A local coalition that worked to develop a freestanding crisis respite center is dissolving and remaining funds are being donated to Clatsop Community Action for Columbia Inn Shelter operations.
“We are pleased that the final act of the Caring for Clatsop Coalition is to donate the remaining $22,796.10 to Clatsop Community Action for ongoing Columbia Inn Shelter operations,” Coalition Chair Eric Thorsen said.
The Columbia Inn provides a place of refuge for individuals and families who need and want to regain their foothold in our community. This is an important first step to stabilizing their lives and beginning to build a solid future for themselves and their loved ones.
The shelter has 21 rooms and a total of 64 beds. Its operational capacity ranges between 50 and 60 individuals, depending on the circumstances of current shelter participants. Single individuals requiring private and secure accommodations may be assigned to a room with two beds due to room availability.
Since opening its doors in late October the Columbia Inn has transitioned four families into permanent housing.
In 2015, Clatsop County, Columbia Memorial Hospital, Greater Oregon Behavioral Healthcare and Providence Seaside Hospital entered into an agreement to focus on the development of a freestanding crisis respite center to be located in Clatsop County.
Through this process a 501-C3 was established under the name of the “Caring for Clatsop Coalition” and financial contributions were made by each of the four members to support the successful operations of the North Coast Crisis Respite Center.
The coalition vision was to develop a center that would have the capacity and resources to serve patients suffering from mental health issues, as well as provide a holistic continuum of care that efficiently and effectively meets the patient, family, and community needs.
Through this collaboration, GOBHI acquired property in Warrenton where the North Coast Crisis Respite Center was opened. Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare was contracted as the operator of the facility and the Caring for Clatsop Coalition acted as an advisory committee to ensure the vision of the coalition was being met.
As the NCCRC evolved through operations, as well as the sale of the building from GOBHI to CBH, and the withdrawal of GOBHI’s involvement within Clatsop County, the need for the Coalition became less relevant.
In their final act as a coalition in March 2023, the membership voted to dissolve with the remaining cash assets donated to another local non-profit whose mission aligns with the coalition focus.