  Crisis workers from New Directions Northwest are assisting these individuals to return to their hometowns, if they so choose.  In the meantime, law enforcement and our local treatment providers will continue to work to help the individuals who are now stuck in Baker County, while still striving to help Baker County citizens stay safe.”

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Elkhorn Media Group