Transitional Housing

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What Transitional Housing Means

Transitional Housing is a temporary housing option for people experiencing homelessness. It gives them a safe and stable place to stay while they work toward getting permanent housing or another long-term housing option.

People living in Transitional Housing can also get different kinds of support based on what they need, such as:

help finding housing
mental health care
medical care
help getting benefits
job resources
other community services

Why Transitional Housing is Important

Some people in our community need more support than regular shelter or living on their own can provide. The Coordinated Homeless Response office (CHRO) has seen that our area does not have enough options for people who need this extra help.

Transitional Housing can help fill the gap between homelessness and permanent housing. It gives people a stable place to live, staff onsite to offer support, and connections to important services. This can help residents move toward long-term housing stability.

How Transitional Housing Works

Referrals

Transitional Housing is best for people who are currently homeless, and would benefit from a stable, structured place to stay while they work toward permanent housing.

Individuals and households will be referred to our programs by local Community-Based Organizations. They work with our unhoused neighbors every day. We will make sure they have the tools and information they need to refer eligible participants, depending on available space. There is no option to walk up (or refer yourself) and be admitted to any of the properties.

Housing Plans

The main goal for everyone in Transitional Housing is to move into permanent housing. Each resident will work on a housing plan that focuses on this goal. Their stay is time-limited, and the length depends on their situation.

We set clear expectations, use de-escalation when needed, and work through problems to help residents stay housed when we can. By working with the local housing system and community organizations, we can coordinate ongoing support as people move through their housing plans. This support might include help getting medical or mental health care, applying for benefits and programs, finding job programs, or connecting with other services that can help them reach their goals.

Supports

Transitional Housing has staff on-site at all times. We partner with local organizations to provide supervision that helps keep the housing environment safe and stable. Our goal is to fix any problems early. This helps protect both residents and the surrounding community.

But onsite supervision is only one part of a larger support system. Many residents may already work with behavioral health and medical providers, case managers, housing navigators, or other service providers. We help coordinate with all these partners so residents don’t experience gaps in their care. Each person’s support will look different, based on their own needs.

Safety

Onsite staff will keep the housing environment safe, orderly, and stable. Their work includes:

monitoring the property
making sure residents follow site and community rules
responding to concerns right away
using de-escalation skills when conflicts happen
helping residents with basic tenant needs
letting partner agencies know when a resident needs more help with their housing plan goals
contacting emergency services when needed

Staff will be available in the evenings and overnight. Their presence helps ensure safety, stability, and quick responses to any urgent issues. The goal is to solve problems early and help keep both residents and the surrounding neighborhoods safe and stable.

A Note About Using a Low Barrier Model

Benton County uses a “low barrier” approach that is adjusted to each person’s needs. This helps make housing available to people who may have trouble getting into or staying in more restrictive programs.

Low barrier does not mean there are no expectations. People living there will still need to follow community and site guidelines. These rules support safety, stability, and smooth operation of the property. We also expect that there is no substance use (drug and alcohol) on the property.

Staff will respond to safety concerns or rule violations when they happen. How we respond will depend on the situation. A low barrier approach does not mean unsafe behavior or serious site concerns will be ignored.

How Transitional Housing Fits into the Coordinated Homeless Response

Transitional Housing is one part of a larger coordinated system. It can be a stepping stone between homelessness and permanent housing. It is a good option for people who need more stability and support during this transition.

CHRO and the onsite staff will work with the City of Corvallis, housing programs, and local CBOs to help residents connect with services and move toward long-term housing.