Clackamas County Earns National Award for Excellence in Housing Access

Coordinated access program simplifies housing opportunities for people in need

Today, the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners recognized the Coordinated Housing Access (CHA) program for receiving the prestigious 2024 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). This was the only NACo award given in the State of Oregon this year.

CHA provides a single door that refers people in need to all the county’s housing resources. CHA helped more than 12,000 people last year alone. As part of Clackamas County’s housing services programs, CHA has contributed to a 65% decrease in homelessness from 2019 to 2023, an unprecedented decrease in a period when homelessness increased nationally.

The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents throughout the country.

“This is one of the proudest moments I’ve ever had representing Clackamas County,” County Board of Commissioners Chair Tootie Smith said. "And when I hear that in the last four year Clackamas County has received more national awards than any other county in Oregon – that’s something,” Smith said.

“This is one of our pinnacles,” Commissioner Martha Schrader said. “The National Association of Counties doesn’t give awards out easily. We are now a national model of how to do outreach,” Schrader said.

In Clackamas County, when housing insecurity strikes – whether it's struggling to make rent, couch-surfing with a friend, sleeping in a car, or leaving a bad situation – Coordinated Housing Access (CHA) is the lifeline. People in a housing crisis connect with a compassionate CHA assessor who listens intently to their story, pinpointing immediate needs while drawing on local resources to find a solution.

In the past, accessing housing services resembled navigating a maze, dependent on personal connections and intricate system knowledge. Today people only need to call a single phone number that is answered live seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, in multiple languages and with accessibility options. CHA assessments are also available in-person.

This program “is more than a sandwich or a tent – you’re treating a person like a person,” County Commissioner Ben West said. “That is how we should operate as a community. I’m proud of this, it’s the right way to care for people, and it’s the way to get results,” West said.

“The Achievement Awards recognize excellence in county government and effective public service,” said National Association of Counties President Mary Jo McGuire. “This year’s winners have delivered results for our residents and demonstrated innovative efforts to strengthen our communities.”

Learn more about Clackamas County Coordinated Housing Access