A New Chapter for Community Supported Shelters

By Heather Quaas-Annsa and Blake Burrell • April 17, 2026

As our organization continues to grow and evolve, we’re preparing for an important transition in the year ahead.


In 2026, Community Supported Shelters will close our two Communities near the Eugene Mission. This change comes as the Mission expands its Life Skills Program, an investment in services that aligns with our shared goal of supporting individuals on their path toward stability. Our clients have already begun transitioning into other Communities, with each move guided by thoughtful, individualized planning to ensure continuity of care and support.


At the same time, we are stepping into an exciting new chapter. Phase 1 construction is now complete at our new building on 10th Place. We are deeply grateful to Essex Construction and GMA Architects for their partnership and care in bringing this project to life. This new space will allow us to bring more services together, deepen our impact, and better serve our community.


We will also be saying goodbye to our Grant Street location, which has been home to our organization since the very beginning. That space holds years of history, growth, and heart, and we carry that legacy with us into what comes next.


As we complete this transition, we look forward to welcoming you into the new space. We plan to host an open house this summer once the move is complete.


Change can be bittersweet, but it also creates room for new opportunities. We are energized by what lies ahead and remain committed to helping our neighbors rebuild their lives through intentional community.


With gratitude and hope,


Heather and Blake

Co-Executive Directors, CSS


Saying hello to our new building at 10th Place:


Saying goodbye to two Mission Communities and our Grant Street office:



You Gotta Nourish to Flourish

All donations to the Community Supported Shelters Nourish Fund will be directed toward nourishing the lives of unhoused individuals through employment prep, peer-led support groups, arts entrepreneurship, and more.

Donate to Nourish Fund

News & Events

To stay connected to CSS, subscribe to our quarterly newsletter. If you are a member of the media who is seeking info, contact community@cssoregon.org.

Subscribe to Newsletter
April 19, 2026
“This is our home,” says Whitney, looking around the new 560-square foot Community Room at the CSS Roosevelt Safe Spot Community, where she lives in a Hut, “I think it really pepped up all of our moods.”
April 18, 2026
“I’ve been in some bad moods, down and depressed or just sad or angry even. Out of curiosity, one day I decided to stop by NAMI, and I never had felt so much happiness and relief. Every time I go, I just feel lifted up. I feel like everything’s going to be OK. Yeah, I love NAMI a lot,” says Jennifer W., a CSS community
April 16, 2026
In March, we had our big fundraising concert, featuring a music project by CSS clients, staff, and volunteers! We couldn't have done it without Jason Krueger (Shanty Town band manager and bass player), Truffle Jam, Wildish Theater, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Plank Town Brewing, Springfield Public Schools, and our many in-kin
April 5, 2026
A new workforce development program in Eugene is teaching people living in shelters how to become bicycle mechanics. People like Delanya Clarkson, who came into the program with no mechanical experience. She rides bikes, but has never had the chance to learn more about how they function.
March 16, 2026
Jason Krueger has been in plenty of bands over the years: college bands in Eugene when he attended the University of Oregon, here-and-there jam sessions and Craigslist advertisement tryouts in Portland. His latest band, Shantytown, might be his most important yet.
January 24, 2026
On a sunny January day, Dan, 58, and Robert, 60, worked together on the CSS Maintenance Crew doing restoration work at the Empire Pond Safe Spot Community. Another typical workday for both of them in some ways, but one that neither could have imagined just a year and a half ago. Dan and Robert are brothers who had not
January 23, 2026
The "starving artist" stereotype is well-known. Housed folks often struggle to make an income through art. That difficulty is magnified for unhoused artists, for whom many basic resources are out of reach: good-quality supplies, studio space, and art classes. For that reason, when CSS launched our new Arts Entrepreneur
January 22, 2026
Right now is a scary time for many of the people we serve. Freezing weather brings real and immediate danger. Increased enforcement and the presence of ICE create fear and instability, particularly for immigrant community members. And harmful language and policies at the federal level continue to further criminalize ho
January 21, 2026
Major gratitude to the following local businesses: Slice Pizzeria & Bar, Claim 52 Brewing, High Street Tonics, Venue 252, Chambers Grill & Taphouse, and The Embers. Collectively, they've filled about 100 BottleDrop Blue Bags since Thanksgiving, giving us a financial boost while recycling bottles and cans.
December 30, 2025
Community Supported Shelters' new main office used to be Eugene's DMV. The building at 2870 W. 10th Place was where Eugene residents got their licenses, registered their vehicles and replaced their license plates from 1985 to 2021. Eugene's DMV is now located at 499 Valley River Center. It moved in 2022.
Show More