Visiting someone in special housing (DSU/SHU/MHI) at Coffee Creek: what families need to know
If your loved one is in DSU, SHU, or MHI at Coffee Creek, visiting works differently than regular housing. The biggest change? You can't use the normal online scheduling system. Instead, you'll need to coordinate directly with the facility.
Visits for adults in special housing at Coffee Creek - DSU, SHU, or MHI - are handled through the institution, not the regular online scheduling system (ICSolutions). To set one up, you’ll need to call Coffee Creek directly and ask to speak with SHU staff so they can coordinate the visit.
Another common snag: adults in custody who are still going through intake at Coffee Creek aren't eligible for visits. If your loved one just arrived or hasn't cleared intake yet, you'll need to wait until they're moved out of that status.
- Call Coffee Creek at 503-570-6421 - this is the required starting point for DSU/SHU/MHI visits.
- Ask to speak to SHU staff - special housing visits are coordinated through SHU staff, not through the standard scheduling flow.
- Schedule the visit directly with staff - these visits cannot be scheduled through ICSolutions, even if you use that system for regular visits.
Heads up: Make sure you’re on your loved one’s approved visitors list before you schedule. If you aren’t approved, the institution will deny the visit - even if an online appointment exists.
3
- ✓ Your loved one’s correct name (adult in custody)
- ✓ Their SID number
- ✓ Your relationship to them
- ✓ A few preferred dates/times you can visit
- ✓ Any questions you have about special-housing visit procedures (so you can ask SHU staff while you’re on the phone)
Before calling, check with your loved one to make sure you're on their approved visitors list. This one step saves a lot of frustration. Oregon DOC requires approval - show up without it, and the visit gets denied.
Already scheduled something online? Don't assume you're set. Special housing visits at Coffee Creek still require calling the institution and speaking with SHU staff. Double-check your approved-visitor status with your loved one too - the institution will deny the visit if you aren't approved, even if the online system shows an appointment.
What you can send: The only items an adult in custody can receive directly from friends or family are photos and letters. Books, magazines, and newspapers must come from a publisher or distributor. Other items like games or food are prohibited.
To schedule a DSU/SHU/MHI (special housing) visit at Coffee Creek, call 503-570-6421 and ask to speak to SHU staff.
Find an Inmate at Coffee Creek Facility, Or
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
