Hillsboro Shelter Celebrates Grand opening

HILLSBORO, Ore. – Elected leaders from the Oregon federal delegation, Washington County, City of Hillsboro and Metro gathered today to mark the grand opening and cut the ribbon for Hillsboro’s new year-round shelter.

The shelter will be operated by Project Homeless Connect and provide 75 safe sleeping spaces, as well as onsite meals, hygiene & laundry facilities, and housing navigation resources with trauma-informed staff available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To meet diverse needs, the shelter will offer 35 indoor congregate sleeping areas & 40 individual shelter pods and further reduce barriers by allowing pets.

“Everyone in Oregon should have a safe, secure roof overhead,” said U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, who secured funding for this community-initiated project as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “As I hold a town hall in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year, I hear firsthand from folks about what matters most to them, and tackling our nation’s housing crisis is high on that list. This project is a critical piece of the puzzle to help those struggling with housing instability in Hillsboro, and I’ll continue working in Congress to deliver critical housing resources and support to communities in every county in Oregon.”

“The new year-round shelter in Hillsboro will serve as a safe and welcoming place for people who are experiencing challenging times and a lack of housing,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I’m grateful that I could secure federal funds for this project, and appreciate everyone who has worked to make the vision for the first year-round shelter in Hillsboro a reality. I will continue advocating for projects that connect people with housing and the wraparound services they need.”

“This shelter is about more than beds. It’s about safety, dignity, and a path toward permanent housing, especially as we head into the coldest months of the year,” said Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington, “Even with federal uncertainty, I am heartened to see local leaders rolling up their sleeves to meet the critical need showing up in our community.”

“We are proud to be able to provide community members the safety and support that are essential to their wellbeing and offer a first step on the path toward long-term housing,” said Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace. “By listening to our community and honoring a shared commitment to help everyone thrive — along with the dedication and collaboration of trusted partners — we are now able to answer the call for these essential services and support members of our community as they continue their journey toward positive change.”

“Since voters gave us the resources to address homelessness with the passage of the Metro Supportive Housing Services measure, we’ve been able to reach communities and corners of the Metro area that weren’t being served before,” Metro Councilor Juan Carlos González said. “That includes right here in Hillsboro, where we’re delivering on promises with the opening of the first permanent year-round shelter for adults in the city’s history.”

“We are proud to serve as the boots on the ground support for some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Project Homeless Connect Executive Director Kim Marshall. “Historically, we’ve made it work in temporary locations. Thanks to this permanent facility, our team will be set up for success to continue providing people experiencing homelessness with lifesaving shelter and the resources to reach stability.”

The shelter project is made possible thanks to $17 million in funding, including $5.4 million in City of Hillsboro American Rescue Plan-enabled funding, over $2 million in State of Oregon funding, $850,000 in funding received through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development secured with the help of Congresswoman Bonamici, and $8.3 million from the voter-approved Metro Supportive Housing Services measure allocated through Washington County. Ongoing operations will also be funded by the Washington County allocation of the Supportive Housing Services measure.

The City of Hillsboro purchased the property on SW 17th Avenue in 2021 with the goal of a building a future year-round shelter for adults experiencing homelessness. The property is located near an established business area, with nearby public transportation, and is within walking distance to groceries and employment opportunities. With design, amenities, and operator selection informed by community engagement, this is the first shelter location in Hillsboro that is specifically designed to meet the needs of adults experiencing homelessness and connect them with long-term housing. 

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ABOUT WASHINGTON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING SERVICES:

The Washington County Department of Housing Services creates pathways out of homelessness, promotes housing stability, and invests in affordable communities for Washington County and our residents. Last fiscal year, the Department of Housing Services served over 20,700 people with outreach and access, shelter, to long-term affordable housing.

ABOUT THE CITY OF HILLSBORO: Hillsboro is one of Oregon’s most diverse and dynamic cities, with a steadily growing population of more than 110,000 residents. During the workday, more than 50,000 employees commute to Hillsboro by car, bicycle, bus, or light rail train to work at companies such as Intel, Nike, and Genentech. Hillsboro is the largest city in Washington County and serves as the county seat. Known as the “high-tech hub of Oregon” or the “tallest tree in the silicon forest,” Hillsboro has some of the best land, power, and water resources in the country. With its thriving economy, Hillsboro is the home of Oregon’s fourth-largest school district, two higher-education campuses, more than 30 parks, and more than 1,500 acres of designated green spaces, including Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve and the Orenco Woods Nature Park.

ABOUT METRO HOUSING DEPARTMENT: Metro is working to create new affordable housing and to reduce homelessness through the oversight of two measures: In 2018, voters in greater Portland approved the affordable housing bond to generate $652.8 million to create homes for approximately 12,000 people, and in May 2020, voters approved a supportive housing services fund to expand services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Metro collaborates with local cities and counties to implement these local solutions.

ABOUT PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT

Our vision is to ensure all people in Washington County have a stable place to call home by collaboratively working with partner agencies and government bodies to provide a high-quality, integrated system of services that includes trauma-informed street outreach, well-equipped access centers, congregate and non-congregate shelter formats, housing assistance programs, and connections to wraparound services such as behavioral health and employment support.