Stable housing to support those living with addiction and mental illness.

Clatsop County has the highest rate of unsheltered homelessness in Oregon, nearly six times the state average. A new permanent supportive housing project is underway to address this issue, providing much-needed housing for vulnerable residents. TVA is collaborating with Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare (CBH) and Edlen & Co to construct a 32-unit building for individuals facing mental illness and addiction challenges. Funding is sourced from low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, and grants from the Oregon Housing and Community Services Department, the Oregon Health Authority, and Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization.

The building will serve individuals earning up to 30% of the area median income, house an on-site manager and CBH’s Open Door program, and offer treatment, support, and employment services. This integration aims to enhance residents’ support network and sense of community.

Located near the historic Astoria bridge, the building design is crafted to harmonize with the neighborhood and optimize the site to provide the maximum number of housing units and space for the Open Door program. Special consideration was paid to balance the durability and maintainability of interior finishes with the promotion of a comforting, calming, and supportive atmosphere. Appropriate layers of security and privacy between residents and daily users are integrated without reducing the agency or choices available to either population. The team sought to minimize potential traumatizing triggers by carefully considering elements like color, views to nature, lighting, and spatial layout.