By: Hannah Kirschenmann
Rogue Retreat Development Manager

In the heart of the Rogue Valley, where community and resilience go hand in hand, Rogue Retreat stands as a beacon of hope for individuals experiencing homelessness. Since its founding in 1998, Rogue Retreat has dedicated itself to providing shelter, case management, and resources that empower people to reclaim stability and dignity in their lives.

A Mission Rooted in Transformation

Rogue Retreat provides housing, case management, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The mission is to create opportunities for those experiencing homelessness to have hope and transformed lives, fostering a community where everyone has a place to call home. Through innovative programs, compassionate support, and strong partnerships, the organization helps individuals transition from homelessness to stability with a model that fosters self-sufficiency.

More Than Shelter: A Pathway to Stability

At Rogue Retreat, housing is just the beginning. The organization offers a range of programs designed to meet people where they are and support them in taking steps toward permanent housing and independence. These programs include:

• Low-barrier Shelter (congregate and non-congregate)
  • Both the Kelly Shelter and Crossings offer a welcoming, supportive environment for guests to break down barriers and restore their lives. These shelters are low-barrier to entry programs, meaning sobriety is not a requirement for entry into the programs, but participants are encouraged to take steps toward recovery once in Rogue Retreat’s programs and typically move out of low-barrier shelter in less than one year. These sites are staffed and managed 24 hours per day.
  • Kelly Shelter à The Kelly Shelter is a dormitory-style congregate shelter offering 76 beds in a co-ed room, two hot meals per day, shower and laundry facilities, secure storage, and accommodations for pets.
  • Rogue Retreat Crossings à The Crossings location is a three-phase, non-congregate shelter offering tent, cabin, and tiny home accommodations for up to 160 individuals, along with two meals per day, shower and laundry facilities, secure storage, accommodations for pets, and a community center.
•  Villages
  • Hope Village (38 units) and Crossings Village (48 units) offer a structured, sober-living environment with case management and community-building opportunities. Residents must be 30 days sober, have provable income, and engage in daily responsibilities to prepare for permanent housing. Guests pay a program participation fee, which helps build their capacity to become self-sustaining future tenants and neighbors in the communities where they will eventually live.
• Medical Respite
  • The Medical Respite program provides a safe space for individuals recovering from hospital stays. Referrals come primarily from hospitals and insurance providers, ensuring participants receive necessary medical care and support during their recovery process. There are 39 beds available between two programs – 21 rooms at the Redwood Project Turnkey and 18 beds in a congregate room at the Kelly Shelter.
• Havens (shared housing units) – 20 beds total
  • Designed for those in recovery, these shared-living spaces foster accountability and long-term success. Accommodations are available for single parents or multigenerational families in need. Across three locations, Rogue Retreat’s Haven program provides 20 beds across three sites in sober living environments for individuals transitioning to stable housing.
• Apartments
  • Housing Authority Partnership – In collaboration with the Housing Authority of Jackson County, Rogue Retreat manages 23 subsidized apartments in Medford and Central Point, providing stable housing with supportive services to help residents maintain independence.
  • Rogue Retreat-Owned Apartments – Rogue Retreat owns and operates 44 affordable housing units, including 21 apartments in the Restart Retreat program and 23 units at the Redwood Project Turnkey. These units offer an additional layer of transitional housing, with residents receiving case management support to work toward self-sufficiency.

Comprehensive Support Services for Lasting Stability

Rogue Retreat understands that stable housing alone isn’t enough to break the cycle of homelessness. That’s why the organization integrates robust support services into every program, ensuring participants receive the guidance and tools they need to rebuild their lives.

• Personalized Case Management – Each participant is paired with a dedicated case manager, known as a resource broker, who helps develop a personalized stability plan. This includes connecting participants with healthcare, employment opportunities, financial assistance, and legal resources.
• Peer Support Services – Individuals who have successfully navigated similar challenges serve as peer mentors, offering firsthand guidance, motivation, and accountability to those on the path to recovery.
• Employment & Workforce Development – Through Rogue Retreat’s social enterprises, such as Clean Sweep, participants gain valuable job training, develop workplace skills, and build confidence to reenter the workforce.
• Life Skills & Financial Literacy – Workshops on budgeting, job readiness, conflict resolution, and healthy living empower participants to build a strong foundation for long-term independence.

Community Partnerships for Holistic Support

Rogue Retreat’s success is strengthened by its partnerships with key organizations that provide additional support services:

• Behavioral and Mental Health Services – Collaboration with local mental health providers ensures participants receive counseling and crisis intervention.
• Addiction Recovery & Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Services – Partnering with addiction treatment programs offers pathways to recovery for those seeking sobriety.
• ACCESS – As the local community action agency, ACCESS provides vital services such as rental assistance, food support, and energy assistance.
• Shelter Network – Working alongside other shelters and housing providers creates a coordinated response to homelessness across Southern Oregon.

Revitalizing Medford: A Community Effort

Rogue Retreat plays an active role in revitalizing Medford through its partnerships with the Medford Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Medford Association. These collaborations focus on improving downtown’s livability and ensuring that Rogue Retreat’s shelter and case management services contribute to a stronger, more vibrant community.

The City of Medford has been a critical supporter of Rogue Retreat’s mission, recognizing its impact on homelessness and public health. While the organization receives support from the city, it operates independently and does not rely on direct city funding.

Building a Stronger Community Together

Rogue Retreat’s impact wouldn’t be possible without the support of the local community. Volunteers, donors, and partners play a crucial role in ensuring that those in need receive the help they deserve. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or attending fundraising events, community members can be part of the solution to homelessness in the Rogue Valley.

Get Involved

If you’re looking for a way to make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors experiencing homelessness, consider supporting Rogue Retreat. Your generosity can help provide shelter, case management, and critical resources that transform lives.

For more information about programs, to request a tour, or to inquire about how to support Rogue Retreat initiatives, please contact our office at 541-499-0880 or visit www.rogueretreat.org/give-help.