Hilltop Apartments provides permanent affordable housing for both individuals and families who are at or below 80 percent of the County’s median income

Shelter and Housing Services Process

Our mission is to ensure transparent and accessible processes for individuals seeking shelter or housing services through Clatsop Community Action (CCA). This webpage outlines how clients can access these services and what to expect at each stage.

Overview:

• CCA uses Coordinated Entry assessments to prioritize placement into shelter and housing services.
• Placements are based on available resources, client vulnerability, and adherence to federal and state standards.

Step 1: Schedule a Housing Navigation Appointment

Schedule a Housing Navigation Appointment
This is the starting point for all shelter and housing services.
At the appointment, the CCA Housing Navigation team will:

• Assess the client’s current situation.
• Review available resources.
• Conduct a Coordinated Entry (CE) assessment if appropriate.

Note: Priority for Coordinated Entry is given to families and individuals who have lived in Clatsop County for at least six months. This policy is intended for:

• Efficient use of limited resources.
• A focus on supporting the community that funds and relies on these services.

Step 2: Coordinated Entry (CE) Assessment

The CE process is a standardized system for evaluating and prioritizing individuals experiencing homelessness.
It ensures fair access to services by assessing:

• Vulnerability.
• Urgency of need.

CE often involves collaboration between multiple local agencies and service providers.

Step 3: Processing Assessment Results

CCA reviews CE results and assigns a priority ranking based on federal HUD standards.
This ranking determines placement eligibility for the following programs:

• Columbia Inn Shelter Project
• Esperanza Village Shelter Project
• Other shelter and housing programs administered by CCA or community partners.

Step 4: Placement into Shelter or Housing Services

• Clients are added to CCA’s active Coordinated Entry list for placement consideration.
• CCA will contact eligible clients when a placement becomes available.

Important:

• If a client cannot be reached within a reasonable timeframe, CCA will move on to the next eligible individual on the list.
• Clients are encouraged to keep their contact information up-to-date to avoid delays.
• A Coordinated Entry assessment remains active for one year.

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.

Shelter and Housing Navigation Appointments

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Clatsop County Resource Directory

Click here for a PDF of the 2025 Clatsop County Resource Directory, produced by Clatsop Community Action.

Eligibility

CCA Operates Several Housing Programs With Trained and Compassionate Staff

CCA helps people who are homeless or who may be close to becoming homeless. CCA’s Housing Case Managers provide assessments, determine program eligibility, develop individualized case plans, link families with community-based service resources, help to process available funding, and provide case management services coordinated with community partners to help maintain stability and ongoing success.

Please ask our staff for more info.

Downloadable Housing Documents

Electronic Data Release of Information
OHCS OPUS Privacy Policy Posting Notice

Coordinated Entry (CE) is a system that allows for coordinated entry into a local homeless services system, as well as coordinated movement within and ultimately exit from the system. Coordinated Entry increases the efficiency of a homeless assistance system by standardizing access to homeless services and coordinating program referrals. 

The Rural Oregon Continuum of Care (ROCC) is committed to sustaining a CE system that will help to advance our goals of helping households quickly access appropriate services to address housing crises, increasing exits to housing, decreasing length of time homeless, and reducing returns to homelessness.