Transitional Housing Program for Spinal Cord Injury Survivors

Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Connection (OSCI) exists to empower, equip, and connect people living with spinal cord injuries—and the families who walk beside them. Every year, OSCI supports hundreds of individuals adjusting to life after injury, yet one challenge continues to surface time and again: the lack of accessible, affordable, transitional housing for newly injured patients who are ready for rehabilitation but have nowhere appropriate to go.

This barrier has real consequences. Without an accessible discharge plan, many patients are denied admission to rehab or are forced to stay in the hospital long past what insurance will authorize. Families scramble. Progress stalls. And people who are ready for recovery are left waiting.

OSCI is determined to change that. The Mortensen House represents the nonprofit’s bold step toward creating Oregon’s first-of-its-kind, community-based transitional housing and rehabilitation program for people with new spinal cord injuries. Designed as a pilot model, the home provides a safe, wheelchair-accessible place for individuals to heal, regain independence, and transition successfully back into daily life. It also honors the story of Michael Mortensen, whose experience inspired his family and OSCI to build a solution that fills a critical gap in the care continuum.

To support this meaningful work, Elevate Homes NW is acting as OSCI’s owner’s representative, guiding the nonprofit through planning, design, upgrades, accessibility improvements, and long-term visioning as the pilot program launches.

How You Can Be Part of This Movement. If you have been affected by a spinal cord injury—or love someone who has—you can help build a future where new injuries don’t derail the path to healing. Here’s how to support the Mortensen House and OSCI’s vision:

1. Donate to the pilot program. Contributions fund accessibility upgrades, therapy equipment, adaptive technology, and operational needs.
2. Become a sponsor or partner. Businesses, foundations, and families can support room sponsorships, ADA improvements, or program expansion.
3. Volunteer or offer in-kind support. Builders, therapists, contractors, landscapers, designers, and community members can help transform the space.
4. Spread the word. Sharing OSCI’s story helps build momentum and ensures that no newly injured neighbor is left without a safe place to begin their recovery.

Together, we can help this incredible organization build a model that changes lives—and sets a new standard for spinal cord injury care in Oregon.

Learn more about OSCI at www.OregonSCI.org.

By Thalia Plummer. This story is sponsored by Elevate Homes NW. With the help of many hearts and hands, we are on a mission to end chronic homelessness throughout the Pacific NW. Call 971-405-2998 or visit www.elevatehomesnw.com.