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A few years ago, Russell was living at an encampment off one of Washington County’s highways through the harsh winter months and into early spring. During that time, his outreach worker used to stop by to check in, build a relationship, and talk about options, as they had many times before. One day, the time spent building trust with Russell paid off, when he finally said, “I never wanted to go for housing until I saw my friends getting approved for apartments. Then I realized this could be real for me, too.”
And so, Russell took that leap of faith. In 2023, his outreach worker sprang into action and was able to get him a bedroom at the Hillsboro Bridge Shelter, a shelter program used as a “bridge” to long-term housing. While checking in with him in the spring of that year, he was getting used to a way of life that was unfamiliar after experiencing homelessness for so long, “I’m still getting used to not needing to check on my stuff, knowing it is safe inside. I slept outside for the better part of eight years,” he said.
This is where housing case managers such as Netosha Thomas, who works with Open Door HousingWorks, come into the picture. Netosha helps people like Russell, who have gone through the challenges of living unsheltered for so long, to find permanent housing using whatever resources are available. In this case, it was the SHS-funded Regional Long-term Rent Assistance (RLRA) voucher that opened the door to home for Russell.
In February 2024, Russell finally had a home of his own once again.
While sitting in his new apartment, Russell seemed at peace, “It feels good to know that it actually went through and according to plan,” when referring to his journey with Washington County’s homeless services program. “It seemed like it's been very successful on the west side. I can't find any of my people on the street anymore, except for two, and they're extreme cases.”
He was still getting used to the place and getting acclimated; it’s a big change for anyone. “In the shelter there was so much movement, so much going on, but here it’s quiet. Got neighbors and it’s friendly though,” he shared.
Before he moved into housing, Russell endured many hardships living outside, “The whole day is taken up by surviving, you just got to stay afloat. Always got people looking down on you, people being negative around you all day.”
After getting into shelter, Russell learned he receive an RLRA voucher, and he began applying to multiple apartments. His case manager, Netosha, was with him every step of the way. Russell also took the initiative to apply to two apartments by himself, one being his current apartment. “Russell is great at advocating for himself,” shared Netosha.
When asked how he felt when he got approved, he stated, “It was mixed emotions. I was kind of afraid. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve been in all this, being... normal. The uncertainty of it all. How long was I going to be here for example?” But he continued, “It’s good to come back inside, be secure, all the normal things that come with that.”
When asked if there was anything he wanted to highlight to people regarding his story, he had commented that he never knew about the RLRA voucher. “Open Door would kind of talk about the program, but most people out there didn’t really want to hear about it, they didn’t believe it. They thought they were blowing smoke.” Russell’s skepticism serves as an important reminder that living through homelessness makes trusting people difficult.
“Russell has been such a pleasure to work alongside,” shared Netosha. “He has faced many challenges, yet not once did he lose his sense of humor and ability to make others laugh. He is such a humble soul with an approach to life that I admire and aspire to adopt myself.... I am in awe of Russell and all that he has done despite the weight of the world on his back.”
Thanks to Russell’s perseverance, coupled with wrap-around services and rental assistance funded by the voter-approved Supportive Housing Services measure, he is housed and thinking about what’s next for him. Russell is interested in the Washington County workforce program and has been in contact with a career coaching program. In his spare time, he has been creating a lot of art.
“Washington County has been very successful... It worked for me, and it’s working,” Russell last said. This is how Washington County is building hope for people like Russell every day, with persistent relationships, coordinated resources, and action!
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