Are you facing a housing crisis in Clackamas County? Navigating housing insecurity can be overwhelming, but help is readily available. If you or someone you know needs immediate housing assistance, please call 503-655-8575 or visit the Coordinated Housing Access (CHA) website. Clackamas County is committed to providing a network of support through various care programs, ensuring that individuals and families have access to safe and stable housing.
The Continuum of Care (CoC) plays a vital role in Clackamas County’s housing assistance landscape. This consortium brings together individuals and organizations dedicated to planning and implementing a comprehensive system of housing and services for those experiencing homelessness. While the CoC operates with the support of Clackamas County, it functions as an independent entity focused on addressing homelessness through coordinated care programs. The CoC was established to meet federal requirements for McKinney-Vento funds, ensuring that these resources are effectively channeled into Clackamas County to support individuals experiencing homelessness through well-structured care programs.
Stay Informed with the CoC Listserv
Keeping up-to-date with the latest information and opportunities within the Clackamas County housing community is crucial. By joining the CoC Listserv, you can receive timely announcements and informative updates directly to your inbox. This includes valuable information about:
- Resource Availability: Stay informed about new and existing housing and support services.
- Upcoming Events: Learn about community events focused on housing and homelessness.
- Training Opportunities: Access professional development opportunities within the housing sector.
- Advocacy Initiatives: Get involved in advocating for housing solutions in Clackamas County.
- Job Openings: Discover employment opportunities within local housing organizations.
- CoC Program Funding Updates: Receive notifications about funding opportunities and program changes.
To subscribe to the CoC Listserv and stay connected with vital care programs in Clackamas, please reach out to Raina Smith-Roller at [email protected].
Participate in the Housing Services Meeting
The Clackamas County Continuum of Care hosts a monthly Housing Services Meeting, open to all members of the public. This meeting takes place on the fourth Wednesday of every month via Zoom. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn more about local care programs, ask questions, and contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat homelessness in the region.
For detailed information about the meeting, including how to join via Zoom and to request accessibility accommodations, please contact Raina Smith-Roller at [email protected] or by phone at 971-352-2684.
Mission and Principles of Clackamas County CoC Care Programs
The core mission of the CoC is to develop and facilitate a comprehensive continuum of care – integrating housing and essential support services. This integrated approach aims to significantly reduce homelessness in Clackamas County by:
- Maximizing Mainstream Resources: Ensuring full utilization of available public resources to support housing initiatives.
- Coordinating Service Delivery: Streamlining the coordination between various service providers and housing systems to create a more efficient and accessible network of care programs.
- Strategic Targeting of Vulnerable Populations: Implementing systemic agreements to proactively target and support populations at high risk of homelessness, ensuring preventative care programs are in place.
- Cultivating New Resources: Actively seeking and developing innovative resources to expand the capacity and reach of housing assistance programs.
- Raising Public Awareness: Fostering a community-wide sense of responsibility and understanding regarding homelessness and the importance of collective action through public awareness campaigns about care programs.
These principles guide the implementation of all CoC initiatives and care programs:
- Equitable Access: Ensuring fair and equal access to housing and services for all individuals in need.
- Choice and Self-Determination: Respecting individual choice and promoting self-determination throughout the assistance process.
- Dignity and Respect: Treating every person with dignity and respect, regardless of their housing status.
- Culturally Competent Services: Providing services that are sensitive to and respectful of diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Non-Judgmental Approach: Adopting a non-judgmental and supportive approach to individuals and their challenges within the housing and service systems.
Activities of the Continuum of Care
The CoC actively engages in a range of activities to support and enhance care programs for the homeless population in Clackamas County:
- Annual Funding Applications: Managing the annual re-application process for funding homeless programs and services, ensuring continued financial support.
- Needs Advocacy: Identifying and advocating for the specific needs of individuals experiencing homelessness within Clackamas County to relevant stakeholders and funding bodies.
- Continuum of Care Development: Facilitating the ongoing development and improvement of the continuum of care, encompassing both housing and supportive services to create more effective care programs.
- Strategic Planning: Developing both short-term and long-term plans to proactively mitigate homelessness in Clackamas County through comprehensive strategies and care program development.
- Funding Recommendations: Providing recommendations to HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) regarding funding priorities for new and renewal projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to impactful care programs.
For additional data and insights into the services provided to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Clackamas County, explore the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). This system is crucial for collecting and reporting data that helps to improve and refine care programs.
Clackamas County Coordinated Housing Access
Alt text: Individual uses laptop to access Clackamas County Coordinated Housing Access online portal, demonstrating digital access to care programs.
Alt text: Flyer promoting Clackamas County Coordinated Housing Access with contact number 503-655-8575, a key care program contact point.
This comprehensive network of care programs in Clackamas County, spearheaded by the Continuum of Care and Coordinated Housing Access, is dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing housing challenges. By understanding these resources and engaging with these programs, you can take a significant step towards housing stability and a brighter future.
