Corvallis Housing First (CHF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing homelessness in our community, is thrilled to have been approved for funding from Oregon Housing and Community Services that ensures the development of Third Street Commons, which will provide crucial supportive housing to those experiencing homelessness in our community. With an aim to address accessibility, trauma, inequity, and the lack of affordable housing for people with very low or no income, the organization is set to construct 46 apartments, along with a services and administrative center, which will provide space for staff and partners to work with residents and other CHF clients. The site is located at 1480 SW 3rd St. in Corvallis, is currently being operated in partnership with Unity Shelter as a non-congregate shelter, and was originally purchased through Project Turnkey.
Corvallis currently has the highest rent burden in the state, making it increasingly challenging for vulnerable populations to secure safe and stable housing. Also, as indicated by local Point In-Time counts, 40% or more of those experiencing homelessness are in need of supportive services, such as case management, in order to stay stable in housing. Supportive housing is a tool to help improve people’s lives and reduce costs, as it has been shown to significantly decrease medical costs for residents, as well as reduces their involvement in the justice system.
The upcoming development will not only offer high-quality housing, but will also incorporate essential medical and behavioral services on-site, alongside case management. By integrating these services, offered in partnership with the Community Health Centers of Benton and Linn
Counties, as well as Community Outreach Inc. Behavioral Health, Corvallis Housing First aims to foster positive and sustainable outcomes for residents, ensuring they receive the care and support necessary to gain stability and improve their well-being.
The project is scheduled to break ground in Fall 2024, and is expected to reach completion by late 2025 or early 2026. The design of the development incorporates trauma-informed principles, and prioritizes accessibility, creating spaces that are conducive to healing, growth, and empowerment. This development will also be an asset to the Southtown neighborhood, which was recently designated an Urban Renewal District. The project development team includes Structure Development Advisors, MWA Architects, and Essex Construction.
Funding for the project has been secured through federal appropriations, State of Oregon Lottery Bond dollars, the City of Corvallis HOME-ARP grant, and funds from Linn Benton Housing Authority. Corvallis Housing First was approved for funding through the Oregon Housing and Community Services Permanent Supportive Housing Program, which includes 9.2 million in capital support, as well as ongoing rent and services support for future residents.
Benton County Commissioner Xan Augerot stated “Third Street Commons is a fantastic project – it addresses a County-wide gap in permanent supportive housing and advances the vision described by the HOPE (Housing Opportunity Planning and Equity) Advisory Board”. “The city is pleased to have more affordable housing units, specifically supportive housing, as this is something we have very little of. This project has had a positive impact to the Southtown community and I look forward to this expansion”, said Charles Maughan, Mayor of the City of Corvallis.
Andrea Myhre, Executive Director of Corvallis Housing First, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are so pleased to be able to soon offer accessible, quality housing that will provide a safe haven for individuals facing housing challenges in our community. We are also grateful to the Oregon Community Foundation, Rep. Peter Defazio, Rep. Val Hoyle, State Rep. Dan Rayfield, as well as Oregon Housing and Community Services, Linn-Benton Housing Authority, the City of Corvallis, Benton County, and all of our other partners in the community for making this project a reality.” Donna Holt, Executive Director of Linn Benton Housing Authority, stated “LBHA is excited to contribute to the project that will significantly impact the lives of people who struggle to find appropriate housing in Corvallis”.
For further information and to schedule interviews or visits, please contact Andrea Myhre, Executive Director of Corvallis Housing First, via email at director@corvallishousingfirst.org or by phone at 541-250-9479.
Corvallis Housing First is a nonprofit organization committed to providing solutions to ending homelessness and improving self-sufficiency in our community. More details and project images are available on our Third Street Commons page here!