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Homelessness is an incredibly challenging experience that is difficult to overcome, but the resilience of the people of our community should give us all hope. Every day, Supportive Housing Services (SHS) resources are helping neighbors like Rebekah thrive. Rebekah is a Washington County resident that went from experiencing homelessness to becoming a successful businesswoman and fierce advocate for more affordable housing in our community.
Rebekah is pictured (above center) with Tualatin Mayor Frank Bubenik and city council members in September holding a proclamation she authored declaring October 10 ‘Affordable Housing & Quality Childcare Day.’ This was in no small part thanks to her advocacy for the city to address two critical community needs. On that same day, she shared her own story of experiencing homelessness in a public testimony that included a passionate appeal for more resources to address our housing crisis.
After the testimony Washington County reached out to thank her for her contribution and requested if they could ask some more questions about her journey. The ensuing interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How was it like the first time you became homeless?
The first time we faced homelessness was in February 2020. It started with my health declining, and I was hospitalized for serotonin syndrome. Even before I had fully recovered, we were at risk of eviction despite my partner having a full-time job. Without transportation and unable to maintain our housing, we had no choice but to pack what we could carry and move into a series of affordable motels for roughly two weeks at a time, lasting 105 days.
The situation worsened when COVID-19 hit. Living in motels, we relied on small fridges and microwaves when available but often had to get meals and snacks from nearby 7-Elevens or gas stations. Occasionally, we’d try to have a warm breakfast at a restaurant, but the pandemic shut that option down. It was devastating. The displacement, uncertainty, and constant stress of trying to make ends meet left us feeling isolated and defeated.
Can you share with us more about your family?
My family includes my partner of 20 years and our two children. Kenny (15) was placed with us through a placement adoption at just 11 months old, and we finalized his adoption two years later. Kenny is working toward pursuing his GED through community college. Kaden (12) is our biological son and is currently homeschooled. I also have two older sons from a previous relationship.
As a mother and partner, my focus has always been on creating stability and growth for my family, even in the face of significant challenges. My children’s resilience inspires me to keep moving forward despite the hardships we’ve faced.
In your public testimony you said that you reached out for rental assistance but that while your landlord accepted the relief, he wanted his condo back. Can you tell us more about your experience when reaching out for assistance, and what happened once the landlord took back the apartment?
I had reached out to Washington County’s Department of Housing Services and received rental assistance through Community Action to prevent eviction. The assistance covered past-due rent and provided a few additional months of relief. While this was a lifeline, the landlord simultaneously issued a no-fault eviction notice. This brought an abrupt end to the assistance that could have offered us a chance at stability, instead forcing us to navigate the uncertainties of homelessness again.
What were your first thoughts when you were homeless a second time?
When we faced homelessness again in Fall 2022, the months leading up to it were filled with extreme anxiety and panic attacks. I tried to figure everything out on my own but hadn’t fully recovered from the first time. I applied for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and got on the family shelter waitlist, but despite my best efforts, we were forced to move into a tent at a campground. From there, we alternated between low-cost motels and even sleeping in our car during cold weather. The trauma of this experience was compounded by my worsening health, including frequent asthma attacks.
I shared my situation regularly on Facebook as a means of emotional support and because I wanted people to realize that if homelessness could happen to my family, it could certainly happen to anyone—especially for those living paycheck to paycheck or off of disability. This realization for me has been both heartbreaking and motivating—it was a call to share our story, not just to seek support, but to raise awareness about the fragility of stability. I was overwhelmed by the kindness and support from friends who helped me pay for motel stays. Without extended family or close friendships at the time, this community support meant everything to us and gave me the strength to keep going.
How were you connected to the Rapid Rehousing Program?
After five weeks on the shelter waitlist, we secured space in a Community Action shelter in Hillsboro. There, we were connected to a housing navigator who introduced us to the program.
The program allowed us access to the general market, and we were approved for a three-bedroom unit under specific conditions. For example, the rent amount, including utilities, for a three-bedroom unit had to fall below the 2022 Fair Market Rent Document System, which at the time was $2,451.
The program proved to be a pivotal moment for us, helping us secure a three-bedroom apartment in Tualatin. The program also connected us with a Housing Support Specialist, whom I met with once a month. She would check in and try to assist with connecting me to additional resources. While it was overwhelming at times to navigate these services, I learned to prioritize what truly benefited my family.
Despite the support, rebuilding our lives after such trauma was incredibly difficult. At one point, our electricity was turned off, and without transportation, even accessing food banks was a challenge.
When you heard you were accepted into the program, what did you feel?
Hearing that we were accepted into the Rapid Rehousing Program brought a mix of relief and apprehension. I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to regain stability, but I also worried about the uncertainty of what came next. My thoughts centered on how to make the most of this chance and create a better future for my children.
The program was a lifeline for my family. It provided critical financial support, covering our deposit and rent for a year while also connecting us to helpful resources. Today, I am proud to share that I have now lived in my apartment for two years this month—a significant milestone given the challenges my family has faced. Recently, I applied for homeownership through Habitat for Humanity.
Anything you would like to share on your experience while you were homeless?
Homelessness is an emotionally and physically draining experience. It’s not just about losing a roof over your head—it’s about losing stability, dignity, and a sense of security. The process of getting out is grueling, with endless applications, long waitlists, and systemic barriers that make it difficult.
What kept me going was the determination to provide a better future for my children. Sharing our story helped me find support, and I realized the power of community. Many don’t realize how fragile stability is until they face losing it themselves. For my family, homelessness meant constant uncertainty and stress, but it also highlighted the importance of resilience and community support.
Anything on your mind you would like to share with the people reading your story?
I want to emphasize the urgent need for compassion and systemic change. Programs like Rapid Rehousing are invaluable, but they must be more accessible and easier to navigate. Families require both short- and long-term rent assistance, paired with comprehensive wraparound services that meet people where they are. Affordable housing options, along with long-term solutions like accessible homeownership and affordable childcare, are critical to addressing the root causes of instability.
Housing stability has been a crucial step, but recovery is still ongoing. The effects of homelessness don’t disappear with a place to live—they linger in the emotional and financial rebuilding that takes years. This is where the strength of community and the availability of systemic support become essential. These resources help families not only regain stability but also rebuild their lives with dignity.
What was done well on your journey? Any advice on what could be done better?
One thing that worked well in my journey was the direct financial support provided through programs like Rapid Rehousing and Centro Cultural, which gave us the opportunity to stabilize temporarily. However, navigating these systems was incredibly overwhelming. Simplifying access, improving communication, and offering clear guidelines could make a world of difference.
It is essential to center the voices of those with lived experience when shaping policies to ensure they are both effective and equitable. My advice is to approach homelessness with empathy and to recognize that stability is a fundamental right—not a privilege.
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