Mission Statement
Here, you are human first.
At Octavia's Options, our mission is to empower others and help them get into safe and stable housing by implementing the Housing First model and treating our clients with compassion through a trauma-informed lens.
What does "Housing First" mean?
The Housing First Model is an approach to ending homelessness that provides permanent housing while empowering members in the community to pursue personal goals and obtain a higher quality of life. This means that we recognize housing is the first step towards healing, and therefore we aim to remove common barriers that households face when trying to obtain housing.
Who can the Housing First Movement help?
The Housing First model can benefit homeless families and individuals with varying degrees of personal service needs. This response to the homelessness crisis in Jackson County, Oregon is flexible, and can be applied to anyone. Housing First programs have been proven to be an effective approach in ending homelessness among highly vulnerable populations, especially those with disabilities. Housing First also promotes racial equity, in that it removes judgment against people of color from the housing providers that may hold beliefs that do not align with our human-first mission.
Does Housing First actually work?
Individuals in a Housing First model access housing faster and are more likely to remain stably housed, and public assistance programs see many benefits when using this model. Providing access to housing directly results in cost savings for communities because housed people are less likely to need and use emergency facilities, such as including hospitals, jails, and emergency shelter, than those who are homeless. Housing First is not only cost efficient for the state, but it also reduces the trauma people face due to homelessness.
Programs + Goals
Future Program*: Motel Transformation
Transform a motel for a rapid rehousing program that will allow us to provide shelter those currently experiencing homelessness.
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Future Program*: Rental and Utility Assistance
Provide rental and utility assistance to help prevent households from falling into homelessness
Transportation Aid
Help community members obtain bus passes and other means of transportation.
Hygiene Kits
Provide hygiene kits for the unhoused, as they can be crucial in the air of slowing the contagion of epidemics or illnesses. Hygiene kits are an essential service for the most vulnerable members of the population.
Julie (Emergency Contraceptive)
This is being offered for free while supplies last. Julie has donated 100 units directly to Octavia's Options, as well as made ordering accessible through harm reduction organizations and Remedy Alliance. This is available through our contactless delivery program!
NEW HYGIENE KIT PROGRAM
Hygiene items are often asked for by our unhoused friends. The most requested items are baby wipes, soap, and toothbrushes and toothpaste. There are few programs that do mobile outreach with hygiene items at this time in Jackson County. We will also accept items such as blankets, dog food/treats, water, and other items. Email us if you are interested in donating items not listed here.
** Notes
These programs depend on funding and supply availability. We put every dollar we can toward the community.
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With your donation, we will be able to provide local jobs opportunities and house families and people with disabilities. We appreciate all your support!
