County to Purchase Econo Lodge

For Immediate Release: Friday, April 16, 2021

To help address the immediate needs of homeless individuals during the pandemic, Washington County is working with Project Turnkey, a program created by the Oregon Legislature for the purpose of acquiring motels and hotels to serve as temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness. With funding support from Project Turnkey, Washington County is seeking to purchase the Econo Lodge on SE 10th Avenue in Hillsboro to establish a short-term respite shelter for COVID-19. This emergency shelter would temporarily house individuals experiencing homelessness who have either tested positive for COVID-19 or are symptomatic and need to isolate from others. The motel would also serve as a temporary non-congregate shelter. The project plan includes 24-hour, onsite management by a contracted and qualified shelter care provider.

The County has been working through a due diligence process to obtain the property and secure required permits from the City of Hillsboro. Washington County has yet to receive final approval for funding from Project Turnkey for the purchase. We are still working on a few key components of the application and are awaiting final approval. If approved, Washington County will provide detailed information and seek feedback from local residents, area businesses and other stakeholders regarding the project in the very near future. This would include a (virtual) community meeting for interested parties to learn about the project and give input.

If the project moves forward, following a brief renovation period, the County would begin operating the site for one year as a respite shelter on or about July 1. Throughout the first year of operation, the County would continue to explore a range of options for the facility moving forward.

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