Homeless Persons Memorial Day Recognized as Washington County Activates Severe Weather Shelter

Severe Weather Shelter Activation from 12/21/2022 (4 p.m.) until at least 12/24/2022 (12 p.m.)

Due to forecasted freezing temperatures, Washington County has activated severe weather shelters that will open their doors to anyone seeking shelter through the winter weather event. These beds supplement the Washington County shelter program which provides 320 shelter beds for individuals and families. Unhoused people seeking shelter should present in person at the locations listed below:

• The Salvation Army Building, 1440 SE 21^st Ave, Hillsboro
  • Accessible via TriMet route numbers 57
  • Shelter Operator: Project Homeless Connect
• Beaverton Community Center, 12350 SW 5^th St
  • Accessible via TriMet route numbers 52, 76, and 78
  • Shelter Operator: Just Compassion

Shelters will remain open 24 hours throughout the severe weather event. Hot meals are provided for guests, no one will be turned away and pets are okay (be prepared to work with shelter staff as locations individual pet policies may vary).

If someone outside is unsheltered and whose life appears to be in danger, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, if you see someone about whom you are concerned during cold weather call the police non-emergency number at 503-629-0111 and request a welfare check.

Inclement Weather Shelters may activate beds in coordination with Multnomah County and accept participants when:

• Forecasted temperature of 25° F (-3.9° C) or below; or 
• Forecasted snow accumulations of 1.0 inch or more; or 
• Forecasted temperature at or below 32° F (0° C) with driving rain of 1.0 inch or more overnight. 

If forecasted weather continues to require activation of the Severe Weather shelters, up to date information can be found here: wcor.us/SevereWeatherShelter

Homeless Persons Memorial Day Recognized

Nearly 350 homeless people have died in the state of Oregon from January through September 2022, and 20 people experiencing homelessness have died in Washington County. To commemorate this loss of life, Greater Good Northwest is hosting a warm weather clothing and item drop off.

Item drop off will take place on December 21^st, 2022, “The Longest Night national memorial vigil” from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Hillsboro Bridge Shelter (622 SE 10th Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97123).

This date has been nationally recognized for 32 years as a time to mourn the human toll of homelessness. Greater Good Northwest will host an item drop off and providing hot drinks, blankets, hand warmers and other warm items to those who need it in addition to accepting donations.

Eboni Brown, Executive Director of Greater Good Northwest shares, “On this day of remembrance let us come together as [a] community to protect and support our unhoused neighbors. Let this be the last year that we have to memorialize, let us build a series of support systems so impactful that next year is a cause for celebration.”

Washington County Supportive Housing Services Manager Jes Larson says, “Homelessness is life threatening, and helping our unhoused community members find housing stability is crucial to saving lives and giving people the opportunity to recover. Over the last year, we have housed over 800 people. This is a tremendous start, and we are heartened by the progress made in Washington County, but on nights like tonight it is an important reminder how urgently we must continue to act.”

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ABOUT DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING SERVICES: 

The Department of Housing Services offers rental assistance to low-income households through various federally funded programs, creates affordable housing opportunities in the community for low- and moderate-income households through a combination of creative financing and partnerships with public and private entities and administers programs to address homelessness including A Road Home: Washington County’s 10-year Plan to End Homelessness and the Supportive Housing Services program.