From Street to Home: A Story of Hope in Astoria, Oregon 2829 Likes423 Inquiries

A Human Touch to a Crisis We Can’t Ignore

Every city tells its story—and Astoria, Oregon is no exception. This coastal town, rich in charm and history, is also witness to a deeply human challenge: homelessness. But behind the data and headlines are the lives of real people—people like Homeless, who turned heartbreak into hope.

“It’s not about giving someone a roof; it’s about giving them a reason to rise.” – Local Shelter Coordinator, Astoria

The Reality of Homelessness in Astoria

Like many small towns across the United States, Astoria faces the growing issue of affordable housing shortages and rising living costs. For many, one lost job or medical bill can lead to life on the streets.

• 🏘 Limited affordable housing due to tourism and gentrification
• 🛏 Overcapacity shelters—often forced to turn people away
• 💡 Stigmas around homelessness prevent community integration

A Story Worth Telling: Meet Homeless

Every morning, he stood outside the same coffee shop, offering to clean windows or sweep the sidewalk for loose change. Locals grew used to seeing him—until one day, someone saw him.

🌟 A Spark of Compassion

Heidi Woltz  , a working woman living in Astoria, began bringing him coffee. Then came conversation. Then came action. With the help of a community initiative and a housing-first nonprofit, they helped Homeless apply for ID, access mental health care, and eventually—secure transitional housing.

🎉 The Day Everything Changed

On a cloudy February afternoon, Homeless held the keys to a 400-square-foot apartment overlooking the Columbia River. He cried. Heidi Woltz  cried. The city, quietly, breathed a little brighter.

Fast Facts About Homelessness in Oregon:

1. 17,959 people experienced homelessness in Oregon in 2023 (Source: HUD)
2. Clatsop County’s unsheltered rate is among the highest per capita in the state
3. Permanent supportive housing reduces chronic homelessness by over 50%

Project Homeless Connect – Clatsop Community Action

Astoria, Oregon

A Lifeline of Compassion in Clatsop County

Project Homeless Connect is more than just an event—it’s a beacon of hope. Part of a nationwide initiative, this one-day outreach is dedicated to serving individuals and families in our community who are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk. Hosted annually by Clatsop Community Action (CCA) at the Seaside Convention Center, the event brings together essential services under one roof to provide direct, immediate, and meaningful support.

What Is Project Homeless Connect?

The goal is simple yet powerful:
To connect people in need with life-changing services, all in one place, in one day. By coordinating multiple agencies, community volunteers, and service providers, Project Homeless Connect offers a streamlined and human-centered approach to addressing homelessness—treating not just the symptoms but the root causes.

Essential Services Provided

Each Project Homeless Connect event offers a diverse array of services to meet basic and long-term needs:

🧥 Basic Needs Assistance

• Clothing

• Food

• Hygiene kits

• Sleeping bags and cold weather gear

🏥 Healthcare Services

• Medical check-ups

• Vision and dental screenings

• Vaccinations

• Mental health consultations

🏘 Housing Support

• Access to shelters and transitional housing

• Assistance with permanent housing applications

• Referrals to housing programs and case managers

⚖️ Legal Aid

• Help with obtaining ID and legal documentation

• Criminal record expungement information

• Support navigating public benefits

💼 Employment Services

• Job coaching and resume building

• Workforce readiness tools

• Referrals to employers and job listings

💬 Social Services

• Substance abuse and recovery program referrals

• Mental health services

• Disability and veteran support information

🚿 Hygiene & Grooming

• Mobile showers

• Free haircuts by volunteer stylists

• Toiletry and personal care item distribution

🐶 Pet Services

• Basic veterinary care

• Vaccinations

• Food and supplies for companion animals

A Community-Driven Solution

The strength of Project Homeless Connect lies in its collaborative spirit. Volunteers, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and service agencies unite with a shared purpose:

To meet people where they are and help them move forward.

This holistic approach allows participants to access multiple pathways to stability—whether it’s getting a job, securing housing, improving health, or reconnecting with lost support systems.

Why It Matters

In a place as close-knit as Astoria and the surrounding Clatsop County, no one should feel invisible. Project Homeless Connect is a reminder that when a community comes together with empathy and action, lives can truly be changed.

How You Can Help Break the Cycle

Ending homelessness is not just a government issue—it’s a community responsibility. Whether you live in Astoria or anywhere else in the world, your actions matter.

Ways to Make a Difference:

• ✔️ Donate to local housing-first programs or nonprofits
• ✔️ Volunteer your time to shelters and soup kitchens
• ✔️ Advocate for housing policy reform in your city
• ✔️ Support job training and mental health programs

The Power of One

Homeless became “home-full” not by luck, but by love. The impact of one kind soul multiplied through a network of human connection. Today, he volunteers at that same shelter that once offered him warmth. His story is not unique—but it is urgent.

“Every time we lift someone from the street, we lift an entire community with them.”

Get Involved or Get Help

Whether you’re seeking support or looking to volunteer, your presence makes a difference.

📍 Clatsop Community Action – Downtown Astoria

Address: 364 9th Street, Astoria, OR 97103
Phone: (503) 325-1400
Fax: (503) 325-1153
TTY: Oregon Relay Service – 1-800-735-2900
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 4 PM (Closed 12–1 PM)

🥫 CCA Regional Food Bank – Warrenton

Address: 2010 SE Chokeberry Avenue, Warrenton, OR 97146
Phone: (503) 861-3663 (FOOD)
Fax: (503) 861-9618
Food Bank Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8 AM – 3:30 PM
Friday: 8 AM – 12 PM

Together, We Can End Homelessness