Project Turnkey: An Innovative Solution for Oregonians Experiencing Homelessness

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Info graphic from OCF


Finding a permanent solution for those experiencing homelessness has always been an enormous challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has made those efforts even more difficult. Traditional shelters are not ideal when it becomes necessary to maintain physical distance from others. Building new shelters to meet this need is very expensive and takes almost two years to complete. So, what to do?


Welcome to Project Turnkey. This program, administered by the Oregon Community Foundation, was established last year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the wildfire’s that left many without homes. The program leverages federal and state funds to purchase motels and hotels in counties across Oregon to be used as emergency shelters and transitional housing. 


“Project Turnkey reflects an enormous and collaborative statewide effort to quickly deploy an innovative solution for a complex set of challenges for communities facing increased houseless impacts,” said Max Williams, President and CEO of the Oregon Community Foundation. “We were honored to partner with so many to see this project deliver much-needed support to communities across the state.”


The Federal CARES Act, which provided federal funds to Oregon for the pandemic, has provided Oregon a one-time opportunity to significantly increase shelters and services for at-risk and those experiencing homelessness. To learn more about Project Turnkey click on the links below.



Info graphic provided by OCF



Oregon Community Foundation:

https://oregoncf.org/community-impact/impact-areas/housing-stability/project-turnkey/


Project Turnkey Presentation:

https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/get-involved/Documents/committees/HTF/07-31-20-Project-Turnkey%20Slides.pdf








Published by: Denyse Stawicki








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