Rural Program

Program Phone: 541-767-3823
620 E Whiteaker Ave - Cottage Grove, OR 97424

Our Rural Program moved into a newly remodeled building in the summer of 2024, thanks to the donations of dozens of local and regional foundations and individual donors. We love our new building!

The Rural Program assists homeless youth 11 to 20 years of age who are interested in creating long-term solutions that improve the quality of their lives. Services provided include:

  • Basic needs: The Drop-In Center offers homeless youth food, clothing, and other vital resources.

  • Street Outreach: Staff provide youth on the streets of Cottage Grove with gateway services, information, referrals, advocacy, and support.

  • Case Management: Case management services include a transitional living plan and assistance in finding stable housing. Youth are taught essential skills needed to acquire and maintain housing.

  • Employment: Youth are provided with employment guidance including resume preparation, skills training opportunities, interview preparation and job search and connectivity to employment.

Hours of operation for drop-in (staff are doing outreach but also available during earlier hours):

Monday thru Friday 2:30 PM to 5PM

Grant Number [90YO2516] from the Family and Youth Services Bureau within the Administration for Children and Families supports this program. Neither of these federal departments operate, control, or are responsible for this website.

Blog Posts about Rural Program
Senator Wyden and US Rep Hoyle Visit Rural Program Building
Senator Wyden and US Rep Hoyle Visit Rural Program Building

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and U.S. Representative Val Hoyle visited the newly renovated Looking Glass Rural Program building on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Senator Wyden, along with Senator Jeff Merkley, helped Looking Glass to secure $195,000 in Congressional Directed Spending to help with a significant portion of the expenses of renovating the new building for the rural program.

Rural Program - New Building Holds Grand Opening!
Rural Program - New Building Holds Grand Opening!

After several years of start and stop fundraising, Looking Glass staff members and supporters gathered to celebrate the recent opening of a newly renovated building in Cottage Grove. The previous program facility was located just down the street from the new location but was roughly 4 times smaller. The larger space will allow for broader services and offerings to youth aged 11-21 in rural Lane County including laundry, showers, a large beautiful kitchen and space for on-site therapy.

Rural Program Hopes to Expand
Rural Program Hopes to Expand

The Looking Glass Rural Program, with current 500 square foot facility in Cottage Grove, hopes to expand services and capacity by nearly 400% when it moves into a new building down the street which is just under 2,000 square feet and has much higher visibility from the road as well.

Purchased in 2019, the new facility is in need of major renovations before staff can move in and serve clients.

Rural Program During COVID-19
Rural Program During COVID-19

We spoke with Rural Program Supervisor, Amanda Hampton, to learn how they are serving youth during the COVID-19 crisis.

3 Key Messages from the 2019 FYSB RHY Grantee Training
3 Key Messages from the 2019 FYSB RHY Grantee Training

Our in-house grant writer shares her experience at the Family & Youth Services Bureau 2019 Grantee Training

Cottage Grove High School presents MLK Award to Looking Glass
Cottage Grove High School presents MLK Award to Looking Glass

Members of the Cottage Grove High School student council chose Looking Glass as this year's MLK award recipient and presented a plaque to rural program staff members Sammy Elsdon and Amanda Hampton on Monday, February 5th at their Unity Week assembly.

Program Spotlight: Rural Program - Cottage Grove
Program Spotlight: Rural Program - Cottage Grove

"Rural homelessness for youth is almost invisible, even to folks living in these communities," explains Looking Glass Rural Program Supervisor Amanda Hampton. "Youth are rarely out on the streets in a visible way, which means it requires targeted, intentional and collaborative effort to be able to reach the folks who are in need of our services."

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