On December 18, 2024, Clackamas County officials convened to discuss significant updates regarding the county's supportive housing services funding. The meeting, led by Rod Cook, Director of Health, Housing and Human Services, and Adam Brown, Deputy Director, focused on the strategic allocation of carryover funds aimed at enhancing the county's recovery-oriented homeless services system.

The county is entering a critical phase in its supportive housing services program, now in its fourth year. The initial three years were dedicated to establishing a balanced system that aids individuals transitioning from homelessness to stable housing. As the system matures, officials are now prioritizing the evaluation of existing programs and refining investments to maximize the impact of available funding.

A key point of discussion was the carryover balance, which consists of one-time funds accumulated during the development of the new services system. The county has approximately $26 million available for allocation, including an additional $9 million from last year's carryover and $4.75 million from reallocations of prior investments. This financial flexibility is crucial as the county faces potential funding reductions from Metro, which could impact program sustainability.

The proposed updates to the carryover plan include reaffirming commitments to the recovery-oriented infrastructure, with a recommendation to double the previous allocation to $20.5 million. This funding will support the development of a recovery center and the disposition of scattered site housing, both essential components of the county's strategy to combat chronic homelessness.

In addition to these reaffirmations, the meeting highlighted the need for new, modest investments in system infrastructure to ensure stability during this transitional period. The county aims to maintain a balanced approach to funding, focusing on both immediate needs and long-term sustainability.

As Clackamas County navigates these challenges, the discussions from this meeting underscore the importance of strategic planning and community support in addressing homelessness and housing instability. The next steps will involve implementing the proposed updates and closely monitoring the evolving funding landscape to adapt to any changes that may arise.