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County seeks rehousing grant to sustain outreach team as behavioral‑health funding wanes
Summary
Deschutes County requested authorization to apply for about $113,000 from the Oregon Rehousing Initiative to sustain the host outreach/treatment team; staff warned that ARPA and state behavioral‑health funding cuts will reduce team capacity and commissioners approved contingent personnel extension if the grant is awarded.
Deschutes County behavioral health leaders told commissioners April 6 they will apply for approximately $113,000 from the Oregon Rehousing Initiative (administered through the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council) to sustain the county’s host outreach/treatment team.
For the record, Cara (Deschutes County behavioral health program manager) explained the request is intended to sustain outreach treatment staff supporting people who are ready to engage in services and rehousing. Cara said the county expanded the host team during the pandemic using ARPA and other temporary funding but has since lost some funding streams (including a recent reduction in Behavioral Health Resource Network funding) and must shrink staff without additional grants. Cara asked the board to approve two motions: (1) authorize applying for and accepting the rehousing grant if awarded and (2) extend a limited‑duration behavioral health specialist position through June 30, 2027 contingent on the award.
Commissioners acknowledged the program’s role in helping people move through the housing continuum and expressed support for the request, but several noted the fragility of short‑term grant funding and the difficulty of sustaining positions after one‑time grants end. The board approved the motions to apply/accept and to extend the position contingent on award.
Why it matters: Outreach and behavioral‑health treatment are key components that help people exit homelessness; cuts in recurring funding reduce capacity to sustain those efforts. The grant would keep core services operating through mid‑2027 if awarded.
What’s next: Staff will apply for the Oregon Rehousing Initiative grant and, if awarded, the county will extend the limited‑duration position and provide an update to the board.
