The cities of Salem, Keizer, and counties of Marion and Polk are collaborating to address homelessness in the region through the newly formed Mid-Willamette Homeless Initiative task force. The task force aims to understand the causes of homelessness, current services available, and identify solutions. It will be led by the mayors of Salem and Keizer and commissioners from Marion and Polk counties. The task force begins meeting in February 2016 and will focus on issues such as affordable housing, best practices, and identifying funding sources to help reduce homelessness in the area.