Third Street Commons Update |
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Good things take time—Third Street Commons is still in motion, and we’re excited for what’s ahead. |
Dear Friends, As you probably know, we were set to start construction in January. However, one of our more recent funding sources (Federal Housing Trust Fund monies allocated to the State of Oregon) required the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to sign off on the safety of the site for future residents. DEQ felt that, given the property is in the middle of several former industrial sites, near gas stations, and a clean-up site, they wanted more soil testing during wet and dry months before we could proceed. This was unexpected as we had already completed an environmental review for HUD (US Department of Housing and Urban Development), which was approved the previous fall. The delay has been unfortunate, but we have worked through the additional testing requirements and completed testing in August. We found that while there is not a source of soil contamination on our site, the edges of our property tested positive for gasoline vapors and other petroleum by-products. We will likely have to add mitigation to our construction plan to address these findings, which will basically consist of a coat of epoxy on the first floor, acting as a vapor barrier against any intrusion of gases, as well as an enhanced off-gassing system under the buildings, which was already a part of our design due to radon requirements. We are waiting on confirmation from DEQ for approval of our testing results and mitigation strategy, which we sent to them on October 10th. We feel positive about our solution as our engineering consultants worked with DEQ staff to develop the best mitigation strategy while we were waiting for test results, which were not unexpected. In the end, though we have experienced delays and additional costs, we will be reassured that future residents are not living in unhealthy housing. We have put in a request for more funding, about 1.5 million, to Business Oregon and Oregon Housing and Community Services, who has said they are committed to covering the cost (since their funds kicked off the additional testing requirements). Once we get past DEQ approval of our plans (which they have 30 days to review), and secure the additional funds from the state, we should be able to close and start site prep and construction immediately, which has been scheduled for mid-late December. This couldn't come a minute too soon. The site is pretty ugly right now, with the ground torn up due to testing, missing windows and roofing, weeds, and new graffiti that popped up recently. It's hard to drive by and think about when the site was full of folks seeking shelter during the pandemic. We are working through the agency processes to move forward and are pushing hard. We have been reassured that none of these issues are "project-stoppers"; we have a complicated project that requires patience. However, continuing to have the support of donors and community partners is key. Whether you have given $25 or $25,000 toward our Third Street Project, your donation has been essential to our progress. We have held off implementing some of our plans around the Third Street Capital capital campaign until we had answers from DEQ and the state, but will soon resume our fundraising efforts. Please give me a call if you want to know more, or contact Lindsey at devel...@corvallishousingfirst.org if you want to help with the campaign. Thank you again for your support! Andrea Myhre Executive Director Corvallis Housing First |
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An important message from the Oregon Department of Human Services. |
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We want to let you know that if the federal government shutdown continues into November, people who get SNAP food benefits in Oregon may not get their November food benefits on time. This could affect about 757,000 people, including children, older adults, and working families. We understand this news may feel stressful. Food benefits are important and delays are hard. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is working to keep people informed and will share updates as soon as more is known. ODHS will post updates on its website (in English and Spanish), on its official social media, and through partner organizations and the media. Here are some things you can do to prepare: - Check your EBT card balance regularly
- Continue to follow SNAP rules and reporting requirements
- Stay informed by following or subscribing to ODHS communication channels
- Sign-up for an ONE Online account and download the Oregon ONE Mobile app at oregon.gov to get updates about your SNAP case
Know where to find local food resources if you need them. - Visit the ODHS Food Resources web page to find local programs and food support.
- Contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting 211info.org.
- Older adults and people with disabilities: Connect with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) for help finding government and community resources. Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit adrcoforegon.org.
We know this may be a difficult time. You are not alone, and there are resources and support available to help. Additional food resources can be found at Needfood.oregon.gov and alimentos.oregon.gov. |
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CHF receives grant for expungement program to improve housing access |
CHF was pleased to learn that our proposal to help clients address past criminal convictions, which are often barriers to housing, was approved for funding from IHN-CCO's Delivery Services Transformation committee. This project will start in January and is a collaborative effort between CHF, Faith Hope and Charity, and the Corvallis Daytime Drop-In Center. People experiencing homelessness often have a difficult time accessing housing due to criminal convictions, and while many charges can be wiped from a person's public record, the process can be confusing and also sometimes requires the assistance of an attorney to complete. We have the assistance of a local attorney who is providing services at a reduced rate for the project, and we will also be able to provide staff to help participants complete the process. As a part of the project, we will also provide a workshop for local service providers to help them understand the expungement process to better assist their clients. This project represents another step toward removing barriers that keep people from stable housing, and we’re excited to see the difference it will make in people’s lives. We will keep you updated here as this project progresses! |
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Your gift can make all the difference |
Just a couple of weeks ago, one of our case managers was helping a client to apply for housing. They worked hard to find them a place that was affordable and manageable for the client, but they still needed help with the security deposit and other move-in fees. She has the income to make this apartment work into the future, but move-in costs can be anywhere from $1,200 to $3,000 or more. This is a barrier that most people who are homeless simply can’t afford. An anonymous donor came forward and was able to cover the move in costs, clearing the way for this person to start their new life. When news came of this donation, there were tears from the client, and even a happy dance from the case manager. As we continue to see federal funds for housing support slashed, we are relying more and more on donors to cover these costs to get people into permanent housing. A donation like this can literally change lives, and be the difference between someone facing another winter camping, or being in safe and stable housing. |
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You can help make more stories like this possible — your gift today brings someone one step closer to home. Thank you! |
Want to double your impact? |
Thousands of companies will match donations made by their team members, retirees, and even employee spouses. Search now to access your employer’s matching gift forms and complete the simple, minutes-long process to drive additional support toward for Corvallis Housing First. |
From all of us at CHF, have a spook-tacular Halloween! |
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Here’s to treats, not tricks — and a warm place to call home. |
| CHF client Mark with his hauntingly good vampire cupcakes! |
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Forward this email to anyone who shares our vision for a roof over every head! If you received this as a forward--welcome! To receive these monthly emails, along with our biannual print newsletter, sign up here! |
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| We want to hear from you! |
Have any questions or comments for CHF? Want to set up a meeting to learn more? We are eager to get to know our supporter community, so please give us a call at (541) 230-1297, and press 2! Or, you can always email devel...@corvallishousingfirst.org |
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| To become part of the solution to end homelessness, please consider joining our donor community. Together, we can build a future where everyone has safe and stable housing. |
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Corvallis Housing First is recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3); EIN 26-0694904 |
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