Socks! Socks! Socks!

20,000 kids and tens of thousands of others experienced homelessness last year, and we're going to do something about it. 

Oregonians are donating 20,000 socks to raise awareness about homelessness and push our policymakers to increase attention and resources to the needs of our community members. $20 million for emergency rental assistance and shelters is on the line.

Sock donations will be piled high on the Oregon State Capitol steps on March 11, the Housing Alliance's Housing Opportunity Day. Afterwards the socks will be donated to folks who need them because they don’t have a warm place to sleep at night.

Help by donating socks today. Every little bit counts! You can drop off donations at any of our office locations:

CSC Corvallis: 545 SW 2nd St., Suite A
CSC Albany: 250 Broadalbin St., Suite 2A
CSC Newport: 120 NE Avery St.

For more drop-off locations and information, visit: https://www.oregonhousingalliance.org/socks/

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Martha Lyon
Executive Director, Community Services Consortium

HEART to Heart Resource Fair on May 16

The Albany Homeless Enrichment and Rehabilitation Team (HEART) and Community Services Consortium will host the ninth annual HEART to Heart Resource Fair Thursday, May 15, 2014, for individuals and families in Linn County who are homeless or living in poverty. The event is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Boys & Girls’ Club of Albany, 1215 Hill Street SE.

Representatives of more than 40 organizations will provide information and help with disability or Social Security benefits; identification; finding a job; health care; housing; help with rent or utility bills; alcohol and drug treatment; and special housing, medical, and employment programs for veterans.

Individuals who need dental care can see a dentist at the Club’s dental clinic for extractions and examinations, first-come, first-served, from 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Stylists from SuperCuts will give free haircuts, volunteers from SafeHaven Humane Society will have some pet supplies to give away, and a bicycle mechanic will be on hand to do quick tune-ups.

A limited number of reading glasses, sunglasses, daily living kits, shoes, new socks, items for children, and first-aid kits will be available. Love INC will provide lunch.

The Resource Fair began in June 2006 when the City of Albany cleared out a long-established homeless camp in Simpson Park. The HEART Board of Directors includes representatives of local health and human service agencies, homeless shelters and advocates, the City of Albany, faith-based organizations, and Albany businesses.

For more information about the event, contact 541-917-7507.

CSC Hosts Fifth Annual Homeless Person's Memorial Service

Community Services Consortium hosted the fifth annual Homeless Person's Memorial Service on December 21 at Albany City Hall. The event gathers the community together to pay respect to the homeless people that we have lost in Albany during the year. This year's service included six homeless people: Robert A. Carlson, 76; Daniel S. Cowen, 59; Russell Ray, 56; Crystal L. Sprague, 33; Vincent A. “Tony” Torrier, 48; and David L. Weidrich, 42.

To read more about the memorial or to view a slide show with pictures from the event, visit the Albany Democrat-Herald site here.

CSC Sponsors National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day

Homeless individuals, social service providers, faith-based organizations, and the public are invited to gather at the Albany City Hall Plaza, 333 Broadalbin Street SW, at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 21, 2012, for Albany’s fourth observance of National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.

The event is an opportunity to remember the people who have died on Albany streets, in abandoned properties or open places, and from illnesses or conditions directly related to homelessness.  Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day is a national observance.

The memorial event will include a proclamation by Albany Mayor Sharon Konopa, the reading of the names and lighting candles for those who have died in Albany and other Linn County communities in 2012, words of remembrance, and a military salute by the American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard. Refreshments will follow.

The observance is sponsored by the City of Albany, the Homeless Enrichment and Rehabilitation Team (HEART) board of directors, American Legion Post 10, Community Services Consortium, and Samaritan Health Services.

Donations of socks, thermal underwear, stocking caps, gloves, hooded sweatshirts, and gently used coats will be collected for Albany Helping Hands and Signs of Victory shelter guests.

The national observance has been held annually since 1990 on or near the first day of winter (and the longest night of the year). In 2011, 157 cities in 40 states and the District of Columbia held memorial events.

For more coverage of this event, see the article here.

CSC Helps the Homeless

Albany Partnership for Housing and Community Development acquired and rehabilitated two properties with the help of the Community Services Consortium. 

The residences are available to Albany’s homeless who are trying to redirect their lives. Those staying at the locations will have the opportunity to learn a variety of life skills such as parenting, personal finance and budgeting.

The Albany City Council voted unanimously to exempt the two properties owned by the Albany Partnership for Housing and Community Development from paying city property taxes.


For more information click on the Albany Democrat Herald article.

AmeriCorps VISTA members Assist with the Benton County Homeless Connect

The Benton County Homeless Connect is yearly event that helps to give homeless and low-income individuals and families an opportunity to access needed resources and assistance.

This year’s Homeless Connect, hosted by Benton County Board of Commissioners , was held March 9th at Corvallis’s First United Methodist Church’s Community Center. Jessica Stallings, AmeriCorps VISTA member of CSC’s ‘Building Bridges’ VISTA Programs, organized the event. Her AmeriCorps*VISTA team mates traveled from across Linn, Lincoln and Benton counties to volunteer their services at the Connect.

Including the ‘Building Bridges’ VISTA team, 55 community members volunteered, and 27 different service agencies provided links to housing, medical and dental care, mental health services and much more to the 68 guests seeking services. Organizations providing free services during the event included Community Outreach Inc., Medical Teams International Dental Van, as well as local agencies that were available to answer housing and legal issue questions. A free hot meal was provided by Stone Soup.

Over $2,100 was raised in in-kind donations, some of which came in the form of donated clothing, socks, toiletries, and food.

Learn to be good tenant and get a second chance

Second Chance CSC's Renter Rehabilitation is a program for people who have low incomes and who are unable to obtain housing, due to poor credit and/or a poor rental history.

The Second Chance Program is designed to help people gain the skills, strategies, and self-confidence they need to obtain and maintain housing. The next session offered will be at CSC’s Corvallis office at 545 SW 2nd Street, Corvallis from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on the following days

Workshop Schedule:
March 6th, 8th, 13th, 15th, 20th& 22nd
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
CSC’s Corvallis Office545 SW 2nd St., Suite A
Must attend all six workshops to receive
certificate!

For more information, please contact
Cindy Pratt at Community Services Consortium (541) 758-2798

Pelican Place connected with solar energy

Solar panels were installed at Pelican Place, the apartment complex in Newport which provides twelve units of permanent supportive housing to families and individuals who were formerly homeless. The 25 kilowatt solar system, installed by Paul Solonika & Sons, will provide energy to run the building's two laundry rooms.

Community Services Consortium's Weatherization Program was one of Eight Oregon weatherization programs selected to receive funding for piloting the installation of solar photovoltaic systems to implement a broader set of sustainable energy efficient alternatives. The utility will purchase any overage.

CSC sponsors Ten New 'Building Bridges' Members

The 'Building Bridges' Americorps*VISTA program welcomes ten new members to Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties. This is the 6th team sponsored by Community Services Consortium and members are working to address issues of housing and homelessness in the community.

Tifani Erpelding, Program Coordinator for 'Building Bridges' stated, "This is a new approach for our team. In the past we worked on a variety of issues, such as hunger and education, and we made a small impact on many poverty related issues. With our new program approach, we anticipate the compounded efforts of each member working on the single issue of housing and homelessness will create a greater impact on our communities. We are very excited about the program."

Members are serving in non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies across Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties. Projects range from developing volunteer programs to serve homeless children and adults, developing a regional plan to address homelessness, to the 10 Year Plans to End Homelessness in all three counties.

2011 Resource Jam of Linn County

The Resource Jam of Linn County was held on September 13, 2011 at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center. Sponsored by Community Services Consortium, (CSC) this was the second annual event that brought social service providers from all over the county together to hear about the programs each organization has to offer low income residents of Linn County.

Presentations were made by 11 agencies and organizations, plus four speakers representing different departments of CSC. Their aim was to let providers know what other services were being offered in the county in order to steer their clients to the right resources. Tables were set up for each organization to provide brochures, posters, business cards and other printed materials for attendees to pick up and share with co-workers.

There was plenty of time for questions and networking during the event. A total of 67 people were in attendance, and the event was very well received. Plans are to continue to make this an annual event, and to expand the concept to Benton County in the near future.

If your organization would like to participate in next year’s Resource Jam, contact Dina Eldridge @ CSC: 541-928-6335, x. 324 or deldridge@communityservices.us.

New coordinator to address housing and homelessness in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties

Lauren Berentes, CSC Building Bridges' Regional Planning Coordinator

The CSC ‘Building Bridges’ program welcomes Lauren Berentes as a new participant in the AmeriCorps*VISTA program. She will be working with community leaders to coordinate a new Regional Task Force to develop a
10-Year Plan to address housing and homelessness in Linn, Benton, and
Lincoln counties.

The Regional 10-Year Plan will collaborate efforts of 'Building Bridges’ AmeriCorps*VISTAs Michael Spinello (Linn County), Jessica Stallings (Benton County), and Elise Jordan (Lincoln County) alongside regional community members to complete the project. The completed working document will identify service gaps, determine appropriate strategies to address housing and homelessness, provide timelines for implementation, and establish methods for evaluating progress throughout the region.

Berentes was formerly Grants Manager and Volunteer Coordinator for Horizon House, a homeless center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

For more information contact Lauren Berentes at 541-928-6335 ext. 328 or lberentes@communityservices.us.

Community Services Consortium Makes Changes

Helping People. changing Lives.

Community Services Consortium is making changes to save resources and to keep as many of our programs as possible available to people in our communities who need them.
We have offices open in Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties as usual, but we are moving several programs locations. Don't hesitate to call for information.

Moving From Corvallis to Albany CSC Office
Foreclosure Counseling Program
First Time Homebuyer program
Healthy Kids Insurance Program
AmeriCorps*VISTA Program
CSC Administrative services
Call (541) 928-6335

Moving From Lebanon to Albany CSC Office
Low Income Energy Assistance
Rental Assistance
Transitional Housing
Call (541) 928-6335

Changed Albany Location
Mortgage Payment Assistance program: Moved from 1st to2nd floor of Albany CSC office. Call (541) 928-6335
Workforce & Education Adult Program: moved to Oregon
Employment Department at 139 4th Ave., SE, Albany, call (541) 812-8646

Moving From Albany to Lebanon CSC Office Workforce & Education Youth Programs in Linn County: Available
at Lebanon CSC Office. Call (541) 451-1071

CSC offices and phone numbers:Corvallis, 545 SW 2nd St., Ste A, Corvallis, OR 97333 541-752-1010
Albany, 250 SW Broadalbin, Ste 2A, Albany, OR 97321 541-928-6335
Lebanon, 380 Market St., Lebanon, OR 97355 541-451-1071
Lincoln City Career Tech High School, 801 SW Hwy. 101, Ste 404, Lincoln City, OR 97367 541351-8551
Newport, 120 NE Avery St., Newport, OR 97365 541-265-8505

HEART to Heart Resource Fair Serves 154

A Young boy admires his free haircut given by SuperCuts at the Resource Fair.

Community Services Consortium participated in the The May 12th HEART to Heart Resource Fair for the homeless and others living in poverty in Linn and Benton counties. The fair was held at the Boys and Girls Club in Albany and was the largest Resource Fair to date with 154 people checked in.

CSC's Emergency Services gave out 132 pairs of reading and sunglasses glasses, assisted 20 people with Identification applications, and talked to people who are homeless about housing. Other CSC staff gave out information about Healthy Kids medical insurance for children without insurance, participating in employment programs, birth certificate applictions and telling their stories.

Larry Larios and Connie Barkdull from Community Services Consortium help people apply for birth certificates. They speak with a young mother at the Resource Fair

The event was sponsored by the Albany Homeless Enrichment and RehabilitationTeam (HEART. Besides CSC, among other agencies represented were Super Cuts, the Department of Motor Vehicles, Social Security, Veterans Administration, Linn County Alcohol and Drug Treatment, Albany Helping Hands, the Corvallis Bicycle Collective and many other agencies.

CSC 'Building Bridges' now accepting applications for VISTA Members

A former Americorps*VISTA team at CSC.

The CSC ‘Building Bridges’ AmeriCorps*VISTA Program is now accepting applications for VISTA Members. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills, give back to your community, and to fight homelessness in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties. VISTA Members serve full time for one year and receive a living allowance of $858/month, preventative health coverage, student loan forbearance, $5,350 for school loans or future education, and much more! It is a life changing experience! Contact Tifani Erpelding at 541-758-2641 or terpelding@communityservices.us.

CSC Clients Benefit From Computer Donations

Community Services Consortium’s Emergency Services Program and Information Technology department worked together to pass on donated computers to clients. Two families who received the donations came to our attention.

One young family moved to Oregon to care for a dying family member with promises of housing and employment. Unfortunately, after their family member died, they were left with no housing or job. The couple spent a cold winter with their toddler in a borrowed van which they parked on a street. They have since transitioned to CSC permanent housing with goals for self-sufficiency which include schooling for the mother in business management.

The father of the family is on disability and has new medical issues leaving the couple to worry about his ability to care for their child while the mother is in school. The donated computer makes a huge difference in their lives, by allowing the mother to stay at home, take on-line classes for her pre-requisite courses and monitor her husband’s health issues. It gives them both confidence they can move toward achieving their family goals.

A mother and daughter were the second household to receive a computer. They left a domestic violence situation to live with a family member, but moved to a local shelter when it didn’t work. After a referral, CSC found the mother’s achievement goals were a match for sustainable employment and a transition to permanent CSC housing.

Mother and daughter have been walking to the city library after school to work on the library computers for school work. Both their lives have been greatly improved after receiving a donated computer. They won’t be rushed by the library’s hour limit on computers, the daughter can complete her homework in an unhurried manner, and the mother can begin her
pre-requisite course work on-line at home before fall registration and the path toward her career goal.

CSC acknowledges the powerful impact the donated computers have had on these two households and many thanks are sent the donor’s way.

Albany Heart to Heart Resource Fair

Homeless Enrichment And Rehabilitation Team Thursday, May 12 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Albany Boys & Girls Club, 1215 Hill St. SE Learn about: jobs housing medical help food stamps getting identification addiction treatment and recovery insurance for children and teens services for homeless veterans Get: bike repair, a haircut, reading glasses, sunscreen, first-aid and grooming supplies, new socks, lunch, pet supplies, blood preassure checks. For Information: (541) 917-7505 Presented by City of Albany and Community Services Consortium

AmeriCorps*VISTA

Lola Jones, AmeriCorps VISTA member serving at the Lincoln Commission for Children and Families, is organizing a Project Homeless Connect to be held on May 19, 2011 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church at 1226 SW 13th Street Lincoln City in Lincoln City. If you would like to help with the event, a volunteer application can be found here:

“No Place to Call Home”

Save the Date for “No Place to Call Home”
May 16, 2011 7:00 p.m.
First Congregational Church
4515 SW West Hills Road, Corvallis

A program about the lives of Corvallis persons who live on our streets, in our woods and under our bridges. Many are afflicted with chronic medical problems, addiction disorders, or mental illness. Some are just ordinary folks who lost their jobs and can’t find work in this economic environment.

The program is about their struggle to survive and our community’s efforts to reach out to these homeless persons. The event is free, but the audience will be invited to contribute to help the Corvallis Homeless Shelter Coalition move more people into safe and stable housing.

We are celebrating the success of the Corvallis Homeless Shelter Coalition in establishing Partners Place, which will be opening later this summer to provide a permanent place to live for some of Corvallis ‘ most vulnerable homeless persons.

To reserve a seat for the program, call(541)752-3605

Benton County Homeless Connect

Maria McGrew, far right, helps volunteers set up tent for pet area.

The First United Methodist Church in Corvallis was the scene of the Benton Homeless Connect on Friday, March 11, 2011. The outreach event was organized by Maria McGrew, a member of the ‘Building Bridges’ VISTA team.

Volunteers were at intake stations and host volunteers waited to guide the 65 people who came to connect with service providers in Benton County.

People seeking services had access to these: Students from OSU were available to give foot treatments and new socks. The Lions Club Medical Van was onsite for such things as vision and diabetes screening. A dental van sponsored by Samaritan Health Services and staffed by local dentists handled emergency dental situations. Representatives from numerous agencies were available to answer housing questions, address legal issues, help with photo identification, and much more.

Stone Soup provided soup and sandwich meals for the attendees.

Certificate of appreciation for providing affordable housing

Karen L. Chase, Regional Advisor, Department of Oregon Housing and Community Services(OHCS) presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Tom Hatley, Director of Community Services Consortium’s Housing and Community Services Program.

The Certificate of Appreciation goes to Pelican Place for providing affordable housing to Oregonians using Housing Plus dollars. CSC Housing and Community Services purchased and rehabilitated Pelican Place in Newport using a grant from OHCS.

Pelican Place opened in October of 2010. The apartment complex joins Tern House in Newport to shelter individuals and families who were formerly homeless. It will provide twelve units of permanent supportive housing.