Hope finds a home in Cave Junction

Nicole Boynton
IVN contributing writer

“Housing is Healthcare” will be engraved into one of the many bricks being used to build a brand new transitional living facility in Cave Junction. This quote comes from Illinois Valley Living Solutions Executive Director Laura Mancuso who has been working hard to help build the transitional housing project aptly named I.V. HOPE Village. The IVLS Board and the I.V. HOPE Village steering committee’s vision is now taking form at 204 South Kerby Ave., on the corner of Schumacher St. The project initially started in 2022 and after the tedious processes of raising funds, acquiring city approval, building planning and re-planning, construction was able to start in Nov 2024. “All Construction Elements has done a great job; they have been working very fast, despite obstacles with the very wet winter,” said Mancuso.
Local general contractor Paul Beals and his team at All Construction Elements have completely transformed the once heavily wooded plot of land into a spacious, beautiful living area hosting a large main building that will include a shared kitchen with walk-in fridge and ADA accessible sink, a common living area, shared bathrooms and showers, coin-op laundry, mail services and dry storage for individuals accepted into the program as well as offices for case managers and living quarters for a live-in host. “The community building is about 87% completed,” said Beals, adding, “and we need to get going on the tiny units.”

Beals said the next steps to finishing building on the property will be to pave the parking lot, finish pathways, stain the fence and paint the outside of the building.
I.V. HOPE Village is in its own category of transitional living facilities with plans for eight duplex buildings making 16 independent dwellings, giving residents their own individual space. The facility will also include a community garden focusing on edible landscaping and offer outdoor workshops and cooking classes. IVLS recognizes the value of relationships people develop with their four-legged, furry friends and will happily accept pets that are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations and that can play well with others. The outdoor, fully fenced area will also include space for a dog run for those with pets.
Applicants accepted into the Village program will work with case management to help them reach their individual goals and assess their needs for safe, permanent housing, whether that be mental health care, substance use disorder, help with accessing social security or HUD services, etc. Once accepted into the program, participants at the Village will rotate certain jobs and duties including garden care, cleaning and organizing common areas, and general maintenance on the grounds.
As of now, construction plans cover just less than one acre of the 3.4 acre plot, but Mancuso isn’t letting that extra space go to waste. The IVLS Board has plans to use the rest of the lot to set up permanent supportive housing structures as soon as I.V. HOPE Village is up and running.

In 2023, Oregon had a homeless population of 17,959 people and about 62% of those people were living unsheltered (HUD Annual Homeless Assessment Report, 2023). I.V. HOPE Village may not be big enough to help all those who are suffering in our state, but it has the potential to drastically improve the wellbeing of many people within our community. Transitional housing facilities like I.V. HOPE Village and other programs run by I.V. Living Solutions aim to help people wanting to take the step into stable, permanent housing but may not have the means to do so on their own.
To help raise funds individuals can buy a brick that will be used to build the resident tiny homes, each brick will be engraved with a name, date or quote of the donor’s choice. Bricks are being sold on a sliding scale with two different size options. Local businesses can also donate to have their name sponsored on a plaque outside of the tiny homes. You can email Laura Mancuso at ivlivingsol@gmail.com or call 971-415-0281. People are also able to donate directly to I.V. Living Solutions by visiting their website today at https://ivlivingsolutions.org ; every penny counts. Construction is projected to be finished this summer with an opening ceremony planned for July.