Goal 2 Greater Access

C.H.A.N.C.E. (Communities Helping Addicts Negotiate Change Effectively) has been helping individuals with mental health and substance use disorders rebuild their lives since 2005. Based in Albany, the organization has expanded to serve individuals in Benton and Lincoln counties.

“We’re here to help those who are seeking recovery to effectively implement positive change,” said Jeff Blackford, executive director for C.H.A.N.C.E. “We provide support, guidance and the necessary resources to facilitate the development of life skills. C.H.A.N.C.E. integrates short-term goals with long-term goals so individuals have a better C.H.A.N.C.E. of becoming productive members of our community.”

Now C.H.A.N.C.E. is expanding further, to provide shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. It is joining with other partners in Lincoln County to determine how and where to develop a shelter serving the Central Oregon Coast communities of Lincoln City, Newport and Toledo.

Samaritan Health Services has partnered with C.H.A.N.C.E. in the past on its services for those struggling with crisis events, substance use and mental health issues, to get back on their feet. Now Samaritan is joining C.H.A.N.C.E. in Lincoln County with a Social Accountability grant to support initial research and plans for the homeless shelter.

“Our services would look very different without Samaritan,” Blackford said. “We have a clear understanding that it takes a village, it takes all of the community partners to offer support and that it will require multiple partners to help build the shelter.

“The funding is a critical part. While the Social Accountability grant is a big part, the difference is making an impact this year, versus two to three years down the road. It is giving us the opportunity to build a foundation for the shelter.”