City and County Partner to Help the Homeless: There’s a new pilot program in town, the goal being to better coordinate help for our local homeless population. The participants include the City of Corvallis, Benton County and the Community Services Consortium (CSC).
The pilot program is sponsored by Oregon State House Bill 4123, which aims to support a coordinated response to homelessness. Part of HB 4123 requires staff from the newly formed Benton County Coordinated Homelessness Response Office to prepare a five-year strategic plan to be finalized this summer.
In a release from the county, the draft strategic plan was presented to the Home, Opportunity, Planning, and Equity (HOPE) Advisory Board meeting for feedback on May 24. Recent data reveals that Benton County has the highest rent-burdened city in Oregon, with 40% of all renters paying more than 50% of their income on rent.
Locally, We’ve Had a Head Start: “We are so fortunate to have an active group of partners and community members,” shared Coordinated Homeless Response Office Program Coordinator, Julie Arena. “Well before the enactment of HB 4123, the City of Corvallis and Benton County were building the foundation for coordinated homeless response as part of a ten-year plan to address homelessness. With this strong foundation, Benton County deployed state and federal investments as they became available starting in 2020 and applied for HB 4123 funding in 2022.”
Key elements of the strategic plan include:
- Sustainable funding for ongoing operations of the coordinated homelessness response system
- Increasing or streamlining resources and services to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness
- Incorporating national best practices for ending homelessness
- Eliminating racial disparities within the service area
- Creating pathways to permanent and supportive housing that is affordable to local populations experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“Benton County is committed to using resources effectively to directly address homelessness. In addition to the City of Corvallis and Community Services Consortium, we are grateful for community members and partners who have joined with us in this vitally important work,” said Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse.
This program is funded through state, federal, and local funds including Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and other funds to bring over $9 million in new investments to fund food, shelter, eviction prevention, and capacity for community-based organizations.
Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels in Corvallis is seeking volunteers. The program is currently looking for kitchen volunteers and drivers.
The kitchen is currently operating out of the Elks Lodge in Corvallis and serves Corvallis, Philomath, and Monroe. The volunteers would average up to two days per week Monday through Friday from 9:15 to 11:30 am, or for delivery hours from 10:15 am to 12:45 pm.
Those interested in volunteering can stop by the kitchen and pickup an application or can contact kleventhal@ocwcog.org for more information.
By Jennifer Warner
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