Announcement: Barrier Busting Fund Program Pause
February 14, 2025
Dear Community Partners,
Effective Friday, February 14th, Central Oregon FUSE is pausing the Barrier Busting Fund program and will no longer accept new requests for funding. All previously submitted requests will be processed, and requests for individuals securing housing at Cleveland Commons Permanent Supportive Housing will continue to be accepted.
This difficult decision was made due to funding constraints, FUSE staffing capacity, and the need to refocus BBF program eligibility so that it better aligns with FUSE’s primary mission of addressing chronic homelessness. We know this resource has been critical in meeting time-sensitive housing needs, and we regret the challenges this pause may create.
Since launching the Barrier Busting Fund as a pilot in 2023, the program has exceeded all expectations. Thanks to our dedicated community partners, our small but mighty staff, and investments from PacificSource, MAC Group, HLC, COAR, COHC, and others, the fund has made a lasting impact by:
• Supporting over 270 local households (585+ individuals) overcome barriers to housing and exit homelessness.
• Establishing active partnerships with 28 agencies to support their work.
• Providing approximately $275,000 in direct client assistance, averaging $1,030 per household.
We are incredibly grateful for the collaboration that has made this possible! While we don't currently have a set reopening date, the Barrier Busting Fund has proven to be a vital resource in breaking down barriers and opening doors to stable housing. We'll be back!
What You Can Do
We are not maintaining a waitlist at this time, but we welcome your questions and comments. Your input will help shape the future of the program and strengthen our efforts to secure additional resources:
Submit feedback, ask questions, and sign up for program updates here.
If you know of someone interested in joining our team to help manage this program and others, please pass along our open position:
Alternative Resources
While we don't have updated info on availability or eligibility, other resources for housing needs may include:
• NeighborImpact Rent Assistance and Housing Help
• Local churches
• Possibly REACH, especially for unsheltered individuals
• Central Oregon Homeless Leadership Coalition (HLC)
We sincerely appreciate your dedication to serving our unhoused community members, and we apologize for any disruption caused by this pause.
With gratitude to each of you,
Colleen
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Colleen Sinsky MSW
Executive Director
Our Mission: Central Oregon FUSE mobilizes resources to provide housing and supportive services for people experiencing long-term homelessness to improve community health, safety, and stability.