Shelter Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do we need shelters in Tillamook?

On any given night in Tillamook County, there are at least 40 people who are unhoused and unsheltered. These figures are based on our best estimates, but the figure is probably higher. Tillamook County lacks sufficient shelter options for everyone of our friends and neighbors who needs shelter. Shelter provides safety and security for our entire community. People who are experiencing unhoused and are unsheltered are more likely to be the victim of a violent crime than people who are housed or sheltered. Furthermore, it is more likely that someone who is unhoused and unsheltered is more likely to be the victim of a violent time than the perpetrator of a crime. In other words, someone who is unhoused and unsheltered is one of the most vulnerable members of our community, and providing shelter is one of the best ways to increase the safety and security of our community. Shelter is also one of our basic needs. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs lists physiological needs, like shelter, as the foundational needs that must be met before higher needs, like self-actualization, can be achieved. When someone is struggling for survival, including struggling to find shelter, they simply do not have the energy to devote to improving their health, sustaining employment, building healthy relationships, or overcoming addiction. Shelter is a prerequisite for achieving these higher level needs.

2. What is CARE working on? 

CARE is setting up two new shelters to serve Tillamook County residents in a housing-first model using emergency shelter and interim shelter:

• The CARE emergency shelter will be like the warming shelter that CARE operates, however it will be open every night. It will be a larger building with ten beds available nightly to anyone as long as they are not a risk to themselves or others. This will allow people to have a safe place to sleep that is out of the rain and other elements. It is important to note, even though anyone can come to the shelter, there will be rules the premises.

• The interim shelters will be individual buildings that house 1 - 4 people. These are meant to be occupied for a longer time, but still be temporary as the general goal is to help people get stable and permanent housing. The interim shelters are open to people who are actively working with on-staff peers to reach their personal goals. This will allow people to have a safe and private place to live while work toward their goals whether it be getting a job, stable housing, an education or working on mental health or recovery. It is important to note, even though these shelters are available to anyone, there will be rules that must be followed such as no drinking, drugs or weapons on the premises.

3. What is housing first and why is it being used?

The Housing First model focuses on providing housing to people experiencing homelessness. This serves as a platform for them to pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life. This approach is guided by the belief that people need basic necessities like food and a place to live before attending to anything less critical, such as getting a job, budgeting properly, or attending to substance use issues. The stability that housing provides bolsters a tenant’s ability to participate in supportive services such as mental health or substance use counseling.

4. What is emergency shelter?

CARE’s emergency shelter is a nightly shelter option that has minimum requirements so that anyone can get services at the shelter. Staff will accept anyone into CARE’s nightly shelter as long as they aren’t a threat to themselves or others.

5. What is interim shelter?

CARE’s interim shelter means that there are a few requirements to access these shelters, but they are pretty easy to meet and most people would be able to have the option of staying in the interim shelters.

6. Why not have sober housing only?

Not everyone who experiences houselessness, has a use disorder so there need to be different options to best serve different people. Currently there are a couple options for drug-free and alcohol-free housing in Tillamook County. If that is what a person needs and is looking for, CARE can help connect them. However, there is currently a gap for people who need housing first before they can work on their other goals. Just like it is hard to focus when you are hungry, some people need a safe place to sleep before they can focus on anything else. CARE’s new shelters can help people who need a safe space so they can work toward their goals.

7. Will residents have on-site management?

There will be 24/7 peer support on campus to provide oversight and help to all residents.

8. What are peers?

Peers are paid professionals with lived experience. CARE peers are people who have experienced homelessness and will be on staff to provide help and support to shelter residents. They can help a person identify and reach their personal goals.

9. What support services will be provided to clients?

There will be many different supportive services available to residents which include: essential life skills, employment support, housing support, gaining access to healthcare, engagement with behavioral health, education support, general hygiene supplies, and more.