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Housing Transitions

The Housing Transitions Program (HTP) is a relationship-centered program that operates on the best practice Housing First model. We assist in removing barriers to permanent housing and provide housing services to self-identified women experiencing homelessness, who are at least 25 years old, and do not have any children in their care.

Housing Transitions

Non-parenting women who are at least 25 years old and experiencing homelessness are an underserved population with relatively few services available to them. Often, women with children in their care receive housing priority.

While the overall number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County has dropped by 15% in the past two years, the number of single women on the streets has increased.

In partnership with other programs in the area, our Housing Transitions Program is able to offer drop-in services, housing assistance, and employment coaching.

HTP provides services to about 900 women every year.

Drop-In Services

The Housing Transitions Program is a warm, welcoming place for self-identified women who are experiencing homelessness and offers community-building for those who have achieved housing.

Drop-in is open Monday through Friday between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Women may access drop-in services without an intake.

  • COVID-19 precautions as of 3/16/2020: drop-in services (mail, food, hygiene supplies) at the door, limited showers and laundry, one person in space at a time.
  • COVID-19 precautions as of 5/18/2020: masks must be worn, and all guests must be symptom-free while in the space.
    • Appointments and meetings to be held by phone as much as possible.
    • *No group activities are scheduled.
Drop-in services include…
  • A supportive community for self-identified women (well-mannered pets are welcome)
  • Showers
  • Washer & dryer
  • Phone & computer
  • Information & referrals
  • Mailing address
  • Monthly activities*
  • Breakfast snacks daily
  • Lunch on Wednesdays
  • A monthly calendar of social and craft activities*

We are located at Catholic Charities of Oregon on 2740 SE Powell Boulevard, Suite 6, on the #9 bus line. The entrance is in the back of the building on the lower level of Clark Family Center.

Housing Services

The Housing Transitions Program operates on the Housing First model that prioritizes finding permanent housing as quickly as possible, providing supportive services as needed. This approach is based on the premise that individuals are better able to address other issues in their lives once they have a reliable place to stay.

The ultimate goal of the program is for women to recover from homelessness and become fully participating members of their communities.

To this end, landlord relationships are an important part of our work. When a landlord is willing to accept a client who has barriers to housing, Housing Transitions offers ongoing support to those landlords and encourages them to contact us for assistance in resolving any issues.

Housing services assists with…
  • Advocacy
  • Addressing barriers to housing
  • Securing permanent housing
  • Applying for subsidized housing
  • Rental appeals
  • Rental applications
  • Move-in assistance when funds are available
  • Housing case management & retention

Housing Retention

While there are a variety of circumstances affecting the ability of individuals to keep their housing, the primary factors are having the income to pay the rent, understanding and abiding by the terms of the lease, and being able to live in peace with neighbors.

We place women in housing they can afford on their own and help them move in. Case managers work with their clients to explain the importance of following reasonable expectations by property management, being good neighbors, and complaining constructively if there is an issue that needs to be resolved.

Employment

While some clients are disabled and living on Social Security Disability, many others are able to return to the workforce and financial independence. Our employment specialist provides one-on-one, individualized assistance.

In order to give every job seeker undivided attention, employment services are offered by appointment.

We offer the following during scheduled appointments:
  • General employment and pre-employment services
  • Resume preparation
  • Employment search
  • Employment applications
  • Referrals to community partners

Outreach and Engagement

Outreach and engagement offers a connection to housing and support services to people experiencing homelessness. Building strong relationships between outreach workers and people living outside is essential to addressing barriers to housing.

Our outreach team visits neighborhoods, business areas, and green spaces to meet folks who are sleeping outside, in their cars, or in shelters. The outreach team provides immediate resources in the form of water bottles, hygiene supplies, weather appropriate gear, and clothing. They also seek to connect self-identified women with drop-in and housing services through HTP and in partnership with other local agencies who provide housing and support services.

Housing Transitions

In-Kind Needs

We are not able to accept clothing other than the items specified here at this time but will gladly accept winter coats, gloves, hats, and sleeping bags in season.

Hygiene kits may be delivered to Housing Transitions Program, on the south side of the building (2740 SE Powell Blvd), M-F between 9:00am and 1:00pm.

View our Amazon wish list

Cold & Wet Weather Supply Needs

  • Tarps
  • Tents
  • Sleeping Bags
  • Hot Hands (handwarmers)
  • Hats
  • Gloves
  • Socks
  • Warm Blankets

Hygiene Kits

  • Travel size deoderant
  • Travel size toothpaste + brushes
  • Travel size lotion
  • Travel size soap
  • Travel size shampoo
  • Travel size, non-alcohol mouthwash
  • Travel size hand sanitizer
  • Strong combs or brushes
  • AA Batteries
  • First aid supplies
  • High-protein snacks (almond / peanut butter packs, jerky, travel tuna kits, applesauce / fruit cups, dried fruit, soft energy bars, etc.)
  • Gatorade / electrolyte packets
  • Vitamin C packets
  • Body cleansing wipes
  • Clear zip (sandwich) bags
  • Small sewing kits
  • Cases of bottled water (16.9 ounce bottles)
  • Pre-loaded Trimet HOP cards ($5 per card)
  • Nail clippers
Articles
In Memory of Katie Nolan: A Dedication to Those in Need
Housing Services

In Memory of Katie Nolan: A Dedication to Those in Need

Posted By | Jennifer Lucena, Homeless Services Manager
On July 6, 2020, our Hosing Transitions Program wished the late Katie Nolan, former Catholic Charities staff member and symbol of our mission to serve those in need, a very happy birthday. With face coverings and social distancing the HTP team shared 50 sack meals (including a commemorative photo and story of Katie) with people…
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Kenton Women's Village Celebrates New Community Space, Increased Health Care Enrollment
Housing Services

Kenton Women's Village Celebrates New Community Space, Increased Health Care Enrollment

Posted By | Catholic Charities of Oregon
After a year of planning, the new community space at Kenton Women’s Village is finished! See photos of the project and the impact it has already had on villagers.
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COVID-19 Update: New Ways to Help
Featured

COVID-19 Update: New Ways to Help

Posted By | Deacon Rick Birkel
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The Challenge of Homelessness in Oregon - What's to be done?
Housing Services

The Challenge of Homelessness in Oregon - What's to be done?

Posted By | John Gould, Doug Walta, Steve Schell, Tuck Wilson
As a leader in the community, Catholic Charities’ long-standing work and expertise in serving those experiencing homelessness led to a partnership with John Gould, Doug Walta, Steve Schell and Tuck Wilson. The diverse group of professionals came together to gather research and best practices over two years to produce their new report, The Challenge of…
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