Learn What We Do - Our Mission
Octavia’s Options is a Southern Oregon nonprofit focused on advancing housing-first initiatives and strengthening community-based solutions to housing instability. The organization works to support research, collaboration, and resource development that expand access to stable housing and supportive services.
By partnering with local organizations, volunteers, and students, Octavia’s Options aims to contribute to thoughtful, practical approaches that improve housing stability and promote long-term well-being across the region.
Our Story
Octavia’s Options was founded by Octavia Quinn, a long-time Oregon resident with lived experience and a deep understanding of the barriers individuals face when trying to access stable housing and support services.
Between the ages of 18 and 20, Octavia experienced periods of homelessness and housing instability. During that time, accessing consistent support, employment, and transportation was incredibly difficult without a safe and stable place to live. Everything changed when she was accepted into a residential program for pregnant women in Bend, Oregon. For the first time, she had a stable environment that allowed her to focus on rebuilding her life. With access to support services, she was able to apply for jobs, begin saving money, and work toward independence.
The program also provided practical resources such as bus passes, which made it possible to attend appointments, seek employment, and stay connected to essential services. That support played a critical role in helping her transition forward. After completing the program, she moved into her own housing using a HUD housing voucher, where she lived independently with her daughter for a year. Since then, she has maintained stable housing for the past five years.
Octavia’s Options was created to help others access the same types of opportunities that made stability possible. The organization works to connect individuals and families to housing resources, transportation support, and community-based services that promote long-term stability and independence.
Our Team
Octavia Quinn, Founder
Octavia Quinn is the Founder and Executive Director of Octavia’s Options and holds three academic degrees, including dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Human Services from Southern Oregon University, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work. She brings both lived experience navigating housing instability and professional experience in human services to her work, leading program development, community outreach, and organizational strategy with a focus on expanding access to housing resources and reducing barriers to care for individuals and families in Southern Oregon.
Justin Barranco, Board Treasurer
Justin serves as Board Treasurer and supports the financial oversight of Octavia’s Options. He currently works at UPS and is pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) certification, bringing a detail-oriented and goal-driven approach to the organization. In his role, Justin assists with financial tracking, budgeting, and ensuring responsible management of funds to support the organization’s mission.
Kaitlynn Sorenson, Board Secretary
Kaitlynn brings a strong background in caregiving and a deep commitment to supporting others in her community. Through her experience providing care and assistance to individuals with varying needs, she has developed strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. As Board Secretary, Kaitlynn supports the organization by maintaining records, assisting with coordination, and helping ensure clear communication across the team.
Margaret Morton, QMHA Volunteer
Margaret brings over 20 years of experience supporting individuals across a variety of care settings. Her extensive background has provided her with strong skills in communication, empathy, and navigating complex support needs. As a QMHA Volunteer, she offers non-clinical support by helping individuals connect to community resources, build stability, and work toward personal goals in a supportive and person-centered environment.
Our Approach
At Octavia’s Options, our work is grounded in evidence-informed practices that prioritize dignity, accessibility, and long-term stability. We recognize that every individual’s situation is unique, and we are committed to meeting people where they are with practical, compassionate support.
We follow a Housing First approach, which means we believe that stable housing is a foundational step toward overall well-being. By focusing on housing stability without unnecessary barriers, individuals are better able to address other areas of their lives, including health, employment, and personal goals.
We are also committed to a trauma-informed approach, recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and the importance of creating environments that promote safety, trust, and empowerment. Our work emphasizes respect, consistency, and choice, ensuring that individuals feel supported without being overwhelmed or retraumatized.
Our approach also focuses on reducing barriers to care and creating supportive environments where individuals can access services without unnecessary obstacles or judgment. We aim to build trust and support individuals in making progress at their own pace.
In addition, we are committed to community-based support. We actively collaborate with local organizations, partners, and community members to ensure individuals are connected to the resources and relationships they need. Rather than operating in isolation, we believe in strengthening the broader network of care within our community.
Together, these approaches allow us to provide support that is flexible, respectful, and focused on creating sustainable pathways toward stability.