Posted
Sponsored by: Housing Services Department
UPDATE November 23, 2021
As the transfer of ownership approaches, the property at 874 SW Baseline will be permanently closed for camping on November 30, 2021. Campers were previously notified of the impending closure and community outreach workers continue to engage with individuals at the site to offer shelter alternatives and referrals to supportive services. The County has contracted with Open Door Counseling Services to distribute short-term hotel vouchers for those who are unable to find other shelter options.
The County will conduct a cleanup on the property between November 30-December 2. Any campers who remain on the property on November 30 will be urged to leave and every effort made to support their relocation. Formal transfer of property ownership is scheduled to occur on Friday, December 3.
September 29, 2021
The Board of County Commissioners has approved the sale of County-owned property in Hillsboro which has been used in recent months by community members experiencing homelessness. In 2014, Washington County acquired the one-acre parcel of land at 874 SW Baseline Road through a tax foreclosure. The property was the site of a former gas station and car wash which was previously offered at public auction in May of 2018 but received no bids. Recently, the County received an offer from the adjacent property owner, Inukai Honda, for $500,000. Following Board approval, the sale process includes a due diligence period and an expected closing date of November 30, 2021.
Recently, the property was closed for cleaning under the County’s Encampment Management Program and several campers have now returned to the site. Over the next two months, Washington County is committed to working closely with outreach providers from partner agencies to provide support for campers residing at the encampment and to assist them in relocation planning. The Board also approved using a portion of the sale proceeds to provide emergency, short-term hotel vouchers for those who are unable to find other shelter options. Additional shelter opportunities will also become available in mid-November when the annual severe weather shelter system comes online.