Leaders Gathered to Mark Grand Opening
Washington County, the City of Beaverton, Metro, and state leaders gathered to mark the grand opening of the Beaverton Shelter. The Beaverton Shelter, which features space for 60 guests, will provide beds, meals, showers, and resources on a 24/7, 365-day basis. Housing navigation and supportive services will be provided by Open Door, as well as a dedicated coordinated care space to ensure greater stability to individuals experiencing homelessness and offer a critical link to housing.
“Washington County has dramatically scaled up shelter capacity thanks to the Supportive Housing Services measure, and we are proud to support over 430 shelter beds county-wide,” said Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington. “As the first of three first purpose-built shelters opening in Washington County, we’re working to create a system of care that centers our most vulnerable community members. To achieve this vision, ongoing investments are critical.”
“The work is certainly not done, but the opening of this shelter today shows us – despite the uphill battle we’re fighting – that we are making real progress, that we remain unrelenting in our goals,” Governor Kotek said. “We can change Oregon lives and communities. I am energized by the continued collaboration with local leaders to build a healthier, safer, more prosperous Oregon, where everyone has a safe place to call home.”
“Our staff have been the boots on the ground serving people experiencing homelessness in shelter and on the streets for many years,” said Open Door HousingWorks Director Jeremy Toevs. “Being able to do this work in a space designed to meet people where they are at, with long-term housing resources to connect shelter guests with, is life changing.”
“The opening of this shelter marks an important step forward for our community,” said Mayor Beaty. “It’s the result of remarkable teamwork and dedication from state and federal legislators, county officials, local non-profits, city councilors, and city staff—all working together to make this vision a reality. This shelter reflects what we can achieve when we come together, providing essential support and services for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.”
“Our region’s housing crisis knows no boundaries, but for too long, our shelters have been concentrated in Portland – not accessible to all the region,” Metro Council President Lynn Peterson said. “Thanks to voters, we are taking a regional approach to homelessness by bringing services to communities where people are struggling. The Beaverton Shelter will be a critical resource for this part of the region as we work toward ensuring that homelessness is rare, brief and nonrecurring.”
“I’m so proud to have been a part of the team that secured the resources which made this project possible,” said Sen. Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton, SW Portland). “There is a critical need for supportive services and warm, dry beds throughout the region as we continue to combat our homelessness crisis, and this new shelter is an important step forward.”
The shelter is made possible thanks to $4.8 million from the voter-approved Metro Supportive Housing Services measure and approximately $9 million in state and federal funding, including American Rescue Plan Act funds. Ongoing operations will also be funded by the Washington County allocation of the Supportive Housing Services measure.
The 12,000-square-foot property located at 11380 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway is situated in an established business area, centrally located near transit, and within walking distance to groceries, social service agencies, and employment opportunities.