Northwest Human Services began in 1970 with the establishment of the Crisis & Information Hotline. The Hotline began as a temporary information line for those planning to attend the Vortex concert, organized by Governor Tom McCall as a response to a planned protest. When volunteers answering the line realized that the majority of calls were from local citizens who just wanted to talk to someone, the “Hotline” was formally established as a 24/7 crisis line serving the local community.
The following year in the summer of 1971, two UCLA medical students arrived on the scene as part of an internship with Marion County Health Department. Appalled by the lack of health care services available to the low-income, advantaged populations, with the department’s support and assistance, The Cry of Love Free Clinic was opened and was named after a popular Jimi Hendrix album of the day. Learn more about our medical clinics.
Cry of Love received its first federal grant from the US Public Health Service.
Cry of Love’s name was changed to Northwest Human Services, Inc. Federal funding supported the creation of Salem Streetlight for houseless and runaway youth now known as H.O.S.T.
Federal Healthcare for the homeless Health Center funding expanded primary care services for houseless individuals.
The Homeless Outreach and Advocacy Project (HOAP) opened to provide services to the chronically houseless population.
Over the next decade the agency experienced steady growth.
The West Salem Dental Clinic opened to address the gap in dental services for people and families with low incomes.
Total Health Community Clinic opened in Monmouth, OR.
A common lobby was constructed to connect two separate West Salem Clinic medical buildings.
A remodel at the West Salem Clinic added exam rooms to accommodate the growing number of patients.
The Quick Care Clinic opened on the West Salem campus and was expanded in 2016.
The West Salem Clinic expanded to integrate medical, dental, and mental health services, as well as business office to ensure coordinated care for all patients and clients.
The West Salem Clinic Expansion was complete in 2023 with the open house ribbon cutting ceremony.