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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:
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].
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.
Washington County prioritizes low barrier shelters, which means background checks are not used to screen out guests.
Low barrier policies allow homeless individuals and households to access shelter, housing and services without preconditions such as sobriety, no pets, or agreement to participate in specific programs, activities or classes. This is a best practice to remove barriers to entering shelter, and in turn, reduces the number of homeless individuals in our community.
Shelter residents are required to follow a Code of Conduct. Violations of that code will lead to their removal from the program for a period of time. Below is a sample code of conduct:
HB 2006 Section 3. (1) states that “A local government shall approve an application for the development or use of land for an emergency shelter, as defined in section 2 of this 2021 Act, on any property, notwithstanding ORS chapter 195, 197, 197A, 215 or 227 or any statewide plan, rule of the Land Conservation and Development Commission or local land use regulation, zoning ordinance, regional framework plan, functional plan or comprehensive plan, if the emergency shelter…” Multiple shelters have been sited across Washington County using this State ordinance.
All Washington County shelters are staffed by 24/7 shelter operators with extensive experience in trauma informed care, safety, housing navigation, and employment support. Shelter staff help shelter guests connect with long-term housing resources and mental health and addiction treatment as needed to ensure a path toward long-term stability. Shelter staff may also provide transportation support or shuttle to nearby public transportation as needed to ensure guests are able to attend key appointments.
Other amenities include on-site gathering space, shower & hand washing stations, meal services, and basic personal supplies (i.e. clothing, hygiene products), and more.
