Thrive Central Oregon Highlights Housing Navigation Success Amid Funding Challenges

The Bend Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) public meeting on August 13, 2025, featured a presentation by Megan Stickney, program manager at Thrive Central Oregon. Stickney outlined the organization's efforts to address housing needs in the region, particularly through the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.

Thrive Central Oregon operates multiple drop-in sites across Bend, providing essential services to individuals seeking housing assistance. Stickney highlighted the importance of bilingual services, noting that 8% of clients prefer Spanish as their first language. The organization employs a bilingual community outreach advocate to enhance accessibility for the Hispanic community.

During the last fiscal year, Thrive Central Oregon facilitated over 5,000 appointments for Bend residents, assisting more than 700 unique households. Key statistics revealed that 19% of these households identified as elderly, 58% had disabilities, and 67% were at or below 30% of the area median income (AMI). The organization primarily focuses on housing navigation, which accounted for 80% of their services, helping clients with housing searches, applications, and tenancy support.

Stickney acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the housing market, particularly the gap between the demand for affordable housing and its availability. She shared a poignant example of a client who remained unhoused for two years while waiting for housing, illustrating the difficulties faced by many in the community.

Despite these challenges, Thrive Central Oregon reported successes, including assisting 56 households in securing more affordable housing during the grant period. Stickney expressed gratitude for the funding received and announced that additional funding for personnel and housing assistance had been secured, promising further support for the community in the coming year.

The meeting concluded without questions, but Stickney's presentation underscored the critical role of Thrive Central Oregon in addressing housing needs and the ongoing efforts to improve access to resources for vulnerable populations in Bend.