In the past seven years, homelessness in Central Oregon has doubled to nearly 1,000 people. Within this population, there are at least 286 individuals who have an extended history of homelessness and a disabling condition. These “chronically homeless” individuals face barriers that frequently result in higher mortality rates, health care costs, and contacts with law enforcement, yet Central Oregon lags behind much of the country in having the appropriate housing resources to serve this population. 119 individuals on the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) were identified as homeless and received services at Deschutes County Health Services. Out of the 119 individuals, 23 were identified as “superusers,” meaning they had significantly higher health care costs than the rest of the at-risk population (average cost of a superuser is $62,910 vs. $23,740 for the average cost for someone who is homeless). Many have significant mental and physical health needs that aren't fully addressed, and cycle through the system of healthcare providers and crisis services.
A mother with two children had a long history of trauma, poor overall health, and significant housing/financial instability. We were able to help the mother set goals, budget, and search for a better job. As a result of this support (and her hard work), the client has been able to connect with a mental health provider, apply for affordable housing, and find financial assistance while she works to increase her income and improve her health.
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- To meet a critical gap in Central Oregon's spectrum of housing and social services, FUSE (Frequent Users System Engagement) was created to bring the nation's most prevalent homelessness interventions to the region.
- Central Oregon FUSE is implementing a Permanent Supportive Housing program that offers an ongoing rental subsidy and wraparound supports to provide stable housing to the most vulnerable members of our community. In this pilot program, FUSE is leveraging new resources, building partnerships, and creating an evidence-based program of supportive services that will be foundational to our goal of developing a residential building dedicated to Permanent Supportive Housing.
- FUSE contracted with Thrive Central Oregon and Deschutes County Behavioral Health to provide direct services. FUSE works closely with the Homeless Leadership Coalition, NeighborImpact, and partner organizations to accept referrals of the most vulnerable unhoused individuals in the region.
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The project attempted to:- Provide better care and support for our target population.
- Form and strengthen existing partnerships and develop collaborative ways to share information/data, resources, and staff.
- Address disproportionate impacts of homelessness on BIPOC communities.
- Increase resources and community awareness.
- Work with government agencies to develop (or remove) policies as needed.
- Create more cost-effective services for this high-risk population.
FUSE identified and housed 11 participants and three children initially, and is now supporting an additional 8 chronically homeless individuals.
Participant surveys demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life, including a 100% reduction in negative community impact (defined as involvement with Law Enforcement and the local Emergency Department).
100% of residents were offered weekly services (includes client-driven case management, health care - primary and mental health, dental care, financial planning and management, and housing retention support).
A FUSE-led project proposal was one of six Permanent Supportive Housing projects selected to receive technical assistance and potential access to development financing from the state. The project is a collaboration between Housing Works, Deschutes County Health Services, EPIC Property Management, and NeighborImpact.
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This project is teaching us:- How providing comprehensive services to high-risk populations improves client health, decreases overall costs, and benefits the community.
- That it is difficult to secure sustainable funding for services (i.e., case management and crisis intervention/monitoring services).
- Developing Permanent Supportive Housing will require significant collaboration from community and regional partners.
- How providing comprehensive services to high-risk populations improves client health, decreases overall costs, and benefits the community.
This project is bringing the evidence-based, cost-effective Housing First model of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) to Central Oregon.
The PSH model combines wraparound supportive services, access to health and mental healthcare, and long-term housing to end homelessness for chronically homeless individuals.
FUSE developed a 501(c)3 organization, built formal and informal partnerships with other agencies, was awarded significant federal funding and is developing a robust, evidence-based program of supportive services.
The Housing First model is a great benefit to the community and the participants, and with expansion, greater positive impacts will be seen.