Hilltop Apartments

Shelter Placement Process

Overview

Clatsop Community Action (CCA) provides emergency shelter services through a referral-based placement system. Shelter placements are made in coordination with community partners and are dependent on bed availability, program eligibility, and facility-specific requirements.

Individuals seeking shelter should work with a community partner, who can contact shelter staff directly to determine placement availability.

Step 1: Community Partner Contacts Shelter

Community partners may contact the appropriate shelter location at any time to inquire about bed availability and determine whether a referral can be accepted.

CCA currently operates:

Columbia Inn Shelter Project (Astoria)
The Columbia Inn provides shelter for:

• Families (parents or legal guardians sheltering with dependent minor children)
• Youth and young adults (ages 18–24)
• Single adults

Please note:

• Single adults and youth are housed in congregate settings.
• Registered sex offenders are not eligible for placement at the Columbia Inn.
• Individuals with a history of violent offenses may not be eligible for placement.

Esperanza Village (Seaside)
Esperanza Village serves:

• Single adults
• Individuals impacted by substance use disorder (SUD)

Unlike the Columbia Inn, Esperanza Village does not have the same sex offender restriction.

Step 2: Availability and Eligibility Screening

When a community partner contacts a shelter regarding a potential referral, shelter staff will:

• Verify bed availability.
• Review the shelter’s trespass and exclusion lists.
• Determine whether the individual meets program-specific eligibility requirements.

If no appropriate space is available, shelter staff may provide information regarding alternative resources when possible.

Step 3: Referral Questionnaire

• Confirm basic eligibility requirements.
• Identify the most appropriate placement option.
• Ensure accommodations align with the individual’s household composition and service needs.
• Gather information necessary for intake and arrival planning.

Step 4: Intake Scheduling and Placement

Once the referral questionnaire has been completed and placement is approved, shelter staff will schedule intake and arrival.

CCA’s goal is to facilitate placement as quickly as possible, with same-day referrals and admissions occurring whenever capacity and staffing allow.

Individuals should arrive at the agreed-upon time and be prepared to complete any remaining intake requirements upon arrival.

Important Information

• Shelter placement is based on current bed availability and program eligibility.
• Referrals must be coordinated through community partners.
• Placement is not guaranteed until availability, eligibility, and shelter clearance have been confirmed by shelter staff.
• Different shelter programs have different eligibility requirements and operating procedures.
• Shelter staff reserve the right to deny placement based on safety concerns, program restrictions, or shelter policies.

Agate House

4-Unit Supported Apartment Complex for Parents with Children Located in Astoria.
Independent permanent supported housing for parents with children who are in recovery from substance use. Must maintain a clean and sober lifestyle and be working on maintaining recovery and pursuing vocational goals.

Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones is a community in Seaside for their unsheltered people. It was created by the City of Seaside so they will have a place to be. Seaside has banned camping in other areas of the city. The location is next to public works off Highway 101 and Avenue V. Seaside contracts with Clatsop Community Action to administer the daily operations of the Stepping Stones community. The property consists of 25 tent sites and 4 overflow sites. Stepping Stones is also pet friendly. Clatsop Community Action has staff on site who assists the members with moving toward a better life and connect with community resources. Some of the things staff provides is a case manager to help them move to shelter and eventually housing. Staff will also help them get needed documents such as identification and Social Security cards. Stepping Stones also works with Clatsop Behavioral Health and a doctor who provides on-site treatment for illness and injury. Clatsop Community Action Street Outreach offers nearby showers for the members and will eventually be offering laundry as well.

Street Outreach

What is Street Outreach?

Street Outreach: The Outreach Specialists with support of the Outreach Manager provide community resources to the most vulnerable residents living on the street with no stable housing. Within this program they offer an array of services. Services include giving coffee and snacks in the morning to people in Clatsop County who are living on the street. Outreach Specialists also provide in the moment referrals to case managers for coordinated entries, medical services to the “medtriciti” free mobile clinic, dental services through the “Mobile Dental Van”, and personal care items. Weekly the outreach specialist also set up a shower trailer for the houseless community members in Clatsop County. Outreach also has a laundry trailer they can deploy.

Esperanza Village

Esperanza Village, a Micro-Housing Shelter for Individuals Impacted by Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Esperanza Village, a micro-housing shelter operated by Clatsop Community Action (CCA) in Seaside, provides transitional housing and on-site case management for individuals impacted by homelessness and substance use disorders. Funded primarily by Oregon’s Measure 110 Behavioral Health Resource Network, the project features 15 tiny homes, a community room, shared bathroom/shower facilities, and a services office, fostering a safe, supportive environment for recovery and self-sufficiency. Since its launch in October 2023, Esperanza Village has served clients in a low-barrier program with access to CCA’s extensive network of services, working toward permanent housing and long-term stability.

By offering transitional shelter to homeless individuals, Esperanza Village in Clatsop County provides a crucial step on the path to permanent housing. Clatsop Community Action is committed to providing support and resources to help residents achieve stability and self-sufficiency.

“I’m grateful for the great work Clatsop Community Action does in our community,” said Seaside Mayor Steve Wright. “I firmly believe this village is a first step, an opportunity to fill a needed gap, in improving the lives of those struggling with homelessness. The City of Seaside will continue to be a good partner with CCA, and I encourage the residents of our city to provide support as well.”

This micro-housing model has proven successful in other communities, such as the first Safe Stay community in Vancouver, Washington, which served 46 people and made 14 successful transitions to housing in its first six months. The average stay prior to finding housing was 130 days, and the community has seen a significant drop in law enforcement calls. These are great examples of how micro housing projects can serve as a key steppingstone to a permanent housing situation for people experiencing homelessness.

»  Download the press release.

Columbia Inn

Since October 2023, the Columbia Inn has served as an emergency shelter in Clatsop County, prioritizing specific demographics. It caters to families with homeless children, individuals and families fleeing domestic violence, youth aged 18-24, those with mobility-affecting disabilities, and underserved communities like Latin(x), 2SLGBTQIA+, and Veterans.

Access to shelter services is strictly by referral. With 21 rooms and a total of 64 beds, its operational capacity accommodates around 50 individuals, considering the circumstances of current participants. The shelter, more than just a place to sleep, provides case-managed programs to guide guests towards sustainable living, fostering collaboration with local health and service providers. Single individuals needing private accommodations may be assigned to rooms with two beds when required.

Different individuals and families have unique needs and circumstances. To ensure we can effectively support all guests, The Columbia offers a variety of shelter options.
Our congregate or dorm-style accommodations provide a safe and comfortable environment where participants seeking short-term emergency shelter have their own assigned bunk in a room shared with other guests.

The Columbia also provides private and family-friendly rooms that prioritize the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations. These designated units serve individuals and families fleeing domestic violence, Latin(x) families, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals or families, and Veteran families, among others. Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, feels valued and respected as they access the resources and care they need to transition toward stable living situations.

The Columbia Inn aims to serve as a safe haven and stepping stone toward stable living situations in our Clatsop County.

Clatsop County Resource Directory

Click here for a PDF of the 2026 Clatsop County Resource Directory, produced by Clatsop Community Action.