Lynn McConnell, executive director of Housing Works, told the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 10 that Cleveland Commons—owned and operated by Housing Works—has filled units and is providing services to a population defined as chronically homeless under coordinated entry standards.

McConnell said the property management role switched from EPIC Property Management to Cascade Management on March 1 and that the development’s first vacancy occurred in July when a resident died. “We have had well over 1,400 touches between staff and residents,” McConnell said, describing those interactions as part of an effort to stabilize tenants and build community.

The presentation highlighted resident-driven activities and supports: a mural created by local artist Sarah Swaffer that residents helped paint, a community scrapbook presented to a manager and volunteer services including regular haircuts and donated books that function as an on-site library. McConnell said those activities illustrate “what happens when housing insecurity isn’t part of the daily survival math.”

McConnell cited national studies as evidence that permanent supportive housing reduces use of other public services: “This type of housing helps folks become housed, reduces shelter use, and...shows a decrease in use of other public services such as the ER, emergency psychiatric services, and even a reduction in jail bookings by 90% in Florida based on this type of housing,” she said, and noted such findings have been replicated in other cities.

Commissioners asked detailed operational and safety questions. Commissioner (speaker 6) cited police-call data and asked whether the project’s low‑barrier approach allows substance use on site and who provides sobriety services; McConnell responded that Housing First and PSH rules prohibit excluding people because of substance use and that partner agencies—including Shepherd’s House and behavioral-health providers—deliver services and supports. “We do have rules. You sign a rental agreement, a lease just like anyone else,” McConnell said, describing rent as typically 30% of a resident’s income and explaining that many tenants have very low or zero income.

Commissioners also asked about staffing incidents early in the term of operations; McConnell said those incidents were investigated and resolved and that security expenses had been increased in response to specific threats described by staff but not published in full in the media. She invited commissioners to contact Housing Works directly if they hear concerns so staff can investigate.

Commissioners thanked Housing Works and partner organizations and requested follow-up information on funding and service arrangements. McConnell said she would provide clarifying details — including a check on the length of the state service-support commitment — after the meeting.

No formal vote or action was taken by the board during the presentation. The board moved on to its next agenda item after the county thanked the presenters for the update.