Homelessness is a pressing issue in many communities, and the Mid-Willamette Valley is no exception. To address this growing concern, a regional effort has been established to create sustainable solutions for those experiencing housing instability. The MidWillamette Valley Homeless Alliance (MWVHA) is dedicated to bringing together local governments, service providers, and community members to coordinate and streamline efforts to prevent and ultimately end homelessness in Marion and Polk counties.
The Alliance is built on collaboration, inclusion, and compassion, ensuring everyone has access to housing, healthcare, and the basic human dignity they deserve. With a structured plan and a shared vision, this organization is making significant strides in addressing homelessness through various strategies.
The Mission of the Alliance
At its core, the Alliance is committed to creating an evidence-based system of services. This system is designed to meet the diverse needs of adults, children, families, and individuals who are either at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. The mission extends beyond temporary relief—it focuses on permanent solutions by integrating stable housing, healthcare, and social services.
In essence, the Alliance aims to make the Mid-Valley a place where everyone belongs and no one has to suffer without a roof over their head. This mission is supported by ongoing efforts to understand the underlying causes of homelessness and provide a pathway out of this crisis for every community member.
A Vision of a Community of Belonging
The Alliance’s vision is ambitious yet grounded in compassion. It seeks to transform the Mid-Valley into a community where everyone can access essential services, including housing and healthcare. In this ideal world, people facing housing instability can heal, find safety, and experience respect and dignity.
The Alliance envisions a holistic approach rather than treating homelessness as an isolated problem. They aim to create a community-wide commitment where every organization, service provider, and individual contributes to reducing homelessness.
The Values That Drive the Alliance
Several core values guide the work of the MWVHA:
Collaboration
The organization brings together stakeholders from different sectors—government agencies, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and people with lived experiences. The Alliance fosters solutions that address homelessness from multiple angles by listening to diverse voices. This collaborative spirit ensures the region works together towards a common goal.
Stewardship
Using resources effectively and transparently is a key value. The Alliance takes its responsibility seriously, ensuring that all resources, including time, money, and services, are used strategically to end homelessness.
Inclusion
The Alliance believes that everyone should have access to housing regardless of background. Efforts are made to create a Continuum of Care that serves people from all walks of life, particularly those historically underrepresented or marginalized in housing services.
Compassion
The work of the Alliance is grounded in the belief that human suffering should be alleviated whenever possible. This compassion drives the organization to meet people where they are, offering services and support that respect their unique situations.
Leadership
Leading by example, the Alliance pushes for bold, evidence-based solutions. It continuously adapts to emerging trends and challenges in the community, taking proactive steps to address the root causes of homelessness.
A Collaborative Structure to End Homelessness
The Alliance’s structure is designed for maximum effectiveness. Rather than directly providing services, it focuses on strategic coordination, resource allocation, and data-driven planning. This approach allows for the efficient use of resources while avoiding duplication of efforts.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recognizes the MWVHA as the Marion-Polk region’s Continuum of Care (CoC). This designation underscores the Alliance’s role in developing long-term solutions to homelessness through coordinated services and funding.
Key Goals for the Future
Over the next five years, the Alliance has set ambitious but achievable goals:
Deepen Understanding of the Crisis
The Alliance uses quantitative and qualitative data to understand the causes of homelessness better. This insight allows the organization to adjust its strategies in real-time and create tailored solutions that address specific community needs.
Strengthen the System of Care
A critical goal is to improve the system of care in the region. This means expanding the capacity of service providers to offer safe places for people to stay while they transition to more stable housing. By building stronger community ties, the region can better prevent homelessness from occurring in the first place.
Maximize Resources
The organization works tirelessly to secure and leverage resources that support local efforts. By pooling federal, state, and local funding, the Alliance ensures that every dollar is used strategically to fight homelessness.
Increase Community Participation
Because homelessness affects the entire region, the Alliance seeks to expand participation from all sectors. Engaging businesses, faith-based organizations, and everyday citizens is crucial for creating a unified response to this challenge.
The History Behind the Alliance
The roots of the (MWVHA) stretch back several years. Initially, local efforts were coordinated through the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency. However, in 2016, a regional initiative was launched to address the growing problem of homelessness better.
Through partnerships between local governments and a focus on long-term planning, the Marion and Polk counties’ Continuum of Care was re-established with a stronger foundation. The Alliance was formally recognized by HUD in 2019, and since then, it has led the charge in aligning services, analyzing data, and improving community outcomes.
What the Alliance Does
While the Alliance does not provide direct services, it plays a pivotal role in regional planning. Its work includes:
- Aligning services across the region to reduce inefficiencies and improve outcomes.
- Implementing strategic plans that focus on ending chronic and veteran homelessness.
- Collecting and analyzing data to better understand community needs.
- Facilitating the annual application for federal CoC funding, which supports local programs.
This comprehensive approach ensures that every part of the system works toward the shared goal of ending homelessness.
Challenges and Adaptability
The Alliance remains agile and adaptable as the homelessness crisis continues to evolve. New challenges arise regularly due to economic downturns, natural disasters, or pandemics. Yet, the organization is committed to adjusting its strategies and finding innovative solutions that keep pace with these changes.
Conclusion
The Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance is vital in the region’s fight to end homelessness. By fostering collaboration, leveraging resources, and leading with compassion, the organization is paving the way for long-term solutions. With a clear mission and values emphasizing inclusion and stewardship, the Alliance is making measurable progress toward its vision of a community where everyone has access to housing, healthcare, and dignity.
FAQs:
What is the primary goal of the Alliance?
The primary goal is to prevent and end homelessness in Marion and Polk counties by coordinating regional services and resources.
How does the Alliance help individuals facing homelessness?
While the Alliance does not provide direct services, it ensures local agencies have the support and resources needed to offer shelter, healthcare, and other essential services.
Is the Alliance only focused on homelessness in Marion and Polk counties?
Yes, the organization serves explicitly the Marion and Polk counties region in Oregon, working to create a coordinated response to homelessness in this area.
How does the Alliance secure funding?
The Alliance manages the application for federal Continuum of Care funding, which supports local service providers working to prevent and end homelessness.
Can community members get involved with the Alliance?
Yes, the Alliance encourages participation from all community sectors, including businesses, nonprofits, and individual citizens, to help address homelessness in the region.