Benton County Surpasses Goal, Rehouses 54 Households (Photo) -08/07/25

* Español a continuación *

 

CORVALLIS, ORE.— 54 households in Benton County have moved from homelessness into housing over the past year as a result of collaborative efforts from Benton County’s Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool (FHSP) Program. These households include 69 adults and 53 children for a total of 122 people who have transitioned from homelessness into stable housing since the program’s inception in July 2024.

 

Funding for the FHSP came from the state following Governor Tina Kotek’s 2023 emergency declaration on homelessness. Along with the funding came a goal for Benton County to achieve long-term housing stability for 51 households by June 30, 2025.

 

“We’re thrilled to have not only met our goal, but to have exceeded it, and we couldn’t do this work alone,” said Rebecca Taylor, Program Manager for Benton County’s Coordinated Homeless Response Office (CHRO) which leads the FHSP Program. “The tireless work from our FHSP staff and the dedicated service providers in our community has literally helped bring families back together.”

 

The collaborative program helps people experiencing homelessness transition into permanent housing through: 

• Housing Navigation – staff meet people where they are to assess their barriers and support them with moving into and maintaining housing.  
• Centralized Coordination and Communication – staff serve as a central point of contact for partnering agencies, homeless services providers, property managers, and households to coordinate getting people into stable homes.  
• Outreach and Engagement with Property Managers – staff conduct outreach, recruitment, and ongoing communication with property managers to build relationships and overcome barriers for clients.  

FHSP staff work closely with local service providers who support families experiencing homelessness including Unity Shelter, Community Outreach, Inc. (COI), Vina Moses, and the Corvallis School District through referrals and coordination. IHN-CCO provides funding that supports outreach and engagement.

 

The FHSP also partners with Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center for street outreach, Corvallis Housing First for housing case management, and Fatih, Hope, and Charity Inc. for peer support to provide ongoing wraparound services for FHSP households.

 

“The program doesn’t stop once clients become housed,” said Taylor. “We work with the families towards housing stability and self-sufficiency so people remain successfully housed.”

 

Benton County continues to work with Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to help more people in the county transition out of homelessness.

 

“Our work isn’t over,” said Taylor. “We look forward to hearing updates from the state about ongoing funding and opportunities to increase capacity in our program.”

 

For more information on Benton County’s Coordinated Homeless Response Office and Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool program, visit their website.

 

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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

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El Condado de Benton supera su meta y realoja a 54 hogares

 

54 hogares en el Condado de Benton han logrado una vivienda estable durante el último año gracias a la colaboración del Programa de Fondo de Subsidio de Vivienda Flexible (FHSP por sus siglas en inglés) del condado. Estos hogares incluyen a 69 adultos y 53 niños, lo que suma un total de 122 personas que han logrado una vivienda estable desde el inicio del programa en julio de 2024.

 

El financiamiento para el programa FHSP provino del estado tras la declaración de emergencia (comunicado disponible solo en inglés) de 2023 de la gobernadora Tina Kotek sobre la situación de las personas sin hogar. Junto con el financiamiento, se estableció el objetivo de que el Condado de Benton lograra vivienda estable a largo plazo para 51 hogares antes del 30 de junio de 2025.

 

"Estamos encantados de haber alcanzado nuestra meta, y de haberla superado, y no habríamos podido hacer este trabajo solos", dijo Rebecca Taylor, Gerente del Programa de la Oficina de Respuesta Coordinada para Personas sin Hogar (CHRO por sus siglas en inglés) del Condado de Benton, que lidera el Programa FHSP. "El trabajo incansable de nuestro personal de FHSP y de los dedicados proveedores de servicios de nuestra comunidad han ayudado a reunir a las familias".

 

El programa colaborativo ayuda a las personas sin hogar en la transición a una vivienda permanente mediante:

• Asesoramiento sobre Vivienda: el personal del programa se reúne con las personas para evaluar sus barreras y apoyarlas en su proceso de mudanza y mantenimiento de la vivienda.
• Coordinación y Comunicación Centralizadas: el personal del programa actúa como punto de contacto central para las agencias colaboradoras, los proveedores de servicios para personas sin hogar, los administradores de propiedades y los hogares para coordinar la búsqueda de viviendas estables.
• Difusión y Colaboración con los Administradores de Propiedades: el personal del programa realiza actividades de difusión, reclutamiento y comunicación continua con los administradores de propiedades para fortalecer las relaciones y superar las barreras de los clientes.

El personal de FHSP trabaja de manera coordinada con los proveedores de servicios locales que apoyan a las familias sin hogar, como Unity Shelter, Community Outreach, Inc. (COI), Vina Moses y el Distrito Escolar de Corvallis, mediante referidos y coordinación. IHN-CCO ofrece fondos que apoyan el alcance a la comunidad y la participación.

 

El FHSP también se asocia con la agencia Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center para el alcance comunitario en las calles, Corvallis Housing First y Fatih, Hope, and Charity Inc. para el manejo de casos de vivienda que brindan servicios integrales continuos para los hogares del programa FHSP.

 

“El programa no termina una vez que los clientes consiguen vivienda”, dijo Taylor. “Trabajamos con las familias para lograr la estabilidad y la autosuficiencia habitacional, de modo que puedan mantener una vivienda adecuada”.

 

El Condado de Benton continúa trabajando con los Servicios de Vivienda y Comunidad de Oregón (OHCS por sus siglas en inglés) para ayudar a más personas del condado a salir de su situación en la calle.

 

“Nuestro trabajo no ha terminado”, dijo Taylor. “Esperamos con interés recibir nuevas noticias del estado sobre el financiamiento continuo y las oportunidades para aumentar la capacidad de nuestro programa”.

 

Para obtener más información sobre la Oficina de Respuesta Coordinada para Personas sin Hogar del Condado de Benton y su programa de Fondo de Subsidio de Vivienda Flexible, visite su sitio web.

 

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El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública al 541-766-6800 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Severe Weather Grounds Van Halen Tribute; Local Band To Headline At Benton County Fair (Photo) -08/01/25

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Fair announces a change in the Main Stage lineup for Friday, August 1. Completely Unchained, the Van Halen tribute band scheduled to take the stage at 8:30 p.m., is unable to appear. Local band The Raven Kings will fill the headliner spot, with Skynny Lyzyrd opening at 7 p.m.

 

Concerts and rodeos are included in the cost of Fair admission.

 

The Raven Kings won the Battle of the Bands competition held at the Fair on Thursday, and Skynny Lyzyrd was the runner-up. As winners, The Raven Kings were expecting to play on August 1 at 7 p.m. to open for Completely Unchained. When Fair organizers found out late Thursday night that the scheduled musicians would not be able to get to Corvallis in time to perform, they extended an invitation to The Raven Kings to take the headliner spot.

 

“Both of the bands were thrilled at the opportunity to play the Main Stage at the Fair, and we’re happy to turn this into a paying gig for them,” said Jesse Ott, the County’s director of Natural Areas Parks & Events. “We’re excited to support local musicians, and the crowd at Battle of the Bands really liked them.”

 

The Raven Kings are a heavy blues and rock band based in Salem, Ore. They play covers and original songs, so Ott says, “There will probably be some Van Halen covers in their set Friday night. Fans who were looking forward to hearing Completely Unchained should still consider turning out.”

 

Co-lead singer Ish Phoenix shared the band’s enthusiasm about the change in lineup. “With a heart full of gratitude, I am beyond excited to get the opportunity to play the Main Stage at the Benton County Fair & Rodeo with The Raven Kings. There is nothing better than turning music into memories.”

 

The members of Completely Unchained were stranded in an airport when all flights out of the Washington, D.C. area were grounded on July 31 by thunderstorms and flash flooding along the Eastern seaboard.

 

The 2025 Benton County Fair continues through Saturday, August 2. Find more information at bentoncountyfair.net.

Benton County Health Department To Host Overdose Awareness Events (Photo) -08/01/25

* Español a continuación *

 

During Overdose Awareness Month, Benton County Health Department will hold free community events to increase awareness and prevention of drug overdose.

 

The events coincide with International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), the world’s largest campaign to end overdose by raising awareness and reducing stigma. International Overdose Awareness Day occurs every year on August 31. This year’s theme is, “One big family, driven by hope,” highlighting the community’s shared power to reduce overdose-related deaths. Overdose can affect anyone, and the Health Department encourages community members to lean into the power of working together.

 

“Death from drug overdose impacts not only the loved ones of the person lost, but it can have ripple effects on the entire community,” said Sara Hartstein, Public Health Division Director at Benton County. “This month, we are reminded of the many ways we can all show up, organize, and take action to help prevent future overdose deaths in our community.”

 

Community members are invited to attend a vigil in Monroe or Corvallis to remember those who have died from overdose and acknowledge the grief of families and friends left behind. The Health Department’s Harm Reduction Program will also offer free trainings in Monroe and Corvallis on how to recognize and respond to an overdose. Free naloxone with be distributed at each event. All four events are open to the public. Details can be found below.

• Corvallis Overdose Recognition and Response Training: August 13, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at 4500 SW Research Way
• Monroe Overdose Awareness Vigil: August 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 648 Orchard Street
• Monroe Overdose Recognition and Response Training: August 22, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at 648 Orchard Street
• Corvallis Overdose Awareness Vigil: August 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 602 SW Madison Avenue

 

Events will be held in English. For language interpretation services, please email healthdeptcommunications@bentoncountyor.gov.

 

For more information and resources on overdose prevention visit  bit.ly/BentonCoHealthDeptHarmReduction

 

Learn more about International Overdose Awareness Day: overdoseday.com

 

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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

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* Español *

 

Planning Commission Adopts Decision To Deny Landfill Expansion Application -07/31/25

CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Benton County Planning Commission met on July 29 to adopt their findings of fact and conclusions of law, finalizing their decision to deny LU-24-027 — Republic Services’ application to expand the Coffin Butte Landfill. After about an hour of discussion on the document, the members of the Planning Commission voted unanimously to adopt the final written decision.

 

The Planning Commission had already met on July 22 to deliberate and come to a decision following more than 20 hours of presentations and verbal testimony by Benton County Planning Division staff, consultants, the applicant and community members in a series of in-person meetings that began on April 29. The July 22 meeting lasted nearly four hours.

 

The Planning Commission also received and reviewed thousands of pages of application materials, reports, exhibits and written public testimony and evidence.

Following the close of deliberations on July 22, the County created a final written document containing findings of fact and conclusions of law.

 

Before adopting the document on July 29, Planning Commission members discussed and voted on corrections. According to the quasi-judicial land use application process, only minor changes like corrections could be made without reopening deliberations. A motion to reopen deliberations, which would have extended the process, was made but not seconded, so deliberations remained closed during the meeting.

 

All parties have 14 days from the date of final decision (July 29) to file an appeal. The appeal deadline is 5 p.m. (close of business) on Tuesday, August 12. An appellant is charged the full cost to the County of the appeal, starting with a $5,000 deposit due when the appeal is filed. Appeals are heard by the Benton County Board of Commissioners.  

 

Learn more:

• Final Planning Commission Decision on LU-24-027.
• Video recording of the July 29 Planning Commission meeting. Recordings of all previous meetings are available in the County’s YouTube channel.
• Understanding the Benton County land use application process
• View the application, exhibits, reports, written testimony and other documents related LU-24-027 on the Munidocs platform.

Planning Commission To Meet Virtually To Adopt Decision On Landfill Expansion Application -07/25/25

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Planning Commission will meet virtually on July 29 at 6 p.m. to adopt the decision and findings on LU-24-027, Republic Services’ application to expand the Coffin Butte Landfill. Community members can view the meeting through Zoom. Those who wish to watch the virtual proceedings in a County location can go to the Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis.

 

The Planning Commission met July 22 for deliberations. Following nearly four hours of opening statements and discussion, the seven participating Commission members voted unanimously to deny the application.

 

The County is creating a final written decision document including findings and justification for the decision. The Planning Commission will reconvene on July 29 at 6 p.m. in a Zoom meeting room to adopt the written decision and findings, making the decision final.

 

The public hearing on LU-24-027 began on April 29. In total, the Planning Commission heard more than 20 hours of presentations and verbal testimony by Benton County Planning Division staff, consultants, the applicant and community members. The Commission also received and reviewed thousands of pages of application materials, reports, exhibits and written public testimony and evidence.

 

The Planning Commission opted for a virtual meeting on July 29 to make the best use of commissioner time and County resources. With just one item of business on the agenda, the meeting is expected to be short. The Commission also met virtually on June 17, in a meeting that lasted about five minutes, to continue the public hearing to a later date (July 8). All other meetings related to LU-24-027 were held in person in the Kalapuya Building.

 

Once the decision on the application is final (expected July 29), all parties have 14 days to file an appeal, setting the appeal deadline at 5 p.m. (close of business) on Tuesday, August 12. An appellant is charged the full cost to the County of the appeal, starting with a $5,000 deposit due when the appeal is filed. Appeals are heard by the Benton County Board of Commissioners.  

 

Learn more:

• Video recording of the July 22 Planning Commission meeting. Recordings of all previous meetings are available in the County’s YouTube channel.
• Understanding the Benton County land use application process
• Zoom registration for the July 29 Planning Commission meeting where the decision on LU-24-027 will be adopted
• View the application, exhibits, reports, written testimony and other documents related LU-24-027 on the Munidocs platform.