Meeting our region’s need for more treatment beds

“This is an incredible opportunity to fill a direct gap in needed treatment options in the central city…the urgency and collaboration that made this purchase possible is precisely the kind of leadership this moment demands. I want to thank my colleagues at the County and City, as well as Central City Concern and CareOregon for rising to the occasion. See a problem, see a viable solution, run toward it.” -Governor Kotek

When people experience gaps in accessing the care they need, it affects the severity and length of time they experience homelessness. Central City Concern (CCC) has been operating the Hooper Detoxification Stabilization Center for 42 years. Hooper has been part of the fabric of thousands of recovery journeys in our community.  

However, Hooper only provides part of the solution. 

CCC has seen a growing need to fill an enormous gap for increased residential treatment capacity in the community to support people exiting Hooper. These are folks who need an extended period of residential treatment before they can be successful in recovery-supportive housing and substance use disorder (SUD) intensive outpatient placement. Currently, it is estimated the Multnomah County region needs between 500-550 residential treatment beds to adequately fulfill this need.  

What does the data show? What do our clients say? 

In 2022, we completed 2,772 client assessments at Hooper. Of those assessments, 56% (1,554) were recommended 3.5 ASAM* SUD residential level of care. However, only 17% (264) could be placed in a residential treatment facility at discharge. CCC staff estimate that approximately 25% (350 to 400) of patients referred to residential treatment were denied because their conditions required a higher level of care. Hooper is a 3.7 ASAM withdrawal management program, which is the highest level of care below a hospital a person can be in if you have a substance use disorder. *American Society of Addiction Medicine placement criteria 

We took two key learnings away from this data: 

1. Hooper has been trying to treat many folks with very high chronic physical, mental, psychiatric, and social needs which are going unmet. However, Hooper isn’t equipped to meet all these needs; often, we exit people back to homelessness. 
2. If CCC can medically stabilize someone, their highest chance at success in their recovery journey is immediate placement in a residential treatment center after exiting Hooper where wrap around services can be provided.

Client interviews told us even more: 

• Going straight from detox to transitional housing is too big of a leap for many. 

• Clearly communicating discharge planning early in the residential experience is critical. 

• Facilities should feel homey, not clinical and offer opportunities for exercise. 

• Residential options will lead to safer, healing, transitional housing communities filled with neighbors who are prepared to be successful.

“If I’d had residential between Hooper and 8×8 I’d have been more successful. Staying sober between detox and residential is hard even if it’s just a few days. You’re bound to relapse—that’s all you know.” -CCC client

“People who come straight from detox can fail because they get that big lump of freedom all at once. It depends on the person, but I think having the residential stay before transitional housing is good.” -CCC client 

Our Response 

Our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan includes a pillar to “Close Key Care Gaps” and proposed the development of a SUD residential treatment facility to CareOregon offering 3.7 and 3.5 ASAM levels of care, a treatment center equipped to serve people with co-occurring conditions including SUD, psychiatric and medical needs. 

In December 2023, CCC purchased a building located at SE 16th and Burnside in Portland with the help of funding from the State, City, County and CareOregon. The new 16 x Burnside Recovery Center will open in May 2025 as a drug and alcohol free 74-bed residential culturally responsive and trauma informed treatment center that addresses a key care gap in our community.  

Offering a gender inclusive model for adults living with SUD and mental health conditions, CCC will provide step down care while also helping clients build a strong recovery support system within the community. Once ready, clients will receive community re-integration services (e.g., housing and employment) to ensure ongoing post-treatment support. CCC also purchased a lot directly across the street to support staff parking and to provide designated outdoor space for client use. 

CCC is proud to be providing another evidence and community-based solution to an identified need in our region. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of those we have served on their recovery journey, to the staff and board of CCC and all the partners involved in launching the 16 x Burnside Recovery Center.  

We look forward to welcoming clients to 16 x Burnside Recovery Center next year!