Ben West Celebrates Approval of New Recovery Center Campus: “Real Resources for Real Recovery”
Published on kgw.com
A KGW report on Clackamas County’s purchase of the former Clackamas Elementary School property highlights Commissioner Ben West as a leading force behind the creation of a long-term, wraparound recovery campus designed to address the region’s addiction crisis. The board voted 4–0 to acquire the six-acre site for $3.5 million, using no county general funds. West praised the moment as a turning point, saying, “I’m really proud that we’re now coming up with real resources that this state just has not had for a really, really long time.” His comments reinforce his broader message that Clackamas County is committed to building genuine pathways to sobriety — not short-term fixes.
The recovery center is planned to offer detox services, treatment beds, mental health supports, job skills development, transitional housing, and individualized, year-long recovery plans. West emphasized that the center is not a simple extension of the state’s deflection program, but a standalone, comprehensive solution designed to give people the time and structure necessary to rebuild their lives. When asked about public safety concerns, West assured neighbors that accountability, cleanliness, and strong community integration would be core priorities. “There will be high accountability to make sure this works,” he said. “We plan on this being a destination and an asset to the community.”
The project will be built through a mix of Supportive Housing Services funds, Community Mental Health Program dollars, and American Rescue Plan Act funds, with the county seeking additional partners through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. West expressed hope that ground could be broken as early as next year, reinforcing his drive to move quickly and meaningfully on one of the region’s most urgent challenges.
Content credit to kgw.com
