Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is investing $5 million to combat rural homelessness through the Youth Emergency Housing Assistance Program (YEHA).
The $5 million will be disbursed to five different organizations in Josephine, Douglas, Klamath, Coos and Lincoln counties that help youth and their families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
The YEHA project team analyzed data from both Oregon's Emergency Homelessness Response and the Department of Education to identify which communities had the highest rate of youth experiencing homelessness to ensure these funds make the biggest possible impact.
Locally, the team chose the Maslow Project in Josephine County and Family Faith and Relationship Advocates in Douglas County to receive funding.
Maslow Project Founder and Executive Director Mary Ferrell said the funding will empower them to expand their outreach, enhance their support services and build sustainable solutions for the unique challenges faced in Josephine County.
Ferrell said "it's a vital step toward ensuring that youth and families in our county can access safe and stable housing. We know that when stabilized, youth are far more likely to finish high school, improve their long-term outcomes and end the cycle of homelessness."
The YEHA resources will help cover expenses such as rent, utilities, work and educational support, moving costs, transportation, furniture, household goods and more.
