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While this is a common concern from property owners, the Portland State University Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative published a Village Research and How-To Guide examining property value changes in Portland in four different neighborhoods where an alternative pod style shelter was sited. They found, “In three of the four neighborhoods that are adjacent to residential homes there were no significant changes in property values. The fourth neighborhood did indicate that property values of the nearby residential properties to one of the villages did drop slightly in relation to the opening of the village. However, there are several other factors that could explain those changes.”

Parking is provided on-site for shelter staff and guests to mitigate parking impacts on the surrounding neighborhood.

The Washington County Shelter system prioritizes serving people who have experienced prolonged homelessness, are 55 and older, and/or are currently unsheltered (sleeping outside or in a vehicle). A shelter referral is completed either by one of our Homeless Services providers or individuals may contact Community Connect at 503-640-3263 and request the referral.

Because of the lack of affordable housing and shelter options in Washington County, there are many people already entered into the Community Connect system waiting for shelter placements to help them get back on their feet. These individuals will be prioritized for shelter entry.

Before programming begins at any of our shelter locations, including pod villages, a robust community engagement process is completed including:

• Sending a postcard to nearby businesses and residences,
• Scheduling meetings for neighbors and interested community members to ask questions, share concerns, and develop a good neighbor agreement for the site
• And canvasing nearby neighbors and businesses with shelter staff to ensure impacted nearby residences have a face-to-face contact and conversation as needed.

Community engagement opportunities will be posted on our Shelter Neighborhood Plans page and interested community members are also welcome to email us at [email protected].

Contact information is updated on their website:
www.oregon.gov/DOR/contact/Pages/default.aspx

The Social Security Administration website provides information on how to obtain a new or replacement card.
https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/

Information on how to get Oregon identification can be found on DMV’s website. Your Probation Officer may be able to provide verification of your social security number and address.

Anyone on supervision is required to get written permission to leave the state. Failure to get permission prior to leaving the state will be considered a violation of supervision. It’s important to plan ahead and request a travel permit several days before you plan to travel as the request can take time to process. To get a travel permit for vacation you must be in compliance with supervision.
You can request a travel permit directly with your Probation Officer, or submit a request here

Court fines and fees can be paid in person, by phone, or by mail, and should be paid in the county of conviction.
• In person: Cashiers can accept cash, checks or money orders, payable to the State of Oregon. Mastercard, Visa, and debit cards with Visa logo are accepted.
• Telephone: Credit card only. Call 503-846-8888 and follow the instructions. Note that restitution and compensatory fines cannot be accepted by phone.
• Mail: Send payments to:
Washington County Circuit Court
Attn: Court Accounting
150 N First Ave
Hillsboro, Oregon 97124

If you are being supervised in Washington County and move to another county you may be able to have your supervision transferred. Remember that conditions of supervision require you to get prior approval from your probation officer to change residence. There is no guarantee the transfer will be approved. The probation officer in the proposed county will investigate your residence to determine if it is appropriate. The proposed county must agree before you will be allowed to transfer.

Your probation officer will be able to answer your questions and help you through the process. Be sure to talk with your officer before you move.

Unlike an unmanaged encampment, a pod village shelter includes 24/7 staffing from a qualified shelter operator and meets all basic needs for shelter guests including lodging, food, water, and hygiene needs. This organically eliminates the “crimes of necessity” that are more common in unmanaged encampments. On top of provision of these immediate needs, the shelter operator also enters into a good neighbor agreement and provides a code of conduct for shelter guests. When shelter guests do not follow the Code of Conduct, they are exited from the program.

Finally, shelter staff and housing case managers are actively working with shelter guests to help them make the transition into long-term affordable housing. Shelter is just a temporary stop along the way towards long-term housing stability for program participants.

If you’re in need of housing, you’re encouraged to talk to your probation officer. Officers are aware of community resources and may know where you can get help. You can also call the following for assistance:

-- 211 Information and Referral (simply dial 2 1 1)
-- Washington County Family Shelter Network (available 24 hours a day) 503-640-3263

See also:
• 211 Information and Referral