Corvallis, Ore. — Corvallis Housing First is proud to announce the groundbreaking of Third Street
Commons, a new 47-unit Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) community in Corvallis, marking a
significant milestone in efforts to address homelessness and expand access to supportive housing in
Benton County.
The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 19 at 11:30 a.m. at the project
site,1480 SW Third St. in Corvallis. Community members, partners, and local leaders are invited to
attend.
Third Street Commons will provide safe, high-quality housing combined with supportive services for
individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and disabilities. Permanent Supportive Housing is a
proven, evidence-based model that helps people achieve long-term housing stability. The model can
also reduce the cost of serving vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness. Third Street
Commons is the first development of this kind in Corvallis.
Corvallis Housing First began in 2008 as an organization providing seasonal shelter to men
experiencing homelessness. The organization has since evolved to focus on permanent housing
solutions.
“This project represents our organization’s commitment to ensuring that people experiencing
homelessness have access to appropriate housing and support,” said Andrea Myhre, executive director
of Corvallis Housing First.
The project is the result of several years of collaboration between funders and community partners. The
State of Oregon has supported Permanent Supportive Housing as homelessness has increased
statewide.
“Every Oregonian deserves a place to call home that they can afford. In partnership with communities,
OHCS is making this happen. We are grounded in local solutions, centering human dignity and
accountability in public excellence,” said Oregon Housing and Community Services Executive Director
Andrea Bell.
Corvallis Mayor Charles Maughan said stable housing is fundamental to a healthy community.
“Stable housing is the foundation of a healthy community. Our partnership on this Permanent
Supportive Housing Development is a major step forward in our goal to ensure every resident of
Corvallis has a safe, dignified place to call home,” Maughan said. “We are proud to support Corvallis
Housing First in making this vision a reality.”
Providing Permanent Supportive Housing is also a priority in Benton County’s Coordinated Homeless
Response System’s strategic plan.
“Every person deserves a safe place to rest, recover, and rebuild. By pairing housing with supportive
services, we are creating the conditions for people to stabilize, reconnect, and move forward,” said
Rebecca Taylor, Benton County Coordinated Homeless Response Office Manager.
The 47-unit community will include:
● Fully furnished studio and one-bedroom apartments
● On-site case management and supportive services
● Access to healthcare, behavioral health, and substance use resources
● Community gathering spaces and outdoor areas
● Partnerships with local service providers and healthcare organizations
● Office space for staff who work to provide housing-focused case management services for
others experiencing homelessness in our community
“We know from data and experience that we need this type of housing in our community.
Homelessness continues to be a significant issue for our community and our state, and Third Street
Commons will help fill a gap in our local continuum of care,” said Myhre.
The project is made possible through the support of public and private partners, including Oregon
Housing and Community Services’ Permanent Supportive Housing Program, the City of Corvallis,
Business Oregon, Oregon Community Foundation’s Project Turnkey, Benton County, and additional
state and federal funding sources, along with community donors. Corvallis Housing First is currently fundraising to help pay for the remaining construction costs and furnishings for the building.
Development partners include Structure Development Advisors, MWA Architects, Essex Construction,
and Urban Resources Inc. Construction is expected to be completed in September 2027, with residents moving in shortly
afterward.
The groundbreaking event will feature remarks from community leaders, project partners, and
individuals with lived experience. For more information about the project or to RSVP for the
groundbreaking, please contact Corvallis Housing First at di******@*******************st.org
About Corvallis Housing First
Corvallis Housing First is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008, dedicated to providing housing solutions and services to end homelessness and improve lives. Serving Corvallis and surrounding areas, the organization has 40 units of supportive housing for people who have experienced homelessness, and provides housing-focused case management services in partnership with local providers and agencies.