Following an executive order from Governor Tina Kotek, Clackamas County is ready to fully realize its Recovery Campus, intertwining transitional housing with its bouquet of support services. Last week's decree, which both prolongs the state's Homeless Emergency and directs funding to the county, has given the green light to incorporate much-needed housing into the project, slated for completion by 2027.
Spurred by the urgent need to address the intersecting crises of homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse, a Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) has been identified as a key goal in the county's strategic plan. Chair Craig Roberts expressed deep gratitude, stating, "We are so grateful to Governor Kotek for this action and partnership," as the county had been collecting funds for this project for over a year, as reported by the Clackamas County News. The governor's pursuit of earmarked funds for transitional housing ensures the initiative's continued progress.
In a statement to Clackamas County News, Governor Kotek highlighted the significance of the Recovery Campus, saying, "The state’s investment in Clackamas County strengthens access to care in the Metro region. By building out this recovery campus, we are matching resources to need, supporting community-based providers, and making sure Clackamas County is better equipped to serve residents who are seeking a path from crisis to long-term recovery."
The purchase of a six-acre site in 2024 marked the county's commitment to advancing this project. Commissioner Ben West praised the governor, adding, "Our vision for this recovery campus combines both clinical services and housing all on the same site." The intended blueprint for the campus features 24 residential treatment beds, 36 transitional housing beds, and 16 withdrawal management beds, which aim to meet a glaring need in the county. Commissioner Paul Savas acknowledged the scarcity of treatment options, stating, "Treatment beds in Clackamas County are far and few between. Because of this partnership with the state, Clackamas County can finally elevate our available services in the region," as noted by the Clackamas County News.
Addressing both substance use disorder and housing insecurity is tightly knit to the county's response to the Housing Emergency, as Commissioner Martha Schrader noted her gratitude to Governor Kotek for recognizing and acting on this critical need. In December, the Board of Commissioners had to prioritize the clinical aspects of the project, sidelining the housing element due to a funding shortfall. Commissioner Diana Helm said, "This partnership with the state closes that gap and enables us to advance the project as envisioned. Governor Kotek’s timing could not be better," as mentioned in the county's news release.
