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March 31, 2023 in Health NewsHOPE News

Homeless Response News 3-31-23

HOPE Story: Amanda from Community Outreach, Inc.

“With everything that COI has done for me, including aftercare, I’m going back to college to learn to be a peer support specialist. I have my own apartment. I have the most amazing service animal. My life is good and I have the coping skills I need. It’s been the best thing that has ever happened.” 

Eight years ago, Amanda went to Community Outreach, Inc, (COI), a transformational housing program in Corvallis, after an interaction with law enforcement. She was using drugs at the time and recovering from the sudden loss of her beloved life partner. Amanda was injured in the interaction and spent time at the emergency room and intensive care units with life-threatening bullet wounds. She acknowledges her own responsibility in the interaction and recognizes that it put her on the path to healing and learning to thrive at COI.

Ty, a case manager from COI visited Amanda in the hospital. Amanda says, “If Ty hadn’t been the one that came to my hospital room, I probably wouldn’t be here today. I wouldn’t be alive.” Amanda connected with COI’s case manager because she related to him and because he met her where she was. At COI, she recovered, got sober, connected with a service animal, and found stable housing.

Community Progress Update – HOPE Recommendations

Find out about new community progress made toward implementing HOPE policy recommendations.

Some highlights include:

See the full list on our webpage

What is a Resource / Navigation Center?

“The drop-in center exists because people need to feel loved and understand that they’re cared for and have a social community that they can be a part of and feel safe.”

Allison Hobgood, executive director of the Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center.

A resource center, also called a navigation center, is a space for providers from different social service organizations to meet with and enroll people in programs that help them improve their life stability and meet their needs. This work is in direct alignment with the Benton County HOPE Advisory Board policy recommendations.

Our community partners have continued to work hard for years to ensure these services are available to community members who need them. Read on to learn more about resource & navigation centers in Benton County:

Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center (CDDC) is working on a plan to expand their hours and services by building a Homeless Navigation Center which will provide 24-7 shelter and crucial services to county residents who are experiencing homelessness. The Drop-in Center currently serves as a one-stop-shop access point to service providers and case management, basic needs navigation, employment resources, and more, but is limited in its current location. Expanding the Center would allow more services in a bigger space to better support. CDDC also hopes to provide a low-barrier, non-congregate emergency shelter with the additional space and resources. Watch the video above and read the news release to learn more.

The South Benton Food Pantry in Monroe has provided food assistance and connection to services for years, but the needs of the community outgrew the available space. They recently purchased the building from which they operate to expand and add more services and resources. The location is now growing to include Kepi Nak-Nak Commons, a resource center which will serve as a central hub for the South Benton community to access service providers and resources. Services include food assistance, healthcare support, housing navigation, utility assistance, education, childcare, support for victims of domestic violence, and more. Learn more at their website.

HOPE Coordinated Homeless Response Office Outreach

The Coordinated Homeless Response Office, which includes staff from Benton County, the City of Corvallis, and Community Services Consortium, is working to finalize its strategic plan for Coordinated Homeless Response in Benton County, per HB 4123 requirements.

Benton County staff, along with Commissioner Nancy Wyse, are presenting at city councils and other public meetings to educate the community about the history, current state, and future goals of coordinated homeless response. The Office is working to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by smaller and rural communities in Benton County, and looking to strengthen collaboration and partnership in those areas.

Visit the Coordinated Homeless Response Office webpage for more information.

Benton County Partners with Local Non-profit Provider for Severe Weather Sheltering

This winter, Benton County funded Faith Hope and Charity, Inc., a Corvallis based non-profit organization, to provide severe weather overflow sheltering for unhoused Benton County residents. This is for individuals who are not able to access current Benton County shelters for whatever reason. Outreach is occurring within Benton County to identify individuals in need and connect them with these services.

More information on overnight shelters, public warming centers, and other resources is available at bit.ly/BentonCountyWarmingCenters. 

You can learn more about Faith Hope and Charity at their website.

For more information, contact healthdeptcommunications@bentoncountyor.gov

Funding Opportunities for Service Providers

Are you a provider of health, social, and/or homeless services?

The Grant Writer & Researcher for the Benton County Coordinated Homeless Response Office has compiled a list of upcoming funding opportunities from local, state, and national funders that relate to HOPE and homelessness work in the Benton County region.

Benton County service providers can reach out to libbi.l.winter@gmail.com with questions or to inquire about technical assistance for applying.

Graphic of diverse people with speech bubbles above them over a pastel purple and green background.

March 17, 2023 in Health NewsHealthy Communities NewsNews

The Partnership for Community Health: Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties seeks community input into regional Community Health Improvement Plan

Graphic of diverse people with speech bubbles above them over a pastel purple and green background.

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In 2022, the Benton County Health Department, in collaboration with the Partnership for Community Health: Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties, began a regional community health assessment and improvement planning process. The regional health assessment (CHA) phase of the process is now complete, and the Partnership for Community Health is ready to share the results with the community and gather input on key health issues to include in the regional community health improvement plan (CHIP). The CHIP guides how the region focuses resources that are working to improve the health of all people who live, work, learn and play in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties. 

The Partnership will hold two virtual community conversations to review the key health themes from the data and seek community input on priorities for the regional CHIP. 

In person community conversations will also be held for Spanish- and Arabic-speaking populations. For more opportunities to participate in community conversations, visit: https://bit.ly/RegionalCHIP-GetInvolved

Other ways to get involved

Attendance at a community conversation is encouraged, but not required to contribute to the planning process. Community members can also access a copy of the presentation and vote on their priorities by accessing the following links:

For inquiries or additional information: BentonHealthyCommunties@bentoncountyor.gov

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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.

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La Asociación para la Salud Comunitaria de los Condados de Linn, Benton y Lincoln piden su participación en el Plan Regional de Mejoramiento de la Salud Comunitaria

Graphic of diverse people with speech bubbles above them over a pastel purple and green background.

En el 2022, el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton, en colaboración con la Asociación para la Salud Comunitaria de los Condados de Linn, Benton y Lincoln, comenzó un proceso regional de planificación de mejora y evaluación de la salud comunitaria. La fase de la evaluación de la salud regional (CHA) ahora está completa y la Asociación para la Salud Comunitaria está lista para compartir los resultados con la comunidad y necesita ayuda en identificar los problemas de salud más importantes para incluirlos en el plan regional de mejoramiento de la salud comunitaria (CHIP). Este plan indica cómo la región enfocará los recursos se usan para mejorar la salud de todas las personas que viven, trabajan, aprenden y juegan en los condados de Linn, Benton y Lincoln.

La Asociación llevará a cabo dos conversaciones comunitarias virtuales para revisar los temas de salud más importantes en base a la información reunida y pide la participación de la comunidad para identificar las prioridades para el plan regional.

También se llevarán a cabo conversaciones comunitarias en persona para las poblaciones de habla hispana y árabe. Para conocer más oportunidades de participar en las conversaciones comunitarias, visite: https://bit.ly/RegionalCHIP-GetInvolved

Otras formas de participar

Se invita al público a asistir a una conversación comunitaria pero no es necesaria para contribuir al proceso. Los miembros de la comunidad también pueden obtener una copia de la presentación y votar para identificar sus prioridades visitando los siguientes enlaces:

Para preguntas o información adicional: BentonHealthyCommunties@bentoncountyor.gov

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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.

Headshot photo of a white woman with long blonde hair, laid over a blue background. White text says "Interim Health Department Director, April Holland, MPH, CIC (she/her). Effective March 15, 2023"

March 3, 2023 in Health NewsNews

Benton County names new Interim Health Department Director

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April Holland has been appointed Interim Health Department Director for Benton County effective March 15, 2023. April will be stepping in to replace outgoing Director, Suzanne Hoffman, who departs the Health Department to serve as the Interim County Administrator. 

April joined Benton County as the Deputy Director of Public Health in December of 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic response. As our local public health administrator, she successfully led our community and organization through the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergency responses by ensuring close collaboration and coordination with community partners. 

Headshot photo of a white woman with long blonde hair, laid over a blue background. White text says "Interim Health Department Director, April Holland, MPH, CIC (she/her). Effective March 15, 2023"

April came to the Benton County Health Department from California where she oversaw Epidemiology, Communicable Disease, Immunizations, Vital Statistics and Public Health Preparedness programs. April earned her Master of Public Health degree from Oregon State University. She has many years of experience in operations, policy and community public health work with a focus on integrating all facets of public health. 

Through a communication style that combines diplomacy, clarity and a trauma-informed approach, April’s commitment to the values of equity, diversity and inclusion is ever present. Her exceptional skills and her commitment to the well-being of the community will continue to serve the Health Department and the County well.

The Health Department is grateful to April for assuming this interim role as we take the time to plan for a recruitment process for the permanent position.

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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.

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El Condado de Benton nombra su nueva Directora Interina del Departamento de Salud

April Holland ha sido nombrada Directora Interina del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton a partir del 15 de marzo de 2023. April tomará el cargo para reemplazar a la Directora saliente, Suzanne Hoffman, quien deja el Departamento de Salud para servir como Administradora Interina del Condado.

April se unió al Condado de Benton como Directora de Salud Pública en diciembre de 2020, en el punto más crítico de la pandemia de COVID-19. Como nuestra administradora de salud pública local, dirigió con éxito a nuestra comunidad y organización a través de los continuos desafíos de la pandemia de COVID-19 y otras respuestas de emergencia, garantizando una colaboración muy cercana y la coordinación con agencias y organizaciones de la comunidad.

April llegó al Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton desde California, donde supervisó los programas de Epidemiología, Enfermedades Transmisibles, Inmunizaciones, Estadísticas Vitales y Preparación para la Salud Pública. April obtuvo su Maestría en Salud Pública de la Universidad Estatal de Oregón. Tiene muchos años de experiencia en operaciones gubernamentales, sus políticas y trabajo de salud pública comunitaria con un enfoque en la integración de todos los aspectos de la salud pública.

April está comprometida con sus valores de equidad, diversidad e inclusión y se manifiestan por medio de su estilo de comunicación que combina la diplomacia, consideración y claridad. Sus habilidades excepcionales y su compromiso con el bienestar de la comunidad seguirán sirviendo bien al Departamento de Salud y al Condado.

El Departamento de Salud agradece a April por asumir esta función interina mientras nos tomamos el tiempo para planificar un proceso de contratación para el puesto permanentemente.

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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.

Picture of Benton County Sunset building with text that says "Developmental Diversity is moving! February 27, 2023. New location: 4077 SW Research Way"

February 14, 2023 in Developmental Diversity NewsHealth NewsNews

County Developmental Diversity move to help meet community needs

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The Benton County Developmental Diversity program will relocate to the Benton County Sunset Building at 4077 SW Research Way in Corvallis on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. The office will be closed from Wednesday, Feb. 22 through Friday, Feb. 24 in order to complete the move.

The Developmental Diversity Program has been working from its current leased space on 2420 Professional Drive in Corvallis since October 2015. Since then, the program has expanded to meet the growing needs of the community and has outgrown its current space. The move into the Sunset Building will provide more space for the program. 

The Developmental Diversity Program has been working from its current leased space since October 2015. Since then, the program has expanded to meet the growing needs of the community and has outgrown its current space. The move will provide more space for the program to better serve clients and bring staff closer to their peers in other County programs.

“We have worked closely with our partners at the Health Department throughout the pandemic,” said Developmental Diversity Division Manager, Jasper Smith. “Being co-located with them offers many opportunities for the future. 

Picture of Benton County Sunset building with text that says "Developmental Diversity is moving! February 27, 2023. New location: 4077 SW Research Way"

“Being co-located with [our partners at the Health Department] offers many opportunities for the future.”

Jasper Smith, Developmental Diversity Director

We will also be close to other community partners such as Vocational Rehabilitation to support people with disabilities in accessing jobs that contribute to the community.”

The Benton County Developmental Diversity Program provides support for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that meet state criteria for eligibility. The program serves as the point of access to services and support for people in Benton County. Learn more about the program and services.

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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.

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El Programa de Diversidades de Desarrollo del Condado de Benton se moverá

El Programa de Diversidades de Desarrollo del Condado de Benton se moverá al edificio Sunset del Condado de Benton en 4077 SW Research Way, en Corvallis el lunes 27 de febrero de 2023. Su oficina estará cerrada desde el miércoles 22 de febrero hasta el viernes 24 de febrero para completar la mudanza.

El Programa de Diversidades de Desarrollo ha estado trabajando desde octubre de 2015 hasta la fecha, en un lugar rentado en el 2420 Professional Drive. Desde entonces, el programa se ha expandido para satisfacer las crecientes necesidades de la comunidad requiriendo un lugar más grande del que actualmente se tiene. La mudanza al edificio Sunset brindará más espacio para que el programa atienda mejor a los clientes y acercará a los empleados con sus compañeros de trabajo de otros programas del condado.

“Hemos trabajado muy de cerca con nuestros socios en el Departamento de Salud durante la pandemia”, dijo el Gerente de la División de Diversidades de Desarrollo, Jasper Smith. “Compartir la ubicación con ellos ofrece muchas oportunidades para el futuro”.

El Programa de Diversidades de Desarrollo del Condado de Benton ofrece apoyo a niños y adultos con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo que cumplen con los criterios estatales de elegibilidad. El programa sirve como punto de acceso a los servicios y apoyo para las personas en el Condado de Benton. Para obtener más información sobre el programa y los servicios, visite: https://www.co.benton.or.us/health/page/programa-de-diversidades-de-desa…

“También estaremos cerca de otros socios de la comunidad como Rehabilitación Vocacional para ayudar a las personas con discapacidades a tener acceso a trabajos que contribuyan a la comunidad”, dijo Smith.

El cambio de domicilio es porque otros departamentos se mudaron del edificio Sunset del Condado de Benton al nuevo edificio Kalapuya, también en Research Way, dejando espacio para el Programa de Diversidades de Desarrollo.

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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.

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.

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