‘We are reducing the adult homelessness numbers’: Wilson Avenue triplex to be used for youth renters program

(Update: Adding video, comments from J Bar J Youth Services)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Cascade Youth & Family Center, a program of J Bar J Youth Services, continues to step up to meet needs of young people in our region by addressing one of our most urgent issues: housing.

Central Oregon’s housing crisis has made finding affordable housing difficult under the best of circumstances. For young people striving to transition to independence while navigating additional barriers, the struggle is even greater. 

"These young people, by us supporting them in this, we are reducing the adult homelessness numbers later on," said Eliza Wilson, Director of Services for Runaway and Homeless Youth and chair of the Homeless Leadership Coalition.

J Bar J was awarded funds from Central Oregon's MAC group, facilitated by COIC (the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council), to implement this critical program.  

"It's an opportunity for youth to be on their own leases and renters," Wilson said. "So they are going to be paying a portion of the rent. and they're going to have a normal lease, like we all do when renting."

CYFC’s new Housing Program will serve young adults ages 16 to 24, offering a stable option for those who need more independence but would still benefit from daily case management. The program is open to youth from various backgrounds, including those aging out of foster care or facing homelessness, whether or not they have previously lived in one of CYFC's three youth shelters. 

Cascade Youth and Family Center’s acquiring of a Wilson Avenue triplex (that became a source of neighborhood concern over another type of program) marks a tangible step in the effort to support our community’s vulnerable youth. 

"We're going to be able to move youth in sooner, and I'm sure that they're disappointed not being able to support that population at this time. But we do need housing options for everybody," Wilson said.

The youth housed through this program receive daily case management support to help them navigate independent living and responsible decision making.  The neighborhood surrounding the triplex have been informed of the new use of the property and have been given resources and contact info to educate them on the program’s mission.

J Bar J Youth Services plays a key role in the region’s response to youth homelessness. It works collectively with partners like HLC, Central Oregon’s Youth Action Board, COIC, NeighborImpact and others to prevent and end youth homelessness.  

Eliza Wilson has been instrumental in these efforts, bringing together partners from Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.  

“We want to be able to find housing options for everybody, especially young people who face many barriers to housing locally,” Wilson said.

Stephanie Alvstad, CEO of J Bar J Youth Services, said, “These housing initiatives by J Bar J Youth Services are not only a response to the region’s housing crisis but also an extension of the organization's long-standing mission: to provide young people with the tools, support and encouragement they need to step confidently into adulthood.”