Jake Thomas
jthomas@portlandobserver.com

Here’s the release:

DHS seeks volunteers for mental health housing committee

Oregon Department of Human Services Addictions and Mental Health (AMH) Division is in need of two volunteers to serve on its Community Mental Health Housing Fund Advisory Committee. Members of the committee recommend how millions of dollars are distributed from the Community Mental Health Housing Fund with the purpose of developing and building housing for people living with mental illness.

House Bill 3446 established the Community Mental Health Housing Fund in 1999. The fund was created using the interest earned from the sale of the Dammasch State Hospital property in Wilsonville. Over the last four years this renewable financial resource has helped create housing for more than 260 Oregonians with mental illness.

Committee members are asked to attend meetings held every other month in the Salem area; however, statewide representation is encouraged. Meetings are generally held the third Thursday of every month. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Appointments will be made by AMH Director Richard Harris and Residential Programs and Service Manager Darcy Strahan. Applicants will be notified by mail if they are selected for the committee.

If interested in volunteering, please contact Darcy Strahan at 503-945-9722.