Presenter pitches cottage-cluster housing to keep older adults in Umatilla County communities

Gio Wolf, a gerontologist introduced to the board by Commissioner Tim, presented a cottage-cluster housing concept aimed at helping older residents stay connected and maintain independence. "This model begins with the expectations of our bodies, our health, and our support needs to be made over time," Wolf said, describing single-story private cottages grouped around a shared pedestrian green and a common house for meals, classes and visiting providers.

Wolf framed the project as an alternative between aging in place alone and moving into highly regulated assisted living. He said universal design and on-site supports could provide many of the same supports as residential care without triggering more stringent assisted-living regulations, lowering operating costs for residents. Wolf told commissioners Oregon currently has "almost $24,000,000 available" through programs tied to House Bill 3589 and health-transformation funds but cautioned those dollars are competitive and would require local matching and a sustainable operating plan.

Commissioners pressed Wolf on scale and affordability. He said cottage clusters could range by code from about 10 units up to 20'24 cottages, serving roughly 30 to 50 residents depending on the site and local zoning, and that partnerships with organizations such as CAPCO and Age Plus would be needed to reserve some units for lower-income households. Wolf recommended a staged approach: identify candidate sites, conduct a feasibility study, convene housing, planning and health partners, and involve older adults and caregivers in design decisions.

The board did not take formal action on the concept at the session; staff and commissioners asked Wolf and partners to return with site-specific feasibility work and cost options if they pursue applications for state funding.