Meeting people where they're at: housing case management

San Juana Aguilar navigates down a steep driveway in her lime green Kia Soul. Her trunk is loaded with kids’ backpacks, baby clothes, baby formula and toiletries. She parks in the driveway and knocks on the door of the group “sober house” where Juan and Lydia are living with their baby daughter, Mia. This shared housing for people in recovery is a transitional step in the journey to wellness and living independently.

The young couple were homeless and addicted to Fentanyl and other drugs, only realizing Lydia was pregnant when she was hospitalized with what turned out to be labor pains. Now they’re both in recovery and recently gained custody of Mia from the Department of Human Services. Reflecting on everything that has happened over the past five months, Juan said if it wasn’t for Mia’s surprise arrival - which caused the couple to immediately start recovery - “we probably would have been dead because of the drugs.”

San Juana is their case manager and is helping them through this major life transition. Juan met her at a housing fair and felt an immediate connection: “That was the day that really changed my life in many ways. Having that extra help and someone you can talk to if something’s going on.” With San Juana’s help, Juan, Lydia and Mia are preparing to move out of the recovery group house into their first home as a family.

This young family is one of 20 households on San Juana’s case list. As a Supportive Housing Services Case Manager working for Bienestar in Washington County, she helps program participants with everything from finding a new home, to connecting with mental health care, to learning how to use public transit. She often brings basic supplies with her, like underwear and toothpaste. One afternoon, she wheeled a child’s bike out of the Bienestar office and into her trunk to deliver to a family.

To continue reading this Oregon Metro article click here.

As we continue our efforts to end homelessness within Washington County, staff across several departments work closely with city and community partners to address the urgent needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.

Dedicated team members from the Encampment Management Program (EMP) and the Sheriff's Office Houseless Outreach Programs and Engagement (HOPE) work together to connect the unhoused community with available resources, conduct health and safety risk assessments and engage with community members to improve the livability of Washington County. This cross-departmental partnership leverages expertise from Health & Human Services (HHS), Housing Services, County Counsel, Sheriff’s Office and County Administrative Office to provide these vital services.

Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Al Roque shares, "HOPE deputies respond to many calls for service involving houselessness that may not always require law enforcement action. This dedicated team actively engages the community and builds relationships – helping to create opportunities for problem-solving and de-escalation. HOPE deputies work directly with EMP to connect community members in need to essential help and resources to improve the safety and livability of our community."

HHS Solid Waste & Recycling Manager Thomas Egleston reflected on the last year and a half of leading the EMP, sharing, “We saw a tremendous community need for a program to address health and safety risks in and around encampments. As One Washington County, we brought multiple departments together to stand up a program that is both compassionate and trauma-informed, with the goal of reducing the impact of health and safety risks associated with unsheltered homelessness.”

A spectrum of positions in Housing are available from entry level to upper management with a competitive benefits package and a dynamic, hardworking, and welcoming environment. Click here to view available positions and continue to check back as positions will continue to be posted over the coming months.