A collaborative housing initiative in Benton County has successfully moved 54 households from homelessness into stable housing over the past year. The effort surpassed the program’s original target and provided new homes for 122 individuals, including 53 children.
The Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool Program, launched in July 2024, was funded through state resources following Governor Tina Kotek’s 2023 emergency declaration on homelessness. The county was initially tasked with achieving long-term housing stability for 51 households by June 30, 2025.
“We’re thrilled to have not only met our goal, but to have exceeded it, and we couldn’t do this work alone,” said Rebecca Taylor, program manager for Benton County’s Coordinated Homeless Response Office, which oversees the program. “The tireless work from our FHSP staff and the dedicated service providers in our community has literally helped bring families back together.”
The program operates through a three-pronged approach that addresses the complex challenges of transitioning from homelessness to housing. Housing navigation staff meet clients where they are to assess barriers and provide ongoing support. A centralized coordination system serves as a hub for communication between agencies, service providers, property managers and families. The program also focuses heavily on outreach to property managers, working to build relationships and overcome potential barriers for clients seeking housing.
The initiative relies on an extensive network of community partnerships. Local service providers including Unity Shelter, Community Outreach Inc., Vina Moses and the Corvallis School District work together through referrals and coordination efforts. IHN-CCO provides additional funding for outreach activities while specialized services come from the Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center for street outreach, Corvallis Housing First for case management, and Faith, Hope, and Charity Inc. for peer support.
Taylor emphasized that the program’s commitment extends beyond simply securing housing.
“The program doesn’t stop once clients become housed,” she said. “We work with the families towards housing stability and self-sufficiency so people remain successfully housed.”
Despite the program’s early success, county officials acknowledge that significant work remains. Benton County continues collaborating with Oregon Housing and Community Services to expand services for people experiencing homelessness throughout the region.
“Our work isn’t over,” Taylor noted. “We look forward to hearing updates from the state about ongoing funding and opportunities to increase capacity in our program.”
I’ve read a couple stories about this “success .” Nobody reports what the cost is, only that funds co.e from the state. How much? How much per household?