It’s been a long-anticipated groundbreaking, and you’re invited. Once built, Third Street Commons will provide 47 units of Permanent Supportive Housing for Corvallisites in need. It’s a Corvallis Housing First project, and a significant milestone in addressing homelessness and expanding access to supportive housing in Benton County.
The groundbreaking ceremony is set for 11:30 am on Thursday, March 19 at 1480 SW Third Street. Corvallis Housing First says attendees can anticipate remarks from community leaders, project partners, and individuals with lived experience. Community members, partners, and local leaders not currently rostered are also invited and encouraged to attend.
Corvallis Housing First says that Third Street Commons will be about offering safe and high-quality housing that is combined with supportive services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and disabilities. Within the helping professions, the model that Third Street Commons will provide is called Permanent Supportive Housing. It’s a proven, evidence-based model that helps people achieve long-term housing stability. It is also a model that can reduce the long-term costs of serving vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness.
Third Street Commons will be the first development of its kind in Corvallis.
Context
Corvallis Housing First began in 2008 as an organization providing seasonal shelter to men experiencing homelessness. The organization has evolved to instead focus on permanent housing solutions.
“This project represents our organization’s commitment to ensuring that people experiencing homelessness have access to appropriate housing and support,” said Andrea Myhre, executive director of Corvallis Housing First.
The project is the result of several years of collaboration between funders and community partners. The State of Oregon has supported Permanent Supportive Housing as homelessness has increased statewide.
“Every Oregonian deserves a place to call home that they can afford. In partnership with communities, OHCS is making this happen. We are grounded in local solutions, centering human dignity and accountability in public excellence,” said Oregon Housing and Community Services Executive Director Andrea Bell.
Corvallis Mayor Charles Maughan said stable housing is fundamental to a healthy community.
“Stable housing is the foundation of a healthy community. Our partnership on this Permanent Supportive Housing Development is a major step forward in our goal to ensure every resident of Corvallis has a safe, dignified place to call home,” Maughan said. “We are proud to support Corvallis Housing First in making this vision a reality.”
Providing Permanent Supportive Housing is also a priority in Benton County’s Coordinated Homeless Response System’s strategic plan.
“Every person deserves a safe place to rest, recover, and rebuild. By pairing housing with supportive services, we are creating the conditions for people to stabilize, reconnect, and move forward,” said Rebecca Taylor, Benton County Coordinated Homeless Response Office Manager.
The 47-unit community will include:
- Fully furnished studio and one-bedroom apartments
- On-site case management and supportive services
- Access to healthcare, behavioral health, and substance use resources
- Community gathering spaces and outdoor areas
- Partnerships with local service providers and healthcare organizations
- Office space for staff who work to provide housing-focused case management services for others experiencing homelessness in our community
“We know from data and experience that we need this type of housing in our community. Homelessness continues to be a significant issue for our community and our state, and Third Street Commons will help fill a gap in our local continuum of care,” said Myhre.
About Corvallis Housing First
Corvallis Housing First is a nonprofit dedicated to providing housing solutions and services to end homelessness and improve lives. Serving Corvallis and surrounding areas, the organization currently provides 40 units of supportive housing for people who have experienced homelessness and provides housing-focused case management services in partnership with local providers and agencies.
About the project
Construction is expected to be completed in September 2027, with residents moving in shortly afterward.
According to Corvallis Housing First, this new project is made possible through the support of public and private partners, including Oregon Housing and Community Services’ Permanent Supportive Housing Program, the City of Corvallis, Business Oregon, Oregon Community Foundation’s Project Turnkey, Benton County, and additional state and federal funding sources, along with community donors. Development partners include Structure Development Advisors, MWA Architects, Essex Construction, and Urban Resources Inc.
Corvallis Housing First is currently fundraising to help pay for the remaining construction costs and furnishings for the building. More information is available on their website at www.corvallishousingfirst.org. For more information about the project or to RSVP for the groundbreaking, contact Corvallis Housing First at director@corvallishousingfirst.org.
By Hallie Greenberg
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