NEW PROJECT FACT SHEET
(New Project Fact Sheets are works in progress just as new projects are, and will be modified periodically to accurately reflect changes in the details and progress of any particular development. In an effort to provide progress reports as our projects unfold, we need to note that all information found here should be considered preliminary in nature and subject to change unless otherwise specified.)
Program Name: Stewart Apartments
Owned/Operated By: ColumbiaCare Services, Inc. (www.columbiacare.org)
Funded/Sponsored By:
City of Medford (Grant Funds)
Oregon Housing and Community Services (Grant Funds)
Washington Mutual (Commercial Loan)
Location: 1297 and 1301 Stewart Avenue Medford, OR 97501 (Jackson County)
Anticipated Open Date: TBD. Anticipated timelines will be posted as they become known.
Project Description/Staffing:
Stewart Apartments will be a brand new, 16-unit, affordable, permanent, Supportive Housing complex for local Veteran citizens who committed themselves to serve and protect our country, and who are underhoused/at risk of homelessness, or currently experiencing homelessness.
Clarification: There is no pre-designed time limit on residency within Stewart Apartments. Stewart Apartments is not “transitional” by definition. ColumbiaCare believes that Veterans may not choose to stay at this housing location forever, but may want to move on to regular market housing that is not designated as Veteran-specific.
Stewart Apartments will be built on property we currently own and also currently use to serve Veterans.
The 16 units will be built across 2 buildings: the first will offer 12, 1-bedroom units, the laundry room and a storage building, and the smaller second building will include 1 handicap accessible unit, the office/community space and 3 studio units.
The overall project concept includes a Peer Veteran Support/Onsite Resident Manager position to welcome new tenants, provide on-site presence, help maintain community spaces, and support tenants in achieving the independence they desire from living in their own safe and habitable units. Exact job description, skills/credentials TBD, and based on the selected applicant.
Having an on-site office, laundry facilities and community room will also allow tenants to engage and socialize with on-site staff and other residents in social activities, skill-building classes, and fun community activities.
In addition, to the onsite employee, ColumbiaCare currently has 2 licensed property managers on staff who oversee the daily operations of the Property Management team.
FAQ
What type of agency is ColumbiaCare and what type of housing is Stewart Apartments?
ColumbiaCare is a behavioral health organization that is incredibly proud of the services we provide people of this community to help them get better AND we are also Veterans Service provider. Our commitment to our Veterans is part of our mission, and we have a whole division dedicated to serving that population and to meet their specific needs. That said, we can tell you that the project being developed is not a mental health treatment facility. However, we do know that housing has a huge positive impact on improving people’s lives, health, and wellbeing.
Beyond that, we will not be sharing any further information on topics covered by Federal Fair Housing Law or HIPAA, including anything related to any particular disability. It is also important to say that just as our tenants may have some of the very same needs and strengths as any other person living in this community, they also have the same right to not share protected information or be stigmatized or discriminated against.
How are residents selected for tenancy/are background checks performed?
ColumbiaCare will follow all Oregon Landlord/Tenant Laws and adhere to all Fair Housing regulations when it comes to applications and leasing. We will have some dedicated apartments that will be direct referrals from the VA and all other units are open to any applicant wishing to apply. We offer apartments based on a first-come, first-eligible basis. General eligibility includes being a Veteran, low-income, and meeting our leasing criteria. If an applicant has been convicted of a felony within the past few years then they may not meet the residency criteria. Again, we follow all laws and regulations pertaining to applications and leasing practices, the same as any other apartment complex.
Where do residents live prior to moving to Stewart Apartments?
Stewart Apartments are designated for Veterans who are underhoused/at risk of homeless or currently experiencing homelessness. They may be staying with friends or family, may be temporarily housed in another residence, staying in a shelter, vehicle, etc., or not have a home at all.
Does ColumbiaCare own/operate apartments that are similar to Stewart Apartments, and if so, where are they?
ColumbiaCare has significant history and experience as it relates to owning/operating affordable housing: over 275 units in 30 separate locations across Oregon (9 of those locations are in Jackson County). Our Veteran-specific housing in Jackson County includes approximately 60 units in 6 locations. ColumbiaCare does not advertise exact addresses for the protection and privacy of our tenants.
Are the tenants supervised during the day and/or evenings and nights?
No. Stewart Apartments will have an onsite Peer Support/Resident Manager who will be available to assist and provide support to residents in the case of lock-outs, questions about their lease agreements, to manage concerns/complaints, to maintain the property and common spaces, assist with community navigation, skills training and supports (ex. use of public transportation), help host the group and social activities scheduled in the community space, etc.
Are tenants free to leave the property at any time? If so, are they accompanied by a ColumbiaCare employee?
Yes, just like any other member of the community, tenants are able to leave the property. Stewart Apartments will be housing Veterans, it is not a mental health treatment facility; therefore no accompanying is needed.
More information.
ColumbiaCare is known for our high standards when it comes to new development and quality of construction, the importance of professional property management and maintenance services, attention to curb appeal in order to maintain or improve surrounding property values, and excellence in project oversight. We also understand the value of being good neighbors and are happy to provide information that we can, answer community questions, and be responsive to any concerns.
Keep an eye on this site! We will post anticipated construction timelines, building plans/renditions, project progress photos, information about community events (such as an Open House), etc., as they become available.
Will there be an opportunity to tour the program? Yes! We will hold an Open House upon completion of construction and prior to occupancy. Information including date and time of the Open House will be announced to the public/sent to neighbors in the near vicinity.
Is there someone on staff that I can contact if I have any questions or concerns?
Yes. During the development phase, questions about the new project can be directed to:
Jennifer Sewitsky, Communications Director at [email protected] OR
Treven Whitney, Property Acquisition & Development Director [email protected]
Either can be reached by phone at 541.858.8170
(New Project Fact Sheets are works in progress just as new projects are, and will be modified periodically to accurately reflect changes in the details and progress of any particular development. In an effort to provide progress reports as our projects unfold, we need to note that all information found here should be considered preliminary in nature and subject to change unless otherwise specified.)
Program Name: Stewart Apartments
Owned/Operated By: ColumbiaCare Services, Inc. (www.columbiacare.org)
Funded/Sponsored By:
City of Medford (Grant Funds)
Oregon Housing and Community Services (Grant Funds)
Washington Mutual (Commercial Loan)
Location: 1297 and 1301 Stewart Avenue Medford, OR 97501 (Jackson County)
Anticipated Open Date: TBD. Anticipated timelines will be posted as they become known.
Project Description/Staffing:
Stewart Apartments will be a brand new, 16-unit, affordable, permanent, Supportive Housing complex for local Veteran citizens who committed themselves to serve and protect our country, and who are underhoused/at risk of homelessness, or currently experiencing homelessness.
Clarification: There is no pre-designed time limit on residency within Stewart Apartments. Stewart Apartments is not “transitional” by definition. ColumbiaCare believes that Veterans may not choose to stay at this housing location forever, but may want to move on to regular market housing that is not designated as Veteran-specific.
Stewart Apartments will be built on property we currently own and also currently use to serve Veterans.
The 16 units will be built across 2 buildings: the first will offer 12, 1-bedroom units, the laundry room and a storage building, and the smaller second building will include 1 handicap accessible unit, the office/community space and 3 studio units.
The overall project concept includes a Peer Veteran Support/Onsite Resident Manager position to welcome new tenants, provide on-site presence, help maintain community spaces, and support tenants in achieving the independence they desire from living in their own safe and habitable units. Exact job description, skills/credentials TBD, and based on the selected applicant.
Having an on-site office, laundry facilities and community room will also allow tenants to engage and socialize with on-site staff and other residents in social activities, skill-building classes, and fun community activities.
In addition, to the onsite employee, ColumbiaCare currently has 2 licensed property managers on staff who oversee the daily operations of the Property Management team.
FAQ
What type of agency is ColumbiaCare and what type of housing is Stewart Apartments?
ColumbiaCare is a behavioral health organization that is incredibly proud of the services we provide people of this community to help them get better AND we are also Veterans Service provider. Our commitment to our Veterans is part of our mission, and we have a whole division dedicated to serving that population and to meet their specific needs. That said, we can tell you that the project being developed is not a mental health treatment facility. However, we do know that housing has a huge positive impact on improving people’s lives, health, and wellbeing.
Beyond that, we will not be sharing any further information on topics covered by Federal Fair Housing Law or HIPAA, including anything related to any particular disability. It is also important to say that just as our tenants may have some of the very same needs and strengths as any other person living in this community, they also have the same right to not share protected information or be stigmatized or discriminated against.
How are residents selected for tenancy/are background checks performed?
ColumbiaCare will follow all Oregon Landlord/Tenant Laws and adhere to all Fair Housing regulations when it comes to applications and leasing. We will have some dedicated apartments that will be direct referrals from the VA and all other units are open to any applicant wishing to apply. We offer apartments based on a first-come, first-eligible basis. General eligibility includes being a Veteran, low-income, and meeting our leasing criteria. If an applicant has been convicted of a felony within the past few years then they may not meet the residency criteria. Again, we follow all laws and regulations pertaining to applications and leasing practices, the same as any other apartment complex.
Where do residents live prior to moving to Stewart Apartments?
Stewart Apartments are designated for Veterans who are underhoused/at risk of homeless or currently experiencing homelessness. They may be staying with friends or family, may be temporarily housed in another residence, staying in a shelter, vehicle, etc., or not have a home at all.
Does ColumbiaCare own/operate apartments that are similar to Stewart Apartments, and if so, where are they?
ColumbiaCare has significant history and experience as it relates to owning/operating affordable housing: over 275 units in 30 separate locations across Oregon (9 of those locations are in Jackson County). Our Veteran-specific housing in Jackson County includes approximately 60 units in 6 locations. ColumbiaCare does not advertise exact addresses for the protection and privacy of our tenants.
Are the tenants supervised during the day and/or evenings and nights?
No. Stewart Apartments will have an onsite Peer Support/Resident Manager who will be available to assist and provide support to residents in the case of lock-outs, questions about their lease agreements, to manage concerns/complaints, to maintain the property and common spaces, assist with community navigation, skills training and supports (ex. use of public transportation), help host the group and social activities scheduled in the community space, etc.
Are tenants free to leave the property at any time? If so, are they accompanied by a ColumbiaCare employee?
Yes, just like any other member of the community, tenants are able to leave the property. Stewart Apartments will be housing Veterans, it is not a mental health treatment facility; therefore no accompanying is needed.
More information.
ColumbiaCare is known for our high standards when it comes to new development and quality of construction, the importance of professional property management and maintenance services, attention to curb appeal in order to maintain or improve surrounding property values, and excellence in project oversight. We also understand the value of being good neighbors and are happy to provide information that we can, answer community questions, and be responsive to any concerns.
Keep an eye on this site! We will post anticipated construction timelines, building plans/renditions, project progress photos, information about community events (such as an Open House), etc., as they become available.
Will there be an opportunity to tour the program? Yes! We will hold an Open House upon completion of construction and prior to occupancy. Information including date and time of the Open House will be announced to the public/sent to neighbors in the near vicinity.
Is there someone on staff that I can contact if I have any questions or concerns?
Yes. During the development phase, questions about the new project can be directed to:
Jennifer Sewitsky, Communications Director at [email protected] OR
Treven Whitney, Property Acquisition & Development Director [email protected]
Either can be reached by phone at 541.858.8170