At OHRA, we envision a community where everyone has shelter. Through The OHRA Resource Center and our navigation services, we work to keep people housed and find housing for those experiencing homelessness. A housing solution may look different depending on the individual, but OHRA navigators use a holistic approach when seeking housing for guests. Building connections with community partners, private landlords, property management companies, and specialized housing providers, helps OHRA get more people housed in Jackson County.

For people living with mental health challenges or substance use disorder, finding a housing solution can present unique challenges. OHRA utilizes referrals to both Columbia Care as well as Options for Southern Oregon. Both organizations provide a range of housing solutions for people living with mental health or addiction recovery needs. These individuals will benefit from the supportive services that Permanent Supportive Housing offers. The right housing solution provides a greater rate of success. Working with partners such as these organizations, OHRA can work with our guests to find the right solution for them.

In March 2023, OHRA found new housing for eight individuals who had been living at the shelter—six who went into regular housing, two who went into supportive housing at Columbia Care’s Rogue Ridge Apartments in Ashland, and one who went into treatment. Rogue Ridge is Columbia Care’s new 28-unit Permanent Supportive Housing program providing affordable housing to local citizens who are low-income and without housing, particularly those living with mental health challenges. Stable, safe, and affordable supportive housing can help to increase mental wellness for people who have experienced homelessness, as well as provide additional care and social services to help those individuals maintain their housed status.

We are grateful to have referring partnerships with entities like Columbia Care and Options to provide the best access and support to the guests we serve at the OHRA Center.