Clackamas County Board approves $3.5 million recovery center

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Clackamas County Board approved the multi-million dollar purchase of a former school to transform it into a new recovery center.

On Thursday, Clackamas County commissioners unanimously greenlit the purchase of the former Clackamas Elementary School for $3.5 million.

Officials said this is just a first step in an overall plan to transform the 80-year-old building located off of Southeast 92nd Avenue into a facility with wrap-around services to help get people sober and housed. The county said they'll need millions of dollars more in funding and private partners to bring the recovery center to life. Even still, they said this is a massive milestone in turning the school into a one-stop shop for care intended to help community members transform their lives.

“Even when those who cannot advocate for themselves any longer because they’re so far down spiraling in their disease process, in Clackamas County, we are committed to making sure that we rescue them from that spiral and get them the care they deserve,” Clackamas County Commissioner Ben West said during the business meeting.

The North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District currently owns the six-acre property. The county will be purchasing it through a variety of funding sources, including from federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars, Metro's Supportive Housing Services measure and the county's community mental health program.

West told KOIN 6 News the center will not be a drop-off location. Rather, patients will be accepted on a referral basis from law enforcement, hospitals, outreach teams and families. The county said onsite services will include detox, residential treatment beds, long-term care, medication-assisted treatment, transitional housing, peer support and more. It will be aimed at helping community members struggling with addiction, mental health issues and homelessness.

“If they need workforce housing as they go through substance abuse issues, we’re going to get them workforce housing. If they need medical respite or anything else along that care continuum, where we often see gaps here in the state of Oregon, Clackamas County is committed to filling those gaps and actually bringing the infrastructure necessary to address this persistent crisis that we see in our streets,” West said, adding he hopes the facility will eventually become known locally as a "crown jewel in the neighborhood."

Local residents and businesses have been mixed on the news about the county's plans for the recovery center.

"They really need housing like this. I actually was just talking to my friend who's homeless and he said he needed to find a place," said Gabby, a neighbor.

Others have raised security concerns.

“These people need a chance, they need some help with recovery, and this is a decent facility. But it's also nerve-wracking,” said Wayne, who owns a business near the recovery center. "Everybody’s got a bit of a concern that it brings in a less-than-desirable crowd and undue attention to our businesses in the houses."

KOIN 6 asked West his response to those saying they didn't want the recovery center built in their backyard.

West said it's an "essential question" to ask and that he empathizes with those concerned.

"In Clackamas County, we have a different track record here and I would ask them to please hold tight with us," he said.

Officials said the project could break ground as early as next year.