Breakthroughs in Homeless Solutions

Agenda:

• Special Announcement
• New resource center architectural renderings
• Achievements, breakthroughs, and plans
• Table Group Conversations

Presenters:

Dan Fowler, HSCCC Founder and Board President
John Duke, HSCCC Executive Director
Chris Keane, Bearing Architecture
Adam Brown, Clackamas County Deputy Director of Health, Housing, and Human Services
Tony Konkol, City Manager, City of Oregon City
Sarah Jacobson, Clackamas County Health Centers Director

This event presents a unique opportunity for you to stay informed, engaged, and actively participate in the ongoing efforts to tackle homelessness and enhance essential services in our area.

Event Summary

The primary focus of the event was the presentation by the Homeless Solutions Coalition of Clackamas County, covering updates on the new resource center, “Caring Place,” located in the former Miles Fiberglass building.

Key Points from Presentations

1. Introduction and Acknowledgments
   • The event was led by Dan Fowler, who acknowledged sponsors and elected officials present, including state Senator Mark Meek, Tessa Darnell from Clackamas River Water, and representatives from Clackamas County Fire District and City of Milwaukie.
2. Resource Center Update
   • The resource center, now named “Caring Place,” aims to serve the homeless community by offering comprehensive services. The center will be a hub for various service providers, promoting collaboration for efficient support.
   • John Duke, the new Executive Director of the Homeless Solutions Coalition, emphasized the mission to prevent homelessness and make it rare, brief, and non-recurring.
3. Lithia Subaru’s Involvement
   • Ira Jones, General Manager of Lithia Subaru of Oregon City, shared a personal story highlighting the community’s role in finding his father, illustrating the importance of the upcoming resource center.
   • Lithia Subaru is planning a significant renovation to their facility, contributing to local economic development.
4. Design and Tenants of Caring Place
   • Architect Chris Keene from Bearing Architecture presented the design plans, emphasizing safety, privacy, and a trauma-informed approach.
   • Core tenants include Father’s Heart, providing a day shelter; Love One, offering showers and laundry facilities; and Clackamas County Health Center, which will provide primary care, mental health, and substance abuse treatment.
5. County’s Role and Broader Efforts
   • Adam Brown and Sarah Jacobson from Clackamas County’s Health, Housing, and Human Services Department discussed the county’s supportive infrastructure, including partnerships and funding for the resource center.
   • The county is focused on integrating health and housing services, ensuring the Caring Place serves as an entry point to a broader system of care.
6. Community Court and Safety
   • Tony Konkol, Oregon City Manager, introduced the concept of a new community court designed to address low-level offenses linked to homelessness, focusing on rehabilitation and community involvement.
   • The court aims to reduce re-offending by connecting individuals to supportive services and improving the efficiency of service delivery.

Q&A Highlights

• Safety Concerns: Measures include 24/7 security and proactive engagement with local law enforcement.
• Service Coordination: Regular meetings and strong communication with various stakeholders ensure coordinated efforts in addressing homelessness.
• Youth and Family Services: While primarily serving single adults, the center will coordinate with specialized services for youth and families.
• Funding Status: The project is about 60% funded, with ongoing efforts to secure additional funding.
• Future Planning: Continued focus on community involvement and feedback to refine services and address emerging needs.