Corvallis Housing First breaks ground on 47-unit supportive housing community
Community members, local leaders and housing advocates gathered Thursday, March 19 to break ground on Third Street Commons, a 47-unit permanent supportive housing development aimed at helping people experiencing chronic homelessness in Benton County.
The project, led by Corvallis Housing First, will provide housing paired with services such as health care, behavioral health support and case management. When complete, it will be the first development of its kind in Corvallis. The facility will include fully furnished studio and one-bedroom apartments, on-site services and community spaces.
All three Benton County commissioners attended the event, underscoring the County’s commitment to expanding housing options and supporting coordinated efforts to address homelessness.
Board Chair Pat Malone shared remarks during the ceremony before joining partners and other local and state leaders to turn over the first shovel of dirt.
“On behalf of Benton County, we’re grateful to everyone who helped make this project possible and look forward to seeing residents move into Third Street Commons and begin new chapters in their lives,” Benton County Commissioner Pat Malone said.
Permanent supportive housing combines stable housing with services designed to help people maintain housing and improve their overall well-being. Project partners said the development will help fill a critical gap in the community’s continuum of care.
“This project has been years in the making and reflects the hard work of many partners who believe everyone deserves a safe and dignified place to live,” said Andrea Myhre, executive director of Corvallis Housing First.
For people who have experienced homelessness, the project represents more than a new building. It also represents stability, affordability and a path forward.
Dominic Marchese, a local who has benefitted from supportive services, said Corvallis Housing First has already had a life-changing impact.
“I’m forever indebted to this place because they saved my life,” Marchese said. “I’m hoping to have an apartment here.”
He said the support provided goes beyond housing.
“It makes me feel great that there are organizations out here to help people who are struggling,” Marchese said. “They’re life-saving.”
Jason Sutherland, another local who has received housing support through Corvallis Housing First, said stable housing has been critical during ongoing health challenges.
“Everybody with Housing First has just been phenomenal,” Sutherland said. “They’ve been there for me through everything.”
Sutherland said the organization helped him secure housing and has continued to support him as his health has declined.
“They’re looking out for people, not just those with addiction, but people with serious health conditions,” he said.
Project leaders said the effort reflects years of planning and collaboration among Corvallis Housing First, the City of Corvallis, Benton County, Oregon Housing and Community Services and other public and private partners.
Construction is expected to be completed in September 2027, with residents moving in shortly afterward.
Organizers said the groundbreaking marks an important step toward expanding supportive housing and helping more people in Benton County stabilize and rebuild their lives.
Photos from the event are available at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/196115871@N03/albums/72177720332612970
