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Emergency Shelter Programs

Shelter and access center programs act as the “front door” of our homeless system of care. They provide emergency services including hygiene, nutrition, and safe sleep, while also helping to connect families and individuals to housing.

Severe Weather Shelters 

Update - Posted January 17, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

Severe Weather Shelters will close January 17, 2024 at 2 p.m.

As temperatures continue warming up, Washington County will close severe weather shelters Wednesday, January 17 at 2 p.m. 

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 severe weather call the police non-emergency number at 503-629-0111 and request a welfare check.

Washington County will continue to provide over 400 beds of shelter to people experiencing homelessness. To get on the waitlist for shelter, call Community Connect at 503-640-3263 or email [email protected].

Emergency Shelter program

Shelter and access center programs act as the “front door” of our homeless system of care. They provide emergency services including hygiene, nutrition, and safe sleep, while also helping to connect families and individuals to housing, employment and supportive case management.

There are several shelter models:

  • Bridge shelters: private shelter rooms for families and people with disabling conditions
  • Congregate shelters: emergency shelter with shared living and sleeping accommodations
  • Alternative shelters: such as safe rest pods or pallet homes
  • Youth shelters: for unaccompanied youth under 18
  • Winter and Severe Weather Shelters: added emergency shelter capacity during winter and weather events

See map below of existing and future shelters in Washington County.

Map of shelter locations in Washington County

To access emergency shelters please contact Community Connect at 503-640-3263 or work with your case manager at one of these partner organizations. 

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