Salem, OR, — As part of our ongoing efforts to mitigate the number of homeless families in our community, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) is proud to announce the opening of ARCHES Family First, a brand-new resource center for Marion and Polk County families experiencing homelessness.
MWVCAA is hosting a grand opening ceremony and open house for ARCHES Family First, located at 1255 Broadway St NE, Salem, OR 97301, on February 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The ARCHES Family First program plays a critical role in providing a safe, supportive environment where families can rest, access resources, and receive essential support,” Breezy Poynor, ARCHES Program Director of Housing, said. “It is the only program in Marion and Polk counties that offers a combination of meals, family enrichment, and housing assistance all under one roof.”
ARCHES Family First is a one-stop location where families and parents can work with on-site ARCHES Project staff to support and guide them on their path to finding a place to call home. As a low-barrier resource connection center, we will offer a variety of services such as, but not limited to:
- Access to immediate needs
- Computer Access
- Case Management
- Trainings
- Family Activities
ARCHES Family First will work in a close capacity with The ARCHES Nest, our brand-new family shelter that opened January 2025.
The ARCHES Nest assists unhoused families with shelter, their most immediate need, ARCHES Family First serves as the next step for these families as they receive assistance in their journey to transition into permanent housing, as well as providing assistance to families on the brink of being homeless to prevent this from happening. Additionally, transportation will be provided between the two sites to remove another possible barrier for our clients and ensure families get the right care they need.
The MWVCAA remains unwavering in its commitment to combating homelessness through a comprehensive and integrated approach, blending shelter, essential resources, and robust advocacy efforts. The launch of ARCHES Family First, along with The ARCHES Nest, marks a pivotal step in our agency’s mission towards long-term change for unhoused families.
This initiative comes at a critical time, as Oregon faces an unprecedented crisis: the highest family homelessness rate in the nation. Alarming data from McKinney-Vento reports reveal a stark 17% increase in child homelessness statewide, underscoring the urgency of our work.
Now more than ever, these services are not just needed—they are essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring brighter futures for Oregon’s children and families.