Year-round Shelter Construction Begins in Beaverton

Washington County, the City of Beaverton, Metro, state and federal representatives, and other community leaders gathered last week to mark the beginning of construction on the city’s first permanent emergency shelter. The community demonstrated strong support for this new facility, as well as other resources and services for people experiencing homelessness.

“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,” says 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.”

“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 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. Once open, the site will add much needed capacity to Washington County’s growing shelter program, which currently offers more than 400 beds county-wide.

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 thanks to the availability of new funding sources for shelter acquisition and operations through $5 million from the voter-approved Supportive Housing Services measure. The City of Beaverton has also received or is expected to receive approximately $9 million in state and federal funding, including American Rescue Plan Act 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.

“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.”

“Today is a monumental day for the City of Beaverton and the folks who call this community home,” said 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 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.”

“Addressing the crisis of homelessness in our region will take a diverse range of housing options and services,” said 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.”

After a competitive process, Open Door HousingWorks was selected to operate the shelter through a contract with Washington County. They have over thirty 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.

The new shelter is expected to open in mid-2024.

Learn more about the project here and more about Washington County’s existing shelter capacity here.