Our History
Providing retreat for those in need for over 20 years.
Rogue Retreat began its mission to restore lives by operating addiction recovery houses in 1998. Today, our mission is to create opportunities and give hope to those transitioning out of homelessness. Through partnerships with the state, local governments, and other organizations — as well as our incredible community of donors — we’re working to make a real and lasting impact on the lives of people in Southern Oregon.
Established in 1998 in Medford, Oregon, Rogue Retreat begins its mission to restore lives by operating addiction recovery houses.
Rogue Retreat opens its first men’s recovery house on Holly Street in Medford.
Rogue Retreat purchases an 11-apartment complex on Riverside Avenue in Medford to serve as a recovery house.
The mission of Rogue Retreat shifts to serving homeless individuals in Jackson County. With this shift comes a new community interest in providing in-kind donations and support.
A one-time Housing Plus grant from the State of Oregon is awarded to help create permanent and stable housing. Rogue Retreat hires its first paid employee, begins renovating the Riverside building, and begins offering case management services to participants.
Another state grant allows for the purchase of an 8-unit complex on Grape Street in Medford, along with more funds to support case management and rental subsidies for program participants.
Our founder, Chad McComas, becomes a paid employee for the first time in the 12 years since Rogue Retreat’s inception.
Rogue Retreat partners with Housing Authority on an Oregon State grant to operate 23 additional apartments for people who are facing financial distress or foreclosure during the recession. Those who graduate from Rogue Retreat’s programs are able to leave with a HUD voucher to obtain their own affordable housing.
The Thrift Shop opens as an income stream to support Rogue Retreat’s programs, and also provides job training opportunities for program participants.
Rogue Retreat acquires Heather’s Haven Recovery House, and now operates five of these recovery houses in total.
Rogue Retreat launches a campaign to raise money for a tiny house village in Medford. With $250,000 in community donations, the Hope Village project breaks ground in December.
In January, Kelly Shelter opens as a “low-barrier” shelter in the basement of a local church. In October, Hope Village opens and welcomes its first participants.
The Oregon Mayors Conference visits Hope Village to see Rogue Retreat’s model of success in Medford, Oregon and learn how it can work in other communities around the state. The City gives unanimous approval to double the size of Hope Village.
Urban Campground, Medford opens on July 27, with 48 tent sites for homeless people coming directly to the camp, or being referred by Medford City Police Department’s Livability Team. An anonymous donor pledges a matching fund of $34,000 to purchase 10 additional Pallet Shelters for the Urban Campground, Medford.
In March, Rogue Retreat receives a $2.55 million Project Turnkey Grant from the State of Oregon for the purchase of Redwood Inn, in partnership with the City of Medford. Redwood Inn provides emergency housing for Almeda Fire victims and homeless individuals.
Rogue Retreat partners with the AllCare Community Foundation to open Foundry Village in Grants Pass, the first transitional tiny-home community in Josephine County.
Rogue Retreat partners with the City of Talent and Phoenix-Talent School District to open the Gateway Transitional Housing Project for families and individuals displaced by the Almeda Fire.
The City of Ashland receives a $300,000 state grant that allows them to partner with Rogue Retreat and open the Ashland Shelter.
Rogue Retreat currently operates 12 shelter and housing sites that serve 500+ people per night in Southern Oregon.
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