Unity Shelter Community Update

We're writing to share important updates about Unity Shelter's services and express our deep gratitude for the extraordinary community support that has made our continued operations possible.

After months of financial uncertainty that threatened substantial layoffs and service reductions, we're pleased to announce that bridge funding secured through community partners and donors has enabled us to maintain most of our staff and continue serving our most vulnerable community members.

• Combined Shelter: 50 beds (25 for women, 25 for men) at our Room at the Inn location on Jackson Avenue
• Men's Shelter on Chapman Place: Temporarily suspended overnight services, but continuing to provide essential daytime supportive services through the Hygiene Center, and returning to 7-day services
• Unity’s SafePlace program: Transitional housing which supports clients in microshelters at locations throughout Corvallis – will continue.
• Staffing: Most positions retained thanks to community support

This outcome reflects the true spirit of Unity Shelter's mission: providing safe shelter through community care. We extend heartfelt thanks to:

• Coordinated Homeless Response Office (CHRO) - a joint effort of Benton County, the City of Corvallis, and Community Services Consortium - for their instrumental role in coordinating funding and advocating across community and state partners
• IHN-CCO for their ongoing partnership and support
• First United Methodist Church for their support of combined shelter at Room at the Inn
• Partner organizations throughout our community who offered assistance and solutions during this challenging period
• Individual donors and volunteers whose generosity and commitment demonstrate the strength of our community's values

Your collective response exemplifies how caring for our most vulnerable neighbors benefits us all.

While we've navigated this immediate crisis, securing sustainable long-term funding remains our primary focus.

Current Status:

• Bridge funding supports reduced operations through September
• The state has approved continued funding for homeless services, with details still being finalized
• We're committed to maximizing every dollar through careful cost management
• Expanding volunteer engagement will be crucial to our continued success

How You Can Help:

• Donate: Every contribution helps extend our operational capacity
• Volunteer: We're actively seeking to increase volunteer involvement across our programs
• Advocate: Continue supporting policies and funding that address homelessness in our community

Unity Shelter remains dedicated to serving those experiencing homelessness in our community. While we navigate ongoing funding challenges, we're grateful to operate in a community that recognizes the importance of this work and steps up to support it.

We'll continue providing updates as our situation evolves.