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News Release

OHA, Jackson Street Youth Services Celebrate Albany Youth Center Opening - 01/20/26

January 20, 2026

Media Contact: Kim Lippert, 971-323-3831

Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov

OHA, Jackson Street Youth Services celebrate Albany Youth Center opening

Albany, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) joined Jackson Street Youth Services at a celebration Jan. 14 for a new youth center made possible by state investments that expand where young people in Oregon can get care. The new Albany Youth Center will support youth with early intervention, prevention and youth-focused behavioral health services.

big group outside building cutting ribbon

Community leaders celebrate the ribbon cutting for Jackson Street Youth Services in Albany, expanding access to shelter and support for local youth

 

“When young people are in crisis, we need to meet them where they are and provide the stability, care, and dignity they deserve,” said Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. “I’m committed to building more community-based, youth-centered spaces like this across the state because early support and prevention strengthen and improve long-term outcomes and create healthier communities for everyone.”

Through House Bill 5030, passed in 2023, OHA contributed more than $400,000 to support the development of the facility. The center provides youth experiencing homelessness with access to a kitchen, laundry and showers.

With $10 million in expansion funding dedicated to youth residential services and an additional $7 million invested in intensive in-home behavioral health programs that integrate substance use treatment for youth with co-occurring needs, Oregon is making a significant commitment to strengthening its continuum of care.

“There is tremendous value in investing upstream and supporting young people early,” said OHA’s Behavioral Health Division Director Ebony Clarke. “By increasing access to trauma-informed, culturally specific behavioral health resources, we improve long-term health outcomes, support youth success and reduce the likelihood of more intensive behavioral health needs later in life.”

OHA shares the Jackson Street Youth Services’ goal of supporting the health and well-being of youth in Oregon through access to behavioral health care, early intervention and prevention services.

 “This building represents far more than bricks and mortar,” said Kendra Phillips-Neal, executive director, Jackson Youth Services. “It represents nearly two decades of learning, growth, persistence and an unwavering commitment to young people experiencing homelessness.”

By removing barriers to care, expanding access and building sustainable, community-centered systems, OHA and partners continue to address the evolving  needs of Oregon’s youth and families.  Jackson Street Youth Services’ trauma-informed approach will foster safety, dignity and respect while equipping youth with the tools and services they need to thrive.  

The Albany Youth Center is located at 1025 Pacific Blvd. SE, in Albany. It serves as an outreach hub and provides crisis stabilization services to youth. For more information, call the Jackson Street Youth Services 24-hour hotline at 800-901-2904.

photograph of group conversing

Photograph of a hallway

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OHA, Jackson Street Youth Services Celebrate Albany Youth Center Opening - 01/20/26

January 20, 2026

Media Contact: Kim Lippert, 971-323-3831

Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov

OHA, Jackson Street Youth Services celebrate Albany Youth Center opening

Albany, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) joined Jackson Street Youth Services at a celebration Jan. 14 for a new youth center made possible by state investments that expand where young people in Oregon can get care. The new Albany Youth Center will support youth with early intervention, prevention and youth-focused behavioral health services.

big group outside building cutting ribbon

Community leaders celebrate the ribbon cutting for Jackson Street Youth Services in Albany, expanding access to shelter and support for local youth

 

“When young people are in crisis, we need to meet them where they are and provide the stability, care, and dignity they deserve,” said Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. “I’m committed to building more community-based, youth-centered spaces like this across the state because early support and prevention strengthen and improve long-term outcomes and create healthier communities for everyone.”

Through House Bill 5030, passed in 2023, OHA contributed more than $400,000 to support the development of the facility. The center provides youth experiencing homelessness with access to a kitchen, laundry and showers.

With $10 million in expansion funding dedicated to youth residential services and an additional $7 million invested in intensive in-home behavioral health programs that integrate substance use treatment for youth with co-occurring needs, Oregon is making a significant commitment to strengthening its continuum of care.

“There is tremendous value in investing upstream and supporting young people early,” said OHA’s Behavioral Health Division Director Ebony Clarke. “By increasing access to trauma-informed, culturally specific behavioral health resources, we improve long-term health outcomes, support youth success and reduce the likelihood of more intensive behavioral health needs later in life.”

OHA shares the Jackson Street Youth Services’ goal of supporting the health and well-being of youth in Oregon through access to behavioral health care, early intervention and prevention services.

 “This building represents far more than bricks and mortar,” said Kendra Phillips-Neal, executive director, Jackson Youth Services. “It represents nearly two decades of learning, growth, persistence and an unwavering commitment to young people experiencing homelessness.”

By removing barriers to care, expanding access and building sustainable, community-centered systems, OHA and partners continue to address the evolving  needs of Oregon’s youth and families.  Jackson Street Youth Services’ trauma-informed approach will foster safety, dignity and respect while equipping youth with the tools and services they need to thrive.  

The Albany Youth Center is located at 1025 Pacific Blvd. SE, in Albany. It serves as an outreach hub and provides crisis stabilization services to youth. For more information, call the Jackson Street Youth Services 24-hour hotline at 800-901-2904.

photograph of group conversing

Photograph of a hallway

###