Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Social Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Reentry housing group asks Curry County for $104,000 to sustain local beds as grant funding ends
Summary
Welcome Home Oregon asked Curry County for a $104,000 contribution to sustain two transitional homes and 12 beds that serve people released from incarceration and the State Hospital. The peer-led program reported 43 participants to date and a portion transitioning to permanent housing; the group proposed a county work-crew model and requested continued partnership.
Mary Pierce, program director for Welcome Home Oregon’s Curry County operations, asked the Curry County Board of Commissioners to consider a county contribution to sustain the county program after the Community Violence Intervention (CVI) grant sunsets in December.
"I'm asking Curry County if they will invest in our program," Pierce told the board, describing a peer-run, trauma-informed model that provides clean-and-sober housing, case management and links to treatment and employment. Pierce said the operating budget to maintain Curry County operations in the coming year is roughly $104,000.
Pierce said Welcome Home Oregon currently operates two houses in Curry County with a total of 12 beds and that the program has supported 43 participants to date, with some graduates obtaining permanent housing and local jobs. Speakers who have completed the program described the transition experience and the program’s role in achieving employment and housing stability.
Pierce asked the county to consider funding support and suggested a county work-crew program modeled on Josephine County’s successful effort, which allows residents to work to offset housing fees, provides alternative sanctions for parole and probation, and strengthens community partnerships with local employers.
Commissioners welcomed the presentation and suggested bringing the program back for a workshop; they noted budget constraints and encouraged the presenters and staff to provide a clear statement of how requested funds would be used and what outcomes the county could expect for its investment.
