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Permanent Supportive Housing in Oregon

Permanent Supportive Housing in Oregon

Tillamook Family Counseling Center has a commitment to address the need for housing in Tillamook County for persons with disabilities. Repurposing Kilchis House as permanent supportive housing is an opportunity to provide support and stability for vulnerable individuals and families in our community.

 

  • What is permanent supportive housing?

Permanent supportive housing is an evidence-based housing model that has been proven to successfully house people experiencing chronic homelessness. This model has been most effective when serving vulnerable individuals and families – such as those with severe and persistent mental illness, chronic health conditions, or histories of trauma. Permanent support housing combines affordable housing with coordinated behavioral health services and social services to support stability and wellness. Permanent supportive housing helps people get the treatment they need they may not have otherwise, which allows them to begin the process of recovery.

 

  • Where is permanent supportive housing being implemented in Oregon?

In 2019, Oregon Housing and Community Services made the development of 1,000 permanent supportive housing units a key part of its Statewide Housing Plan. Permanent supportive housing units are being developed all across Oregon in both urban and rural communities. Currently in Oregon, there are estimated to be 1,500 to 2,000 permanent supportive housing units open or in development. “Permanent supportive housing initiatives are happening all across the state,” said Frank Hanna Williams, the Executive Director of Tillamook Family Counseling Center. Our community has the opportunity to make a positive impact and contribute to supporting the Statewide Housing Plan.

 

  • Why is permanent supportive housing important in Oregon?

In Oregon, research has shown that about 12,388 permanent supportive housing units are needed to serve our most vulnerable individuals and families. In addition to providing stability and supportive services that increase positive outcomes for individuals and families, communities are able to reduce costs in other social services systems. Permanent supportive housing leads to cost savings on health care, criminal justice, emergency services, and other public systems. 

 

  • What is the impact of supportive housing on neighborhood crime and property values?

Many studies have shown that there is no connection between the presence of supportive housing and the value of properties or owners’ ability to resell their homes. Additional studies have shown that rather than contributing to neighborhood crime, many supportive housing programs have become a neighborhood asset and decreased crime, therefore having a positive impact on neighborhoods.

Read more about the supporting research here:

-Published November 4, 2022

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