Third Street Commons Builds Housing Support in Corvallis March 9, 2026 Affordable Housing Is a Key Pillar for Community Health Improvement Plan Construction is set to begin this month on a new affordable housing complex in Corvallis that will provide 47 one-bedroom and studio apartments, along with on-site medical care, for people experiencing chronic homelessness. The development, named Third Street Commons, is led by local nonprofit Corvallis Housing First with support from multiple partners, including IHN-CCO. It is expected to be completed by mid-2027 and will more than double the organization’s capacity to offer permanent, stable shelter for Corvallis’ unhoused population. Alicia Bublitz, program manager for IHN-CCO, said access to affordable housing is a key part of the Regional Community Health Improvement Plan for Benton, Linn and Lincoln counties. She praised Corvallis Housing First as “an invaluable part of our work to develop community-led solutions.” “Oregon’s Coordinated Care model is rooted in local, relationship-driven care and IHN-CCO’s partnership with Corvallis Housing First reflects our shared belief that supporting the whole person through culturally responsive programs builds healthier communities,” Bublitz said. From Seasonal Shelter to Permanent Housing Corvallis Housing First was founded by volunteers as the Corvallis Homeless Shelter Coalition in 2008 to offer emergency seasonal shelter for those experiencing homelessness. Executive Director Andrea Myhre said that by the early 2010s they noticed the same faces were coming back every year, which inspired them to rebrand and shift their focus to permanent housing. Today, Corvallis Housing First has about 20 staff, including 12 case managers who work with 150-200 clients annually, most of whom are in their late 40s to early 50s. “It’s just about being there for them,” Myhre said. “There are so many people experiencing homelessness who lack connection to the community. Many are estranged from their families, or they have family (members) who are also homeless and in need of assistance … What we offer is a human connection that’s supportive and can provide links to other resources.” In addition, Corvallis Housing First currently owns 40 housing units around the city. These include Van Buren House, an 18-room facility and former sorority house near Oregon State University; DeDe’s Home, dedicated specifically for senior women experiencing homelessness; Sycamore Place, which has four one-bedroom units; and Partners Place, which has eight two-bedroom units. Third Street Commons Breaks Ground The addition of Third Street Commons, Myhre said, has been in the works for several years. It is the largest and most ambitious project for Corvallis Housing First to date. “It’s pretty exciting,” Myhre said. “It’s been a long wait, which can be frustrating. While this project is not going to solve homelessness in our community, it’s going to go a long way toward providing housing and services for people who are most vulnerable.” Myhre said the nonprofit purchased the site — a former motel — before the COVID-19 pandemic with designs to transform it into permanent supportive housing. It will also include medical space for providers to see residents and provide on-site treatment. Data shows Benton County has the highest rate of rent burden in Oregon at more than 60%. That means more than 60% of renters in the county spend 30% or more of their gross income on rent and utilities. Myhre said that it not only affects residents, but the entire community at large. “It’s super expensive for us as a society for people to be on the streets,” she said. “People access a lot of services when they’re experiencing homelessness, including the emergency room … We know that, in general, humans need to be in housing, and housing them first works better.” How You Can Help While construction at Third Street Commons is underway, Myhre said Corvallis Housing First is raising funds from the community to help cover furnishing and other building expenses. If you would like to donate, please visit the nonprofit’s Donation Page or contact them directly at 541-230-1297.
