Clackamas County has outdone itself, achieving remarkable success in its fight against homelessness. The county's Supportive Housing Services (SHS) Measure has effectively prevented eviction for 797 households—that's 1,882 people—in just nine months. This impressive feat sails past the SHS's set objective of saving 625 households from eviction by June 30, 2024, well ahead of the deadline.
Not only has the county been a stronghold against evictions, but it has also hit the mark in expanding its shelter options. The report shows that the number of year-round shelter units now stands at 161, surpassing the yearly target of 155. These shelters aren't just numbers, they cater to the needs of groups traditionally at heightened risk of homelessness, including Native American families and youth aging out of foster care—with Clackamas County launching what is reported to be one of the first shelters in the country dedicated to Native American families.
Looking ahead to 2025, Clackamas County is building momentum with its upcoming project, Clackamas Village. The endeavor, which just saw its construction contract signed this quarter, is designed to provide transitional housing for homeless adults via 24 pods. Mimicking its neighbor, Veterans Village, Clackamas Village is not just about the roof over one's head; as reported by the Clackamas County, it will feature a plethora of support services aimed at fostering independence, such as life skills training and employment aid.
The county's commitment to tackling homelessness goes beyond its own initiatives. It recently put its money where its mouth is, dishing out grants totaling $7.2 million to 11 cities for 20 proposals to strengthen the network of support for the homeless across Clackamas County. These programs vary widely but work towards a common goal; they range from food pantries and shelters to programs that promote financial literacy and job connections, designed to attack the root causes of homelessness and prevent it in their communities.
