Clover Court Update No. 3

Understanding Mental Illness and Opportunities for Input about Clover Court

Mental Illness Awareness Workshop
The proposed Clover Court development has prompted many questions and concerns about individuals in our community who face mental health challenges. As a community service, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Washington County will provide two opportunities later this month for learning and discussion about issues surrounding mental illness. The public is invited to attend this free presentation on either Tuesday May 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or on Wednesday May 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Both sessions will be held at Sequoia Mental Health, 4585 SW 185th Avenue in Aloha. 

The presentation and discussion will be led by Paul Underwood, Executive Director for NAMI of Washington County. NAMI is the world’s largest volunteer-based, grassroots mental health organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by mental illness through education, support and advocacy. Mr. Underwood will share insights from his family’s story of struggle and hope. 

Due to limited seating, online, pre-registration is required. To register for the May 30 option, go to www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-illness-awareness-tickets-34154485987. To register for May 31, go to www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-illness-awareness-tickets-34217511498. 

Childcare will not be provided and those with questions can contact Mr. Underwood directly at [email protected] or at 503-356-6835. 

• Read the flyer 

Opportunity for Community Input
A tentative date of Tuesday, June 27 is being planned for the Board of County Commissioners to consider transferring the surplus county property at SW 170th/Bany Road to Luke-Dorf, Inc., for the Clover Court project. Please note that it is possible that a different date will need to be scheduled. Once the Board meeting agenda is finalized, notification will be provided to the public about how to submit testimony. 

Background
Washington County has a long-standing policy through which the Board of Commissioners may transfer ownership of surplus property to the County Housing Authority and to non-profit organizations that create and manage affordable homes. This is one way the county tries to address the critical shortage of affordable housing and to leverage additional resources to prevent homelessness. 

Washington County's approach has been to work together with community partners to address this crisis following the "Housing First" model for ending homelessness. Housing First is a nation-wide strategy that prioritizes providing people experiencing homelessness with permanent housing as quickly as possible, and then providing supportive services as needed, to ensure that families and individuals do not cycle back into homelessness. 

Washington County, along with the rest of the Portland area, is suffering from an affordable housing crisis that disproportionately impacts those with low incomes and people with disabilities. Although great strides have been made, Washington County still lacks over 14,000 housing units for low and extremely low income residents to accommodate this great need. 

More information can be found at the Clover Court Proposal webpage.

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