Success Marked by Exceedingly High Permanent Housing Placement Rate
Salem, OR — The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) proudly announces the remarkable achievements of the Salem Navigation Center in its inaugural year of operation. The center has surpassed key benchmarks and established itself as a leader in addressing homelessness, with success rates exceeding those of similar programs ran state wide and nationally.
“This was our first year of operation and we were focused on benchmarking, but frankly, we surpassed our own expectations and key measurements from similar programs in Portland and Los Angeles,” said Jimmy Jones, Executive Director of MWVCAA. “We saw placement into permanent housing at the rate of 52% for clients we served here in Marion County last year.”
In comparison, similar programs in Oregon report a permanent housing placement rate of around 25%, while rates in Los Angeles can be as low as 3% and 11%.
What makes these achievements even more extraordinary is the demographic served by the Navigation Center. The clients, who have experienced extended periods of homelessness averaging 4 years, often need skilled supported services in order to transition into stable housing. 56% of those served at the center are categorized as chronically homeless, with 33 of those individuals successfully moving into permanent housing. Demonstrating the center’s effectiveness in empowering success among populations who are the most vulnerable in our community.
Another key metric highlighting the center’s success is the duration of stay for clients. In Marion County, the average length of stay at the Navigation Center before moving into permanent housing is 4 months, compared to 8 to 12 months or more in other parts of the West.
“Our city staff are working hard every day to help get people off the street. The Navigation Center is at the core of these efforts,” said Chris Hoy, Mayor of Salem. “The state’s support is critical in keeping the doors open. Together, we will continue to make positive strides addressing the homelessness crisis in Salem.”
The Salem Navigation Center, administered by MWVCAA, is a pioneering effort to address homelessness. This center, a collaborative endeavor with the city of Salem, operates around the clock, offering 24/7 support and services to individuals. With 75 low-barrier shelter beds, the center ensures accessibility for those experiencing homelessness, including those who may have previously been excluded from traditional shelters due to pets, partners, or substance use.
Guests at the Navigation Center have a safe place to sleep and access to a comprehensive range of essential services to improve their overall quality of life. The center provides three nutritious meals daily, addressing food insecurity. Additionally, the facility includes showers, laundry services, and hygiene supplies, ensuring that those served can maintain personal cleanliness and dignity.
A cornerstone of the center’s approach is its integration of intensive case management and onsite behavioral health services. Case managers work closely with guests to develop personalized plans that address their needs and goals. They also aid participants with attaining permanent housing, basic needs, health insurance, and other mainstream benefits. Furthermore, case managers help participants navigate medical, mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and recovery services.
The first-year success of the Salem Navigation Center is a testament to the dedication and innovative strategies employed by MWVCAA. The agency remains committed to building on this success and continuing to provide essential services that address homelessness and promote stability within the community.
The Navigation Center was fully funded for another year by Oregon Housing and Community Services as a result of the first year’s positive outcomes. The state’s $1.8 million investment will directly support continued success, building on the achievements of the first year.