Providers proposing to site a Community Residential Facility in Multnomah County are encouraged to contact the Community Residential Siting Program (CRSP) staff for assistance with developing an appropriate timeline and outreach process. When appropriate, providers are encouraged to select several sites and involve the community in the planning stages of development before a final selection has been made. It is also highly recommended that large or "controversial" project providers contact CRSP a minimum of six months prior to the expected date that residents intend to occupy the facility.

In an effort to communicate the needs of the community, CRSP staff will supply the provider with:
A. Assistance with developing an outreach/communication strategy that includes a discussion with community leaders and stakeholders.
B. An informational fact sheet(s) that characterizes the neighborhood developed in coordination with local neighborhood/ business/ religious/other community organizations whose geographical boundaries are within 1000 feet of the proposed facility, including:

(i) Relevant social and demographic data that characterizes the neighborhood;

(ii) Key neighborhood organizations; times and locations of meetings;

(i) A list of key neighborhood and other community contacts; and

(ii) Relevant historical information.

With the assistance of a CRSP facilitator, the provider is encouraged to conduct a meeting with an identified stakeholder group that may include, but is not limited to, immediate neighbors, representatives of the neighborhood association, business association(s), service provider, other community and advocacy groups. The purpose of that meeting is to:

A. Exchange general information about the type(s) of services being offered at the proposed facility;

B. Express any issues or concerns that have been identified by parties;

C. Develop a format and process to be used as a framework for future outreach functions that are agreed upon by all parties.

The Provider should develop an Informational Fact Sheet(s) that characterizes the facility to be sited. This information should be distributed to residents that are located within a distance recommended by CRSP staff of no more than 1000 feet of the facility that;

A. Includes a general description of the services to be provided at this site including the amount and level of supervision on-site.

B. Addresses potential neighborhood livability issues as defined by a represented sample of community leaders and stakeholders identified by CRSP staff or through an advisory committee as established under ORS 169.690 for certain types of facilities.

C. Provides information on the Federal Fair Housing Act, State and Federal confidentiality laws, and other relevant legal information pertaining to the protection afforded by the clients/tenants residing at the proposed facility.

If needed, establish a work group to develop a process for ongoing communication between a representative sample of stakeholders and Provider in coordination with a CRSP facilitator. The purpose of this work group is to develop a Good Neighbor Agreement/Plan that outlines:

A. A communication plan that describes how the facility operator or residents will communicate with neighbors and other involved parties, including an outline of emergency communication procedures;

B. An agreement about issues of concern(s) identified by the parties, and

C. An ongoing process to ensure that the agreement is being upheld by all parties.