Homeless Prevention Program Supported by CCIF Making Positive Impact

Published on June 12, 2024

The City of Medford is pleased to announce the significant achievements of a homeless prevention program funded by the City Council’s Community Initiative Fund (CCIF). This initiative underscores the impactful use of marijuana tax revenues to support local community projects and meet the Council’s Biennial Goals.

In September 2023, the City Council approved a $311,500 allocation of CCIF, derived from local and state marijuana taxes, to support various community-focused projects. Among the recipients, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern Oregon (CCCS) received a $35,000 grant to aid individuals at risk of financial distress leading to homelessness.

Established in 1971, CCCS is the region's sole non-profit credit counseling agency. The grant of $35,000 has been pivotal in funding services aimed at preventing eviction and homelessness through financial education and credit counseling programs at no cost to those in need.

Since the program's inception one year ago, CCCS has successfully prevented 23 clients from becoming homeless. The program, described by CCCS CEO Bill Ihle as a “preventative financial effort, much like a financial flu shot,” has involved intensive, free, one-on-one credit counseling, housing counseling, debt-management enrollment, and essential financial education.

"We are very pleased with the tremendous results we are seeing in our program’s first year," Ihle reported. "Medford has seen first-hand the toll that homelessness can take on city services, taxpayer dollars, and especially families. These results show that through intensive financial one-on-one education, housing counseling, and credit counseling, we can begin to work on preventing this tragedy. This program benefits everyone: taxpayers, City services, and most of all the families involved."

In its first year, the program enrolled 120 clients, with 100 returning for multiple sessions to ensure they were on a stable financial path. Ten clients reported paying down all or some of their personal debt through CCCS’s debt management programs. Notably, 90 clients were from extremely low-income settings, highlighting the program’s critical role in supporting the most vulnerable members of the community.

“The success of CCCS’s program is a testament to the positive impact of the Council Community Initiative Fund. By allocating these funds to essential community services, the City is making significant strides in addressing and preventing homelessness, ultimately benefiting the entire community,” said Mayor Randy Sparacino.

For more information about the Council Community Initiative Fund and its impact on local organizations, click here.

About Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern Oregon: Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern Oregon (CCCS) is the region’s only community-based non-profit credit counseling agency. Established in 1971, CCCS aims to help individuals and families achieve financial stability and prevent homelessness. Annually, the agency sees nearly 2,500 clients and provides services such as financial education, credit counseling, and housing counseling services.