Recent events push construction
A proposed 16-bed crisis center has won the support of the Portland Development Commission which has allocated $2 million for its creation on the second floor of Multnomah County’s Hooper Detoxification Center at 20 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
The taxpayer monies will come from the Central Eastside Urban Renewal Area budget. The funds were originally projected to be provided to the county in two years; however recent events demonstrated a pressing need to augment public mental health services now, officials said.
“In light of ever worsening state budget cuts, actions like those taken by PDC’s board to accelerate the timeline for this funding is more important than ever,” said Mayor Sam Adams. “I want to applaud the tremendous city-county-PDC cooperation and fast action that will ensure that construction on this essential facility can begin as soon as possible.”
Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogen said the Crisis Assessment and Treatment Center has been a huge priority.
“We’re all making a strong statement together about our commitment to help some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” Cogen said.
PDC Chair Scott Andrews said he was proud that PDC was able to contribute resources to a project that will have a direct and lasting impact on the community.
“I think we are all acutely aware of the challenges service providers face around mental health issues,” Andrews said.
Construction on the $5 million crisis center is expected to begin next month and should be complete by next summer.
