The multi-agency coordination group formed to respond to the homelessness crisis in Clatsop County was allocated another $355,000 in rapid re-housing funds. This is in addition to the initial allocation of $3.8 million.
“We are pleased to receive these additional funds and appreciate Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon Legislature’s commitment to address our state’s housing crisis,” said Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Chair Mark Kujala. “With this additional funding, we now have about half the resources we need in order to fully carry out our plan to address homelessness in our county.”
“As we have said for years, Clatsop County has urban levels of homelessness but doesn’t have the urban levels of funding needed to address the issues, said Clatsop County Housing Manager Elissa Gertler. “We have now shown that when the state provides housing funds, our community has the ability to provide these desperately needed services.”
Since the opening of the Columbia Inn in October 2023 by Clatsop Community Action, the shelter has been at near capacity with 55-64 beds and serving families, veterans and individuals.
In the last five weeks, CCA has used the rapid rehousing funds to help 17 households with 31 people move from homelessness to permanent housing by providing a deposit, rental assistance and case management.
“Without this critical rapid rehousing funding, 31 individuals would be sleeping on the streets this winter, with some of them being younger than age 18,” said Viviana Matthews, CCA executive director.