July 21, 2013 – Multnomah County received an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties for its Homeless Benefits Recovery Program in the category of Human Services. This program, implemented by Central City Concern's Benefits & Entitlements Specialist Team program (BEST), attained federal disability benefits for 82% (117 people of 143 who exited the program), improving lives and resulting in more medical providers getting paid for their work. The majority (85%) of those who received federals benefits had a mental health disability.
The program was designed to help disabled individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness navigate the complex process of applying for Social Security Disability and Medicaid benefits. Central City Concern has operated the BEST program since 2008 and to date has successful attained benefits for 782 people.
Central City Concern’s mission is providing comprehensive solutions to ending homelessness and achieving self-sufficiency. It serves approximately 13,000 people yearly with healthcare, housing, peer support and employment in the Portland metro area.
