Together, we are making a difference
In order to prevent and end homelessness, our Central Oregon region provides a variety of services that help people remain or become housed. When people do experience homelessness, an effective system quickly connects them to available services, supports and rehousing alternatives. Central Oregon is continuing to improve its homeless response system to meet the growing demand for services in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. HLC Members provide the services that make a difference.
- Homelessness Prevention
When a household is at risk of housing loss, wraparound services can help prevent homelessness. Case management focused on addressing specific needs can provide stability for households. The best strategy to end homelessness, is to prevent it from occurring.
Supportive services to prevent housing loss may include:
- Rental Assistance
- Mortgage Assistance
- Utility Assistance
- Legal Advocacy/Mediation
- Other Financial Assistance
Partner Spotlight: NeighborImpact
Since 1985, NeighborImpact has led the region in developing solutions and bringing resources to Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. We help meet the basic needs of Central Oregonians, build economic security and create a community where everyone thrives.
Photo credit: Central Oregon Villages
Safe Parking
- Shelter & Shelter Alternatives
Shelters provide a temporary space for those experiencing homelessness. There are different types of shelters. Shelter alternatives like safe parking, pallet shelters, tiny homes or “villages” are new ways communities are customizing and expanding emergency housing solutions to help provide safety and stability as the demand for shelter increases. Shelter stays are meant to be temporary and stabilizing. Shelters offer connection to permanent housing options and other support services.
It is important that communities offer population specific shelters that meet the unique needs of youth, families with children, and survivors of intimate partner violence.
Congregate
Congregate shelters are facilities with multiple people sleeping in bunk beds or cots in the same room, often in rooms divided into more private bays, and offering spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, case management rooms, gathering spaces, clinics and laundry rooms.
Motel
Some former motels and hotels have been repurposed to offer shelter. Often, priority for this type of shelter is given to people who are medically vulnerable.
Family
Family shelters are spaces reserved specifically for parents or guardians with children. Every family receives their own room and bathroom in our system. Shelters also provide access to meals, showers, laundry, computers, and clothing.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence shelters are confidential, safe spaces where people who are survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault can find safety and shelter in a protected location.
Alternative
Alternative shelters are typically village-style outdoor shelters where people sleep in individual sleeping units or tiny homes equipped with heating and cooling systems, with access to showers, community spaces and services in an indoor or outdoor shared space.
Partner Spotlight: Bethlehem Inn
Bethlehem Inn is a community-supported, high-barrier, emergency shelter that provides a warm, safe place to sleep, nourishing meals, and case management services for adults and children experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon.- Street Outreach
Each person experiencing homelessness has unique needs. As an entry point to housing and support services for many people, street outreach is an essential part of ending homelessness. Street Outreach provides a human connection to the services and resources that can help people survive and someday thrive.
Street Outreach workers show up every day, meeting clients where they’re at — engaging with clients on the street, in the woods, or in encampments — and walk alongside them on their journey to stability. The goal is to build supportive and trusting relationships over-time that can lead to service connections and housing that meets an individual’s unique needs.
Street Outreach partners cover 100% of Deschutes County on a weekly basis and on an as needed basis in Crook and Jefferson Counties. Outreach is offered by professional service partners and volunteer groups.
Partner Spotlight: HOST
The Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST), part of Deschutes County Behavioral Health, provides direct street outreach and case management support to individuals with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders who are experiencing literal homelessness.
- Housing Programs
The following programs require people to complete a housing assessment through our coordinated entry system to be placed into these programs.
Rapid Re-Housing
Rapid re-housing provides short-term rental assistance and case management services. The goals are to help people obtain housing quickly, increase self- sufficiency, and maintain stability when housed. It is offered without preconditions (such as employment, income, absence of criminal record, or sobriety) and the resources and services provided are tailored to the needs of the person.
Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs
Permanent Supportive Housing
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) combines permanent housing and rental assistance with voluntary support services. Though services are highly encouraged, they are not a requirement for housing. Participants are supported in accessing resources like behavioral healthcare, primary care, social security income, supportive employment, and transportation. Importantly, the case management process helps individuals identify and work towards their desired goals.
Decades of research have indicated that PSH is the most effective strategy for supporting individuals who have an extended history of homelessness while living with disabilities. PSH eases the strain on a community’s resources by reducing reliance on crisis services for these most at risk homeless individuals.
- Housing Retention Services
Similar to prevention, housing retention services help households maintain housing stability. Case managers meet with recently housed clients for up to two years after their transition back to housing. The level of support varies based on the needs of the household, but often includes regular check-ins that become less frequent over time.
Partner Spotlight: J Bar J Youth Services
J Bar J Youth Services promotes innovative options for at-risk youth and families toward self-sufficiency and personal responsibilities.