Tara Johnson Director of the Devereux Center Discussing Homelessness in Coos County 3PM Monday March 21, 2022, on KWRO
Tara Johnson is the director of the Devereux Center, a day center in Coos Bay for those who are homeless or mentally ill.
The Center offers basic needs services, including meals and showers. Under her leadership, the Devereux Center has expanded services to include housing case management reflecting her passion to help those in need in Coos County. Tara's father said she always roots for the underdog which is shown through her dedication to the clients of the Devereux Center. Tara also serves on the board for the Coos County Library Service District and the Myrtle Point School District as well as her local fire department. Tara has an understanding of the challenges that law enforcement officers face because she worked briefly as a dispatcher for the Coos County Sheriff’s Department.
THE DEVEREUX CENTER
Who We Are
The Devereux Center offers support systems and advocacy for the homeless, those suffering from mental illness, and veterans. We serve an average of 80 people a day. Also known as the Nancy Devereux Center, we are a 501(C)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization founded in 1979. The Center is a day facility that is open from 9 am to 2 pm every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
A waffle brunch is served in collaboration with the Coos Waffle Project on Thursdays from 10-Noon.
We offer our clients and community members free hot breakfast and lunch, as well as laundry and showers. The food for these meals is largely provided through the generosity of the Oregon Coast Community Action’s “Food Share Program”, as well as generous donations from various local businesses and private individuals.
The Devereux Center works on a limited budget and utilizes both paid and volunteer staff. We have about 30 dedicated volunteers each month. Our volunteers have working relationships with local social, health, and legal services to ensure help for our clients and residents as needed.
Some volunteers cook and serve food, clean the building, assist clients with basic services and help maintain the property. Others reach out in the community to help people find work while others apply for grants to continue and expand our services. We are strengthening our local network to help people find affordable housing, work and food.
We strive to put a positive view on the abilities of our people and dispel the stigma associated with homelessness and mental illness. At the Devereux Center, we encourage education and provide advocacy and support. A key part of our mission is helping people “Learn to Dream Again.” If you would like to be involved, please call 541-888-3202 and ask about volunteer opportunities.
OUR MISSION
At the Devereux Center, we believe in helping people to Dream Again. Our day center helps the mentally ill and homeless to meet their basic needs, so they can find the hope and dignity to break the cycle of homelessness and depression.
OUR VISION
We will achieve our mission by:
Developing sufficient revenue sources and a sustainable professional operation that will keep our day center open at least five days a week.
Strengthening and improving relationships with appropriate community services, local government, public safety partners and our neighbors.
Creating sustainable housing appropriate for and affordable to people with mental illness.
Implementing needed services for people with mental health issues such as mentoring and advocacy.