We are in an affordable housing crisis in Oregon and across the nation. With skyrocketing rent and limited housing inventory, it’s no wonder that a recent study showed that 59% of Oregon families are only one paycheck away from losing their homes. 

In early 2022, we (CTGR) along with every city council in rural Polk County (Monmouth, Independence, Dallas, Falls City, and Willamina), Polk County Commissioners, and Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, signed an Agreement to work in partnership to address and prevent homelessness for as many households as possible in rural Polk County. 

As a result of that Agreement and the approval of House Bill 4123 and a million dollars in kick off funding, an Advisory Board was created that I now have the honor of serving on along with membership from each of those entities. The Partners Aligned Toward Housing Solutions (PATHS) was established in rural Polk County to coordinate and strengthen the local homeless response and we hold public meetings the second Wednesday of each month in Dallas, anyone is welcome to attend and I would encourage participation and suggestions.

As a part of that work in the past year, we presented a five-year strategic plan to the Polk County Board of Commissioners that was recently approved with an emphasis on Prevention. Furthermore, Improving the Effectiveness of the Homeless Response system in real time through outreach and by connecting people experiencing homelessness to immediate resources. 

Click Here to Review the 5 Year Strategic Plan

PATHS is working hard to address issues and highlight the work that is being done to PREVENT an unmanageable homelessness challenge in rural Polk County and serve people who are in our own community. We know from the most recent Point in Time Count that homelessness is becoming more prevalent in rural Polk County and with over 900 tribal members living in Polk County, my priority on this Advisory Board is representing tribal members. Homelessness looks a bit different in rural areas, and presents unique challenges when distributing funding and resources for real-time homeless response. Homelessness also presents differently than what we might imagine when we think of a homeless person sleeping on the street versus a single mom living in her car, or a teenager couch surfing and this is why PREVENTION is key and improving outreach efforts with real time services.

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I’m so thankful for the myriad of services that we provide as a tribal community to those in need, including but not limited to our emergency shelters, men and women’s Transitional Living, rental and energy assistance and basic needs, with staff who go above and beyond to provide these services and referrals. 

If you or anyone you know is in need of these services, please call 503-879-5211 or click here for a list of resources and contact info in the most updated Mid-Valley Community Resource Guide

Masi, be well.