The City of Beaverton, Metro, Washington County, state and federal representatives, and other supporters gathered Nov. 3 to mark the beginning of construction on the city’s first permanent emergency shelter.
The gathering was a chance for leaders to come together to demonstrate their support for this new facility, resources, and services for people experiencing homelessness.
“I’m deeply honored by the collective effort and heartfelt compassion that led us to the groundbreaking of Beaverton’s year-round shelter,” said Mayor Lacey Beaty. “Beaverton’s intrinsic spirit and resolve shine through, showcasing our ability to identify a community need and marshal the necessary resources and collective will.”
The city is developing a year-round shelter to provide greater stability to individuals experiencing homelessness and offer a critical link to housing. The shelter will include space for 60 guests, three meals a day, showers, laundry, clinic space, and supportive services on a 24/7, 365-day basis.
The 12,000-square-foot property located at 11380 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway is situated in an established business area, centrally located near transit, and within walking distance to groceries, social service agencies, and employment opportunities.
The shelter is a valuable community asset made possible by the availability of new funding for shelter acquisition and operations. The city is expected to receive approximately $9 million in state and federal funding, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, Senator Wlnsvey Campos, and Representative Maxine Dexter directed state ARPA funds for the shelter and a coordinated care space located within. Ongoing shelter operations will be supported by a unique opportunity with Metro supportive housing services funding available through Washington County.
“Partnership is crucial to the work we do. This permanent shelter is a great example of our local governments and community taking an all-hands on deck approach to the housing crisis,” said Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington. “We are a proud partner in this purpose-built shelter that will serve community members experiencing homelessness and give them a steppingstone to housing.”
“The City of Beaverton and Washington County are extraordinary partners in our regional effort to provide safe and stable housing,” said Metro Councilor Gerritt Rosenthal. “This shelter is a prime example of how, together, we are providing folks with services while helping layout a path to long-term housing. As always, thank you Metro voters for trusting us and regional partners with the implementation of Supportive Housing Services.”
“This groundbreaking ceremony is not just about the physical construction of a shelter; it is about the values and principles that bind us as a community. It is about the strength that comes from unity and the power of empathy,” said State Senator Wlnsvey Campos. “Together, we send a powerful message that we believe in a better future for everyone who calls Washington County home.”
“Addressing the crisis of homelessness in our region will take a diverse range of housing options and services,” said U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The year-round shelter in Beaverton—partially funded by the American Rescue Plan—will provide a safe place for people experiencing homelessness and help connect them with the resources they need. I look forward to seeing the completion of this crucial project and will continue to work with partners at the state and local level to solve the intertwined issues of housing unaffordability and homelessness.”
“Today is a monumental day for the City of Beaverton and the folks who call this community home,” said U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley. “Oregonians in every corner of our state are feeling the challenges of the affordable housing crisis, but projects and shelters like this can serve as lifelines for folks as they navigate this reality. This critical community-initiated project—started by folks at the ground level—is a tangible example of how local, regional, and federal partners can work together to make our communities better.”
“Today’s groundbreaking in Beaverton helps to ensure Oregonians will soon have a safe space throughout the year for shelter, food and support that can help them get back on their feet,” said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. “I’m glad this teamwork with Beaverton has produced this federal investment in a stronger safety net for the city and Washington County.”
After a competitive process, Open Door HousingWorks was selected to operate the shelter through a contract with Washington County. They have years of experience providing shelter services and were selected for their trauma informed approach to staffing, neighborhood relations, and coordinated care services that will provide stability and a link to housing for residents of the shelter when it opens.
Other project team members include Ink Built as the lead architect, Shiels Obletz Johnsen, and P&C Construction.
Over the years, the City of Beaverton has invested in a number of programs to support people experiencing homelessness. This includes opening a temporary shelter to offer immediate relief; launching a Safe Parking program with secure space for people living in cars; partnering with street outreach workers to deliver direct services; and working collaboratively with our business community to mitigate issues.
Completion of the year-round shelter will be an additional investment in the community. The new shelter is expected to open in mid-2024.
