HOPE Policy Recommendation #6 - Sheltering System

Provide organizational capacity to facilitate and coordinate providers in establishing a 24/7/365 Sheltering System for all populations with onsite resources at shelter locations to transition people out of homelessness. 

Work with community partners and service providers to provide staff capacity, funding, and leadership for the phased implementation of a strategically placed, safe, accessible, temporary sheltering system that provides services all day, every day. 

Learn more about this recommendation.

Community Progress:

July 2022 - October 2022

• Benton County is issuing a Request for Proposals to help fund a Warming Center to shelter vulnerable community members during severe cold weather. 
• City of Corvallis issued a Request for Proposals to help fund up to $1 million towards emergency shelter and/or permanent supportive housing.  
• Jackson Street Youth Services expanded youth shelter capacity in Albany from 10 beds to 14 beds. 
• Jackson Street Youth Services expanded their Next Steps transitional youth program to serve more 18-24 year olds. 
• Unity Shelter started a 5-room Emergency Hotel Shelter Program, focused on vulnerable seniors and families. 
• Unity Shelter is adding more microshelter units at expanded locations, including two units to serve couples. 
• The Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence (CARDV) received grant funding to purchase a Linn County shelter which also helps expand safe options for Benton County residents. 
• Unity’s Room at the Inn women’s shelter increased bed capacity to 24 beds. 
• The City of Corvallis approved annual microshelter permits at 4 locations scattered throughout the City.  
• Community Outreach, Inc. (COI) added a new transition age youth dorm to help shelter up to twelve 18-24 year olds 

June 2021 - June 2022

• In total, shelter capacity in Benton County expanded by 68 beds, a 44% increase. 
  • Community Outreach, Inc. (COI) added a transition age youth shelter for 18-24 year olds. 
  • Corvallis Housing First turned a motel into 24 rooms for emergency shelter. 
  • Unity Shelter has expanded locations, staffing, and bed capacity.  
  • Benton County Fairgrounds opened car and RV parking for over one year in 2020-2021. 
  • C.H.A.N.C.E. Recovery prevented the closure of a shelter now called Second Chance in Albany and expanded motel sheltering during COVID-19. 
  • Jackson Street Youth Services has added emergency shelter capacity for youth and supported living for transition-age youth.  
• City of Corvallis opened a winter car and RV camping site at Pioneer Park for winter in 2020-2021. 
• City of Corvallis has created the Sleeping Area Program that allows overnight sleeping at all City parks and the City Hall front plaza. 

Learn about more recommendations and progress.