In Portland, Oregon, a range of supportive housing options exist to help individuals who are low-income, homeless, or facing other challenges. These housing options aim to provide not just shelter, but also a network of support services to foster independence and improve quality of life. These services may include healthcare, mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, vocational training, and more. Below, we'll explore some of the major supportive housing programs in Portland and the corresponding state or federal subsidies and non-private assistance they provide.
Home Forward
Home Forward, formerly known as the Housing Authority of Portland is a public agency that provides affordable housing for those in need. They administer various housing assistance programs funded by federal, state, and local governments, such as the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. This federal program provides direct support to low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled, allowing them to afford decent, safe, and clean housing in the private market.
Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare
Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare provides housing, healthcare, and supportive services to clients dealing with mental health challenges and addiction. Their housing services include intensive supported housing for individuals transitioning from homelessness and general supportive housing for those needing a lower level of support. Cascadia operates with assistance from federal, state, and local subsidies.
Central City Concern
Founded in 1979, Central City Concern provides a wide range of services including healthcare, job training, and affordable housing. With several housing options available, from short-term transitional housing to permanent housing, Central City Concern can address the varied needs of homeless individuals and families. They are a significant benefactor of state and federal funding which enables them to offer these vital services.
Transition Projects
Transition Projects assists individuals transitioning from homelessness to housing in the Portland area. They operate several facilities that offer both short-term and long-term housing options. Additionally, this non-profit organization offers support services like case management, healthcare, mentorship, and life-skills training. Transition Projects relies on a blend of public funding and private contributions to maintain their services.
JOIN
JOIN is a non-profit organization committed to support individuals and families in their journey from homelessness to permanent housing. They work in collaboration with landlords and property management companies to develop housing opportunities for those in need. In parallel, they also provide ongoing supportive services to ensure housing stability. Sources of funding for JOIN include the Portland Housing Bureau, Multnomah County Department of County Human Services, Oregon Housing and Community Services, and Meyer Memorial Trust.
Public Funding for Supportive Housing in Portland
Many of these organizations rely on funding from the Portland Housing Bond, which was passed in 2016 and provides $258.4 Million for affordable housing. This funding helps create more affordable housing units and preserves the affordability of existing units.
Additionally, The City of Portland and Multnomah County recently passed a Supportive Housing Services program, funded by a local income tax. This annual funding of $52 Million is used to provide essential wrap-around services like healthcare and job training, ensuring individuals not only have a place to live, but also the support needed to remain housed.
The service providers in Portland work in a collaborative way to address homelessness and housing instability. By making full use of state and federal subsidies and local government and non-profit funding, they can reach out to the most vulnerable and provide not just housing, but a hopeful path toward stability and self-sufficiency.
