RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
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In keeping with our “Housing First” philosophy, ColumbiaCare Services’ Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is designed to help high-needs individuals obtain independent housing in the community. Clients who qualify have a diagnosis of serious mental illness and are stepping down from higher levels of care, such as the state hospital or a licensed treatment facility. These individuals typically face many barriers to obtaining housing and it’s our focus to help them to overcome those obstacles. We provide support from the beginning of the housing search to help our clients see that it is possible to live outside of acute care settings and become a permanent member of the community.
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RAP is staffed by Residential Specialists and Peer Support Specialists. Residential Specialists focus on the nuts and bolts of what it takes to obtain housing, exploring community resources and ascertaining services the client may benefit from while encouraging their growth. The Peer Support Specialists are personally aware of the challenges our tenants face because of their own lived experience with mental illness. They are specially trained to use their stories of recovery to support tenants and help them see their own bright futures. These skilled staff work with the clients to determine their specific housing wants and needs in order to best-tailor our housing search to meet their individual preferences and requirements. Then, we identify potential properties that meet the criteria, reach out to the landlord or property management, obtain the required applications, and work with the tenant to complete them and gather necessary documentation. Once submitted, ColumbiaCare Services advocates for the tenant and alleviates concerns they may have during the process.
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ColumbiaCare Services staff also assesses the tenant's financial resources and, as needed, will provide monetary assistance with application fees, security deposits and other incidentals through state funding for this project. This is available through a one-time payment meant to ensure that lack of funds is not a barrier to obtaining housing. Whenever possible, our staff also works closely with the tenant's treatment providers to ensure everyone is aware of the goals, progress and supporting the same outcome.
Once a tenant is placed in housing, the staff will provide ongoing support and education around what it means to be a good resident and neighbor, how to build rental history and credit, securing and maintaining utilities, accessing community resources and how to locate and utilize public transit systems. Tenants are not required to be engaged in treatment services in order to participate, but they are made aware of what resources and services are available should they be interested in engaging them. By encouraging the tenants to develop and meet their own housing goals, the RAP allows them to discover their place in a safe environment they’ve helped to secure. This teamwork dynamic also promotes the growth of positive relationships and increased independence. |
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM in your area:
PORTLAND METRO AREAClackamas County, Multnomah County & Washington County
Please contact Nina Askew, Supportive Housing Supervisor at 503.654.7654 or naskew@columbiacare.org
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Southern OregonCoos County, Curry County & Jackson County
Please contact Delcia Dillard, QMHP, Supportive Housing Program Manager at 541.858.8170 or ddillard@columbiacare.org
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