Cascades Community Placement Services (CCPS) is a Eugene-based newly established 501(c)3 nonprofit that, in keeping with longstanding traditions of queer communities supporting each other through mutual aid networks, helps folks find stability, safety, and community in Eugene and the surrounding regions.

The state of Oregon is home to the highest per capita population of queer folks in the entire U.S., with members of the LGBTQ+ community comprising roughly 7.8% of the state’s population. In a state that has legislatively resisted federal and local attempts to exterminate the rights of queer communities, it’s no wonder that more and more queer people are fleeing states with more restrictive laws in favor of Oregon and the broader PNW. For all its faults, the fact that Eugene is a generally welcoming place to queer residents both new and homegrown ought to be a point of pride for those of us who call this area home. But unfortunately, queer people are overrepresented in national homelessness statistics; and without a place to land, many of these transplants are at risk of housing insecurity and as a result face compounding forms of societal rejection.

Trying to mitigate that is CCPS. Granted nonprofit status in September 2025, CCPS “connects folks to a vetted community housing network, provides moving support, and flexibly assists individuals facing unstable or dangerous living situations.” According to Sasha Violet, a founding member, CCPS’ goal is “to be a welcoming committee,” for any and all who are seeking refuge in the PNW.

In the last few months since the nonprofit’s formation, CCPS has already helped over 45 people from all walks of life access resources such as housing and rental assistance, file necessary paperwork, and get moving help. A grassroots effort through and through, the group arose out of another local mutual aid project because the co-founders recognized a need for underserved folks to have greater access to life saving social services without all the bureaucratic red tape that can often inhibit people from accessing services such as temporary shelter or emergency rental assistance.

One of the ways CCPS gets folks into housing is by finding volunteers that can provide spaces such as spare rooms, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or even parking spaces on their property. The group vets prospective recipients to ensure they and their host are a good match and coordinates agreements and logistics. Essentially, CCPS is a bridge for those who are eager to directly help people in need of housing.

But in order for such a direct model to work, Sasha shared that CCPS is in need of more folks who can either “spare a bedroom or spare a buck.” It’s worth mentioning that, given their nonprofit status, contributions to CCPS are tax-deductible. Beyond these offerings, CCPS could also use Spanish-speaking volunteers, business sponsorships, public platforms for promotion, and a truck or cargo van to help with moving. If you can help or need some help yourself, get in touch with them at their website: https://orccps.org/.

Whether or not you’re able to assist in the aforementioned ways, consider joining CCPS at their upcoming fundraiser dance party: Dark Beats Disco, on March 21st at Dark Pine Coffee. Dark Beats Disco will be CCPS’ third “Dark Beats” fundraiser featuring local DJs– providing joy and togetherness in service of a good cause. CCPS invites you to come out and dance for a future of housing for all.