For 30 years, CareOregon has focused on providing equitable, meaningful access to high-quality health care for Oregon communities. Housing has emerged as a key priority, as it touches so many lives.
In recent years, we have collaborated with community partners, state agencies and providers to actively address the shortage of affordable, supportive and transitional housing and the resulting health barriers for many Oregonians. We’ve made significant targeted investments over the past year in organizations that offer both immediate relief and long-term solutions to the root causes of housing instability.
“Housing is closely linked to health care, as stable housing provides the foundation for individuals to manage their health effectively,” said Jeremiah Rigsby, CareOregon Chief of Staff.
“Without a safe place to live, it becomes difficult to access regular care. We’re proud to partner with organizations that specialize in various aspects of housing, enabling us to approach it from different angles. By investing in these partners, we create a network of support that ensures people have both stable housing and the services they need to stay healthy today and in the future.”
Eviction prevention and support
One of the key ways we’re working with partners to address housing instability is through eviction prevention programs. We recently gave Northwest Pilot Project $300,000 to provide services aimed at keeping low-income seniors in their homes. With this funding, the organization has helped prevent more than 300 evictions over the past six months, offering crucial support to a population that faces a high risk of homelessness. This assistance goes beyond rent; it includes cleaning services, case management and other support.
We awarded Community Action Organization $500,000 for its culturally specific rent assistance program, which focuses on eviction prevention for BIPOC families in Washington County. This initiative has served 666 households, helping families remain connected to health care services.
One of the clients assisted by this program is José, a recent immigrant facing eviction after losing his job. With rental assistance and utility aid, he was able to stay in his home. The program also helped him enroll in the Oregon Health Plan, ensuring that his family continued to have access to health care.
“The funding provided by CareOregon is helping people like José and his wife,” said Kristy Reddick, Development Manager at Community Action. “The couple got behind on their rent and were served with a 72-hour eviction notice. José and his wife were terrified — if they got evicted, they had no local support system and nowhere to go. But because of CareOregon’s support for Community Action’s Rent Assistance Program, our team was able to meet them at eviction court, pay their rent and keep them from becoming homeless.”
Emergency and overnight shelter
CareOregon is also supporting organizations that provide critical emergency and overnight shelter services. For example, CareOregon made a $250,000 investment in Just Compassion of East Washington County to build a 60-bed overnight shelter, providing necessary resources such as showers, clothing and food.
Permanent supportive housing
Long-term housing solutions are another critical component of CareOregon’s strategy to support housing from multiple angles. In Washington County, we invested $3 million to support the construction of permanent supportive housing units, which will include wraparound services such as mental health support and addiction treatment. These units are specifically designed for individuals who have experienced homelessness and need ongoing assistance to remain housed. This project, along with others like it, is a key way to provide sustainable solutions that address housing, health care needs and behavioral health needs simultaneously.
Family-based housing
CareOregon’s housing investments also focus on providing services for families. The Cobblestone Family Treatment Campus, developed with a $2 million grant to OnTrack Rogue Valley, expands residential treatment options for families dealing with trauma and substance use disorders. The campus integrates housing with substance use recovery, mental health services and early intervention programs for children. This type of family-centered housing model is crucial for improving long-term health outcomes, as it provides the comprehensive support families need to move from houselessness into housing.
“As CareOregon continues to invest in housing, the focus remains on immediate needs and long-term impact,” said Alison Arella, Vice President of Community Impact at CareOregon. “These projects are not just about providing shelter; they’re about creating stability, improving health and building stronger communities. The housing crisis is one of the region’s most urgent challenges, but these types of partnerships are playing a key role in turning the tide.”
