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November 8, 2022 in Health NewsHOPE News

Homeless Response News 11-8-22

Meet Sheena & Sam: A story from Corvallis Housing First

A woman and child pose and smile.

“There’s so much. Just breathe and keep your head up. Because even though it feels like you’re going to drown, there’s always people to help you. As long as you’re willing to put your hand up and say, ‘I need help.’”

Sheena is a single mom who has been utilizing Corvallis Housing First’s case management services for a little over a year. Her and her son Sam (age 6) lost their housing in California and moved to Oregon in hopes of having a better chance in finding a place to live. They were unable to find housing and had no other options but to camp. Due to their housing instability, Sheena asked Sam’s grandparents on his father’s side if they could care for him until she was able to become more stable and get back into housing. They are now reunited and live in an apartment of their own.

Community Progress Update – HOPE Recommendations

A chart illustrating the components of a shelter system.

In June, we issued a Community Progress Report, detailing ways in which the City, County, and community partners were progressing toward the implementation of and alignment with the HOPE recommendations.

Since then, we’ve made updates to our HOPE Recommendations and Community Progress webpage, detailing additional progress made since the June report was released.

Some highlights include:

Visit our page to see all of the progress

Benton County, City of Corvallis, & Community Services Consortium (CSC) memorialize partnership to implement Coordinated Homeless Response System

Benton County, the City of Corvallis, and Community Services Consortium (CSC) this month finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to memorialize the existing partnership between the three agencies toward addressing homelessness.

The purpose of the MOU is to establish an effective framework for collaboration among the parties for the development of a coordinated homeless response.

The signed MOU marks one more step toward meeting the requirements set forth in House Bill 4123, a state pilot program awarding municipal partnerships $1 million in funding to support coordinated homeless response.

While Corvallis is currently the only Benton County city signed on to the MOU, the County hopes additional cities will join. Language in the memorandum was developed intentionally to allow additional cities to easily sign into partnership with the County.

Benton County Partners with Community in Prioritizing Housing Solutions, ROCKit Grant Program Maps the Way

A pink and purple sunrise over pine trees with mountains in the distance.

“Solutions to homelessness are a priority for our community and Benton County is committed to addressing affordability and homelessness by engaging the whole community in assuring safe, healthy, and affordable housing for all community members.”

Benton County, the City of Corvallis, Community Services Consortium, and key health and social service providers are partnering with Community ROCKit (Resource Organizer for Communities Kit) program in the development of a coordinated entry system that connects community members to housing and services.

An effective coordinated entry process helps Benton County prioritize the most vulnerable people in our community ensuring that people who need assistance the most can receive it in a timely manner. Coordinated entry processes also provide information about service needs and gaps to help communities plan their assistance and identify needed resources.

The grant-funded Community ROCKit program has previously partnered with Umatilla, Tillamook, Morrow, and Gilliam Counties to help these communities identify solutions to local challenges such as childcare affordability, access to mental health services, and emergency housing crisis. Benton County’s collaboration with ROCKit will build off the efforts of the Home, Opportunity, Planning, and Equity (HOPE) Board, a joint effort to facilitate a comprehensive, coordinated response to homelessness. The HOPE Board included coordinated entry in its recommendations to the City and County.

For more information, visit: communityrockit.org/bentoncounty

View the full news release

Benton County offers funding to support establishment of inclement weather center

Benton County Public Health is seeking funding proposals to help provide overnight emergency shelter for people experiencing houselessness during severe weather.

Up to $300,000 in funding could be available to support the provision and operation of a local inclement weather center to be activated on nights when hot, cold, or otherwise extreme weather meets designated thresholds. The County is utilizing $50,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds for the center and hopes to provide an additional $250,000, contingent upon receiving additional grant funds through the City of Corvallis, a decision that is currently pending.

“We are grateful to provide this funding opportunity that could help individuals with inadequate shelter from being exposed to potentially life-threatening weather,” said Public Health Preparedness and Response Coordinator, John Pegg.

“With cold weather and winter storms just around the corner, the County is prepared to work quickly to expedite the review process for projects that qualify for funding under this opportunity,” Pegg said.

The County will apply an equity lens when determining placement and establishment of a potential warming center and will award points based on service delivery for diverse populations, trauma-informed care, and client-oriented focus, among other categories.

View the full news release

$1 Million in funding available for emergency shelter & housing

A chalkboard drawing of a family inside a house.

The City of Corvallis is seeking funding proposals to help shelter or house people experiencing houselessness in our community.

Up to $1 million in funding from the Oregon Legislature is available. This opportunity is intended to fund projects that can create emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing, with financial support for accompanying service provisions.

“We are thankful the state provided this one-time funding so service providers can create more safe, warm and dry places for our houseless community members,” said Community Development Director Paul Bilotta. “The City is prepared to work quickly to expedite the review process for projects that qualify for funding under this opportunity.”

View the full news release

The HOPE Advisory Board meets tomorrow

Three pairs of hands hold a cardboard house in their hands.

November and December HOPE Advisory board meetings are being held two weeks earlier than normal, due to the observed holidays. New dates are as follows:

November 9, 2022, 4-6pm

December 14, 2022, 4-6pm

This month’s meeting features a presentation on the Justice System Improvement Project (JSIP): what are the components, why do we need them, and how do the HOPE Recommendations relate?

Guest Speakers:

  • Benton County Commissioner Xan Augerot
  • Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall
  • Damien Sands, Benton County Behavioral Health Director
  • Nick Kurth, JSIP Project Manager

View the full agenda.

Join us on your computer or mobile app: Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 286 479 023 593

Passcode: 7QXFdu

Or call in (audio only): +1 412-664-5196

Phone Conference ID: 698 575 650#

An aerial view of a bridge over a river next to a town with mountains in the distance on a clear day.

November 8, 2022 in Health NewsHOPE NewsNews

Benton County Partners with Community in Prioritizing Housing Solutions, ROCKit Grant Program Maps the Way

An aerial view of a bridge over a river next to a town with mountains in the distance on a clear day.

Benton County, the City of Corvallis, Community Services Consortium, and key health and social service providers are partnering with the Community ROCKit (Resource Organizer for Communities Kit) program in the development of a coordinated entry system that connects community members to housing and services.

The collaboration comes during a critical time when COVID-19 and economic factors have only deepened an already existing housing crisis. The number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Benton County has increased dramatically (more than 95%) since 2015.

“Solutions to homelessness are a priority for our community, and Benton County is committed to addressing affordability and homelessness by engaging the whole community in assuring safe, healthy, and affordable housing for all community members,” said Benton County Commissioner, Nancy Wyse. “Tackling this project is an important step toward developing local solutions. Working with ROCKit gives us an opportunity to leverage our community’s resources and attributes.”

Benton County has one of the highest rates of income inequality in Oregon. Forty percent of all renters pay more than half of their income on rent; this number rises to 83% of extremely low-income individuals. For every 100 families in Benton County with extremely-low income, only 14 affordable rental units are available.

Benton County’s collaboration with ROCKit will build off the efforts of the Home, Opportunity, Planning, and Equity (HOPE) Board, a joint effort to facilitate a comprehensive, coordinated response to homelessness. The HOPE Board included coordinated entry in its recommendations to the City and County for addressing homelessness. 

An effective coordinated entry process helps Benton County prioritize the most vulnerable people in our community ensuring that people who need assistance the most can receive it in a timely manner. Coordinated entry processes also provide information about service needs and gaps to help communities plan their assistance and identify needed resources.

“We don’t need data to see that homelessness is a problem in our community,” said Dina Eldridge, Housing Services Manager of Community Services Consortium. “We need data to help us solve it. That’s where ROCKit comes in, to help identify how we can implement coordinated entry in order to prioritize better connecting the most vulnerable individuals to housing opportunities,” Eldridge said.

The Community ROCKit model, which focuses on identifying existing assets and amplifying community engagement to solve local issues, will help the City and County in their next steps moving to a coordinated entry process for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. 

With assistance from ROCKit, the agencies will participate in a 90-day process to develop a roadmap for community resource and capacity inventorying, commitment to actionable items, asset mapping, ongoing process measurement, and hands-on help facilitating and implementing the process. 

“ROCKit is all about catalyzing the people, capacities, and assets that communities already have and using them in new ways to address those local challenges,” said Christine Bechtel, co-creator of Community ROCKit. We’re honored to support Benton County in its goal to connect vulnerable individuals to housing opportunities by inspiring participation in an effective coordinated entry process.”  

The grant-funded Community ROCKit program has previously partnered with Umatilla, Tillamook, Morrow, and Gilliam Counties to help these communities identify solutions to local challenges such as childcare affordability, access to mental health services, and emergency housing crisis. 

Community ROCKit is available at no cost to selected communities. Additional free resources about Community ROCKit to help communities take the guesswork out of recovery planning are available at: www.communityrockit.org.

Questions/comments? Email healthdeptcommunications@co.benton.or.us

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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Three people hold a plaque and smile in front of a blue sign.

November 3, 2022 in Health NewsNews

Congressman Peter DeFazio visits Corvallis and Benton County

U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio visited Corvallis Nov. 2, and Benton County Commissioners, City of Corvallis, and others thanked DeFazio for representing Corvallis, Benton County, and the 4th District of Oregon since 1987. The visit gave the Commissioners and others an opportunity to update the Congressman about the Benton County Crisis Center project. Commissioners Nancy Wyse, Pat Malone, and Xan Augerot were joined by Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard, Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall, Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson, Benton County Administrator Joe Kerby, and members of the Benton County Health Department, Gerding Builders, and Mahlum Architects to recognize and update DeFazio.

“This is a great opportunity for us to honor the Congressman and let him know how much we appreciate what he has done for our district,” said Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse. “We are fortunate to be able to do this in sight of a project he had a direct impact on. It is one example of many that add up to a great legacy he is leaving behind.”

Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall, Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard, Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse, U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio, Benton County Commissioners Pat Malone and Xan Augerot, Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson, Benton County Health Department Director Suzanne Hoffman, and Benton County Crisis Center Project Manager Ricky Garcia pause for a photo, Nov. 2, 2022, in Corvallis. Benton County and Corvallis recognized DeFazio for representing Oregon since 1987.
Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard, Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse, U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio, and Benton County Commissioners Pat Malone and Xan Augerot pause for a photo, Nov. 2, 2022, in Corvallis. Benton County and Corvallis recognized DeFazio for representing the 4th District of Oregon since 1987. DeFazio also toured the future site of the new Benton County Crisis Center. DeFazio helped secure $1 million in Congressional Directed Spending.
Congressman Peter DeFazio receives a gift from Benton County and the City of Corvallis, Nov. 2, 2022, in Corvallis, to thank DeFazio for representing the 4th District of Oregon since 1987. DeFazio also visited the future site of the new Benton County Crisis Center DeFazio helped secure $1 million in Congressional Directed Spending.
Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard and Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse present U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio with a plaque on November 2, 2022, in Corvallis, to thank DeFazio for representing the 4th District of Oregon since 1987. DeFazio also visited the future site of the new Benton County Crisis Center DeFazio helped secure $1 million in Congressional Directed Spending.
Gerding Builders President Ryan McAlister (left) and Mahlum Architects Brett Dunnam (right) update U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio about the new Benton County Crisis Center, Nov. 2, 2022, at the site where the crisis center will be built in Corvallis. DeFazio helped secure $1 million in Congressional Directed Spending for the crisis center.
Gerding Builders President Ryan McAlister (left) and Mahlum Architects Brett Dunnam (right) update U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio about the new Benton County Crisis Center, Nov. 2, 2022, at the site where the crisis center will be built in Corvallis. DeFazio helped secure $1 million in Congressional Directed Spending for the crisis center.

Five cots each lined with exam room paper and topped with a blue pillow and blanket are lined up in a row in a large white emergency tent filled with temporary room dividers.

October 31, 2022 in Health NewsNews

Benton County offers funding to support establishment of inclement weather center

Five cots each lined with exam room paper and topped with a blue pillow and blanket are lined up in a row in a large white emergency tent filled with temporary room dividers.
Example of a shelter facility.

Benton County Public Health is seeking proposals to help provide overnight emergency shelter for people experiencing houselessness during severe weather.

Up to $300,000 in funding could be available to support the provision and operation of a local inclement weather center to be activated on nights when hot, cold, or otherwise extreme weather meets designated thresholds. The County is utilizing $50,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds for the center and hopes to provide an additional $250,000, contingent upon receiving additional grant funds through the City of Corvallis, a decision that is currently pending.

“We are grateful to provide this funding opportunity that could help individuals with inadequate shelter from being exposed to potentially life-threatening weather, With cold weather and winter storms just around the corner, the County is prepared to work quickly to expedite the review process for projects that qualify for funding under this opportunity.”

John Pegg, Public Health Preparedness and Response Coordinator

The County will apply an equity lens when determining placement and establishment of a potential inclement weather center and will award points based on service delivery for diverse populations, trauma-informed care, and client-oriented focus, among other categories.

Interested organizations should review the Request for Proposals on the County website. Proposals must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m., November 14, 2022. Applications will be reviewed by a Benton County Health Department evaluation committee with a funding recommendation forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for final approval.

For more information on this request for proposals, contact Public Health Preparedness and Response Coordinator, John Pegg, at 541-766-0210 or john.pegg@co.benton.or.us.

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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Man speaking to two men in law enforcement uniforms in front of a sign that says "At your service every day."

October 26, 2022 in Behavioral Health NewsHealth NewsNews

Benton County Crisis Center a personal passion for an Oregon Senator

Man speaking to two men in law enforcement uniforms in front of a sign that says "At your service every day."
Senator Ron Wyden speaks to local law enforcement personnel.

“This is deeply personal for the Wyden household,” said Oregon Senator Ron Wyden as he toured the site of the upcoming Benton County Crisis Center in downtown Corvallis.

Wyden, along with Benton County Commissioners Nancy Wyse, Pat Malone, and Xan Augerot, toured the building site at the corner of 4th Street and Van Buren Blvd. in downtown Corvallis. The center will offer walk-in mental health services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will be a therapeutic place for those in need to stabilize from a mental health crisis from a few hours up to 29 days.

Senator Wyden, along with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio, helped secure $1 million dollars in congressional funding for the center. During the tour, Wyden said his own brother’s mental health issues spurred him to support this and other services to help those in mental health crises.

“This is something that I am very much committed to tackling personally,” Wyden said.

“We know that we’ve got a lot to do, and this million dollars here at the respite center is dollar for dollar going to be one very, very smart investment because this gives us a chance to do more in the community.”

Man wearing glasses and a suit stands under a canopy next to three others on a rainy day and gestures to an architectural drawing on an easel.
Staff from Mahlum Architects & Gerding Builders present a journey-map for the new facility.

“This is deeply personal for the Wyden household.”

senator ron wyden

The crisis center is a project of Benton County’s Justice System Improvement Program, a multi-year project based on a comprehensive assessment completed in 2018. Addressing mental health needs is a primary focus of the program. This project has received a total of $7.7 million in state and federal funding and additional funds for expanded crisis center services are planned to be included in a proposed bond measure expected to go before voters in May of 2023.

Prior to the tour, Mahlum Architects and Gerding Builders presented a journey-map demonstrating that the design of the facility is based on client needs. The space will be safe, trauma-informed, accessible, welcoming, and meets the unique needs of Benton County residents.

“…crisis counselors available day or night…it’s big!”

Ricky garcia, crisis center project manager

The project design is a collaboration between many public and private organizations including:

  • Benton County Health Department
  • Benton County Public Works
  • Mahlum Architects
  • Gerding Builders
  • Samaritan Health Services
  • InterCommunity Health Network
  • Pathfinder Clubhouse
  • Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center
  • Strengthening Rural Families
  • Oregon State University

The center will help relieve burdens on Benton County law enforcement as well as Samaritan Health Services.

“Every community is unique, and it takes local leaders and community stakeholders working together to develop something that’s really going to meet the needs of that community,” said Doug Boysen, CEO of Samaritan Health Services. “This was identified as one of our highest needs. So, our community spoke that this was something that was needed.”

A wet and empty lot surrounded by a construction fence on a rainy day with dark grey clouds in the sky. A sign on the fence says "Danger, Construction Area, Keep Out."
Empty lot on the corner of 4th and Buren Streets in Corvallis, Oregon that will be the new site of the crisis center.

“…our community spoke…this was something that was needed.”

Doug boysen, ceo, samAritan health services

The center will help keep individuals from needing to use higher levels of care including the acute psychiatric inpatient unit at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. It could also help prevent individuals in need of treatment from facing incarceration at the Benton County Jail by providing a voluntary, treatment-centered approach. Representatives of the County’s law enforcement community attended the tour to show their support.

The center will offer services such as:

  • Crisis assessments and case management
  • Short-term therapy and skills training
  • Connection to treatment services and social services
  • Engagement with primary care providers

“With this new facility, our aim is to provide improved access to mental health crisis services by operating the crisis center 24/7, 365 days a year,” said Ricky Garcia, from Benton County Health. “This means crisis counselors available to help and support individuals in need day or night, rain or shine. It’s big!”

For more information about the Benton County Crisis Center, please email healthdeptcomms@co.benton.or.us.

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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Two construction workers on lift equipment examine an old auto shop building to prepare it for demolition.

October 14, 2022 in Behavioral Health NewsCrisis Center NewsHealth NewsNews

Benton County Crisis Center Planning and Design Gets Underway

***Español a continuación***

Two construction workers on lift equipment examine an old auto shop building to prepare it for demolition.
Demolition begins on the future site of Benton County’s new mental health crisis center at 240 NW 4th Street in Corvallis on Oct. 13, 2022.

The Benton County Crisis Center will be a new facility that seeks to provide a safe and supportive space for all who enter. An expansion of Benton County Health Department’s existing crisis services, the Benton County Crisis Center will offer walk-in mental health crisis services 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Once operational, the facility will serve all ages, regardless of ability to pay, with no appointment needed. The new facility will be located at 240 NW 4th Street in downtown Corvallis. Planning is underway, and a project construction timeline is currently being developed. Gerding Builders was selected as the contractor for this project, and demolition and preparation of the site are beginning this week.

The crisis center will serve as a low-barrier, open-door resource to all community members experiencing a broad spectrum of mental health crisis needs. It will be designed for anyone who needs a break from stressors to be connected to services and support and will have a “no-wrong-door” approach to support individuals who are having mental health crises for any number of reasons. While not a medical facility, it will fill an important gap in the continuum of care that offers a safe and supportive space for voluntary stabilization to adults who are assessed to need short-term stabilization but do not require the medical capabilities of an acute care hospital or longer-term residential care. 

Benton County Behavioral Health has formed a design committee to help inform the design process by providing a crystal clear understanding of the unique needs of Benton County residents and what can be accomplished with the new crisis center. The committee consists of health department staff and mental health professionals as well as community partners and stakeholders, including representatives from Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Intercommunity Health Network Coordinated Care Organization, Pathfinder Clubhouse, Corvallis Daytime Drop-In Center, Strengthening Rural Families, and Oregon State University Counseling & Psychological Services.

“We wanted to be sure to have partners at the table whom our crisis team interact with regularly that understand the needs of our community. We are incredibly happy with the variety and depth of knowledge of this group.”

Ricky Garcia, crisis center project manager

Members of the committee helped to select Portland-based Mahlum Architects as the design firm for the project, based on their experience in designing trauma-informed spaces, commitment to empowering communities through design, and dedication to engaging stakeholders in the design process. 

In the design planning process, the architect team presents concepts to the design committee members who ask questions, provide insight, and help refine the vision for the final design. The committee recently participated in a journey-mapping exercise that put them in the shoes of someone seeking crisis services to guide the process and flow of services once the center is up and running. Another activity, called visual listening, gave the committee an opportunity to authentically react to different designs, in order to help define the look and feel of the building.

In addition to the design committee, Benton County Behavioral Health is researching and visiting existing crisis stabilization programs throughout Oregon to help determine the program design and flow of services that will best meet the needs of Benton County. 

“We are working to put into practice the most successful parts of existing programs in order to build the best possible outcome for the Benton County Crisis Center,” said Ricky Garcia, Project Manager. 

The crisis center is a project of Benton County’s Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP), a multi-year effort to improve outcomes in our communities. Addressing mental health needs is a primary focus of JSIP’s vision for enhanced County programs and facilities. 

People can learn more about the Benton County Crisis Center and Benton County’s current mental health crisis services by visiting bit.ly/BentonCountyCrisisCenter or by emailing healthdeptcommunications@co.benton.or.us.

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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Español

La planificación y el diseño del Centro de Crisis del condado de Benton ya está en progreso

El Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton será un nuevo edificio que busca brindar un espacio seguro y de apoyo para quienes ingresen. Como extensión de los servicios de crisis actuales del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton, el Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton ofrecerá servicios para crisis de salud mental sin cita, las 24 horas del día, los siete días de la semana, y los 365 días del año. Una vez que esté en funcionamiento, la instalación brindará servicios para personas de todas las edades, independientemente de los recursos de cada persona y no será necesario tener cita previamente. El nuevo edificio estará ubicado en 240 NW 4th Street en el centro de Corvallis. La planificación está en progreso y, actualmente, se está desarrollando las fechas del proyecto de construcción. Se seleccionó a Gerding Builders como contratista para este proyecto, y la demolición y preparación del sitio comenzarán esta semana.

El Centro de Crisis funcionará como un recurso de puertas abiertas y de fácil acceso para todos los miembros de la comunidad que experimenten una gran diversidad de necesidades de crisis de salud mental. Será creado para todos aquellos que necesiten un descanso de los factores estresantes y, de este modo, conectarse con los servicios y el apoyo, y tendrá un enfoque de acceso universal para apoyar a las personas que estén sufriendo crisis de salud mental por diversos motivos. Y aunque no es una clínica médica, llenará un espacio importante en la continuidad de los servicios de atención al ofrecer un lugar seguro y de apoyo para la estabilización voluntaria de los adultos que, luego de una evaluación, se determina si necesitan estabilización a corto plazo, pero que no requieren aptitudes médicas de un hospital de cuidados críticos o un centro de atención residencial a largo plazo.

La División de Salud Mental del Condado de Benton ha creado un comité de diseño para ayudar a informar el proceso de diseño aportando una comprensión clara de las necesidades únicas de los habitantes del Condado de Benton y lo que se puede lograr con el nuevo Centro de Crisis. El comité está formado por empleados del Departamento de Salud y profesionales de la salud mental, así como por socios comunitarios y líderes, incluyendo los representantes del Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, la organización de atención coordinada InterCommunity Health Network, Pathfinder Clubhouse, Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center, Strengthening Rural Families y los servicios de psicología y consejería de la Universidad Estatal de Oregon.

“Queríamos estar seguros de contar con socios que interactúen regularmente con nuestro equipo de crisis y que entiendan las necesidades de nuestra comunidad”, dijo el gerente del proyecto Ricky Garcia. “Estamos muy felices con la variedad y profundidad de conocimiento de este grupo”.

Los miembros del comité ayudaron a seleccionar a Mahlum Architects, ubicada en Portland, como la compañía de diseño para el proyecto, con base en su experiencia en diseñar espacios que ofrece un ambiente relajado y bienvenido para personas que han experimentado trauma, comprometidos a empoderar comunidades mediante el diseño y dedicados para involucrar agencias colaborativas en el proceso del diseño.

Durante el proceso de planificación del diseño, el equipo de arquitectos presenta conceptos a los miembros del comité de diseño, quienes hacen preguntas, ofrecen conocimientos y ayudan a perfeccionar la visión para el diseño final. El comité participó recientemente en un ejercicio de esquema del trayecto que los puso en los zapatos de alguien que busca servicios de crisis para guiar el proceso y el flujo de servicios una vez que el centro esté en funcionamiento. Otra actividad, llamada escucha visual, le brindó al comité una oportunidad para reaccionar auténticamente a los distintos diseños, y así poder ayudar a definir la apariencia y el ambiente del edificio.

Además del comité de diseño, la división de Salud Mental del Condado de Benton está investigando y visitando programas actuales de estabilización de crisis en todo Oregon para ayudar a determinar el diseño y flujo de servicios del programa que podrán satisfacer mejor las necesidades del Condado de Benton.

“Estamos trabajando para poner en práctica los aspectos de mayor éxito de los programas actuales, y así llegar al mejor resultado posible para el Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton”, declaró Ricky Garcia, gerente del proyecto.

El Centro de Crisis es un proyecto del Programa de Mejoramiento del Sistema de Justicia (JSIP, por sus siglas en inglés) del condado de Benton, un trabajo de varios años destinado a mejorar los resultados en nuestras comunidades. Abordar las necesidades de la salud mental es un aspecto principal de la visión del JSIP para mejorar los programas y las instalaciones del condado.

Las personas pueden obtener más información acerca del Centro de Crisis del condado de Benton y de los servicios actuales para la salud mental del condado de Benton visitando bit.ly/BentonCountyCrisisCenter o enviando un correo electrónico a healthdeptcommunications@co.benton.or.us.

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El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública al 541-766-6800 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Partner logo for CORE, Benton County, and Corvallis Police Department

August 25, 2022 in Behavioral Health NewsHealth NewsNews

Mental health & law enforcement crisis co-response growing after initial successes

The Crisis, Outreach, Response, and Engagement, or CORE, co-response program is growing as a result of successful partnership between Benton County Health Department and Corvallis Police Department.

Partner logo for CORE, Benton County, and Corvallis Police Department

The Corvallis Police Department experienced a 58% increase in calls related to mental health services.

In July 2021, the two agencies launched the CORE program, which pairs a qualified mental health professional and a crisis intervention-trained police officer to resolve mental health crisis calls to minimize incarceration or emergency room visits.

The program was created in response to a growing need for mental health services in Benton County. From 2018 to 2021, the Corvallis Police Department experienced a 58% increase in calls related to mental health services.

Building upon a national framework for law enforcement and behavioral health crisis co-response, CPD and Benton County Behavioral Health decided to pilot the crisis co-response program using existing staff members to measure the program’s success.

The CORE program’s pilot team members include Alyssa Giesbrecht from Benton County Behavioral Health and Officer Trevor Anderson of CPD. Giesbrecht has more than six years’ experience working in mental health, a master’s degree in counseling, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Anderson’s work for CPD includes education and outreach as part of the community livability unit as well as teaching and coordinating mental health crisis intervention and response.

CORE’s mission is to provide trauma-informed care to those experiencing a mental health crisis while ensuring the safety of responders, the person in crisis, and the community. “We know that some folks experiencing mental health crisis may feel fearful of law enforcement, said Eric Bowling, Crisis Manager for Benton County Behavioral Health. “We want to help them feel safe and we want our staff to stay safe as well.”

Geisbrecht wears a protective vest underneath her gray Benton County polo to distinguish her from law enforcement while also keeping her safe.

With just two team members, CORE is not the primary responder to every call for service. Calls to CPD that involve a mental health aspect are assessed for review and response by the CORE team. The CORE team has the ability to spend more time on a call for service, specific to the individual. The team uses crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate people in crisis and can provide referrals, resources, and follow up care for support.

In the program’s first six months, the CORE team responded to 27% of mental health calls made to Corvallis police. From July to December 2021, the Corvallis Police Department responded to 777 calls with a mental health aspect. The CORE team reviewed 268 of these calls for opportunities to offer assistance. Of the 268 mental health calls reviewed, 55% were resolved at the scene with services or resources provided.

“We want to help them feel safe and we want our staff to stay safe as well.”

Eric bowling, crisis manager

Only 3% were taken to the hospital and 1% were arrested.

Following the success of the pilot in resolving mental health service calls to police while minimizing hospital visits or incarceration, the program is looking to grow. Corvallis Police Department hopes to route even more mental health calls to CORE for trauma-informed mental health interventions. Benton County Behavioral Health is currently recruiting for another qualified mental health professional to join the team. Interested individuals can contact Eric Bowling at 541-766-6133 for more information about the position.

Benton County also hopes to expand other programs, in addition to CORE, that combine mental health and community safety as part of its Justice System Improvement Plan (JSIP). To learn more about JSIP, visit: co.benton.or.us/justice

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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

A person in a suit signing paperwork atop a glass desk.

July 15, 2022 in Health NewsHOPE News

Homeless Response News 7-15-22

Benton County and City of Corvallis awarded $1 million for Coordinated Homelessness Response

A person in a suit signing paperwork atop a glass desk.

Benton County and the City of Corvallis have been jointly awarded $1 million through House Bill 4123 to support a coordinated response to homelessness.

Benton County and the City of Corvallis, along with housing and homeless service providers, have been working together since prior to HB 4123 to lay the groundwork for coordinated homeless response. The two agencies are already meeting many of the requirements set out in the legislation and intentionally pursued the pilot funding to support and grow existing homelessness response operations.

HOPE Advisory Board Policy Recommendations

Benton County and the City of Corvallis formed the HOPE Advisory board to provide policy recommendations for a coordinated homelessness response system.

The board conducted a gap analysis of available services in Benton County, researched successful models for transitioning people out of homelessness, and engaged the community in public feedback to form policy recommendations, accepted by Benton County and the City of Corvallis in June, 2021.

HOPE Recommendations Quick GuideDownload
HOPE Community Progress Report 06-2022Download

Community Progress Report

We are excited to announce the first HOPE Recommendations Community Progress Report!

Our network of City, County, and community partners have been working hard to implement the HOPE Advisory Board Policy Recommendations.

Check out our Community Progress Report to learn more about the work being done on coordinated homelessness response in Benton County.

Foreclosure and Mortgage Assistance available for Oregon homeowners

Oregon Homeowner Help graphic

This month, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), in partnership with state agencies, launched oregonhomeownerhelp.org, a new website and awareness campaign to support struggling homeowners at risk of foreclosure.

Oregon homeowners who have fallen behind, are at risk of missing a mortgage payment, or have received a foreclosure letter from their servicer can do one of two things:

In addition to housing counseling services, the website can also help homeowners avoid falling victim to fraud and connect them with legal assistance. Foreclosure-related scams are expected to increase and homeowners should be on the lookout. The new website and awareness campaign will provide Oregonians with the information they need to stay safe from fraud during this challenging time.

A person in a suit signing paperwork atop a glass desk.

July 15, 2022 in Health NewsHOPE NewsNews

Benton County and City of Corvallis awarded $1 million for Coordinated Homelessness Response

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Benton County and the City of Corvallis have been jointly awarded $1 million through House Bill 4123 to support a coordinated response to homelessness. Benton County and the City of Corvallis, along with housing and homeless service providers, have been working together since prior to HB 4123 to lay the groundwork for coordinated homeless response. The two agencies are already meeting many of the requirements set out in the legislation and intentionally pursued the pilot funding to support and grow existing homelessness response operations.

A person in a suit signing paperwork atop a glass desk.

What will the City and County do with the money?

Benton County and the City of Corvallis plan to use the new funding and guidance from the state to support existing homelessness response operations, pursue technical assistance to build capacity among our homeless provider community, and help with the implementation of a sheltering system. The Benton County coordinated homelessness response network will be using policy recommendations developed by the HOPE Advisory Board as a road map for implementation.

What work is being done now?

Benton County and the City of Corvallis are in the early analysis and planning phase of the bill’s implementation. The City and County are engaging local community partners about building organizational capacity, strengthening the sheltering system, and supporting a coordinated homelessness response. Additionally, the City and County are in communication with other recipients of this award to research best practices, build sustainable models, and ensure an equity-based approach to homelessness response. In the past year, shelter bed capacity in Benton County has increased by about 44%.

What has been done up to this point?

The City and County have been building the foundation for a coordinated homelessness response office as part of a ten-year plan to address issues related to homelessness. Much of this foundation contributes to meeting the requirements set out in HB 4123. This includes:

  • The formation of a joint HOPE Advisory Board with community representation to develop policy recommendations.
  • Twelve HOPE Advisory Board Recommendations to guide strategic planning.
  • Hiring staff to support the establishment of a coordinated homeless response office and serve as point of contact:
    • Project Manager
    • Grant Writer/Researcher
    • Communications Coordinator

What happens next?

October 1, 2022: Memorandum of Understanding among identified member agencies for the implementation of HB 4123 due.

July 1, 2023: Adopt 5-year Strategic Plan identifying ways to support existing work by:

  • Centralizing communication, policy development and overarching coordination for improved efficiency and accountability.
  • Identifying opportunities to leverage existing funding and resources for effective implementation of homeless intervention strategies.
  • Improve existing system(s) to provide more equitable access to residents experiencing homelessness.

As the City and County move out of the early planning and analysis phase, the two agencies plan to release more information in the coming weeks.

For more information:

                                                                                              ###

Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

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