Year-Round Shelter

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The City of Hillsboro is collaborating on compassionate & proven solutions to reduce the impacts of homelessness, including increasing shelter capacity to better meet the community's critical need for safe sleeping options.

In the winter of 2021, the City purchased property at SW 17th Avenue and TV Highway to build a future year-round emergency shelter for adults experiencing houselessness.

The new 75-bed facility will provide life-saving shelter and support services while connecting guests with pathways to longer-term housing support.

Once open, the shelter will be operated by a partnering service provider and funded through Washington County's allocation of Metro's Supportive Housing Services Measure.

Construction is Advancing Rapidly

Since construction began in early January, framing of the main building is complete and roofing is underway. Work on the individual shelter pods will begin soon.

Leaders from the City of Hillsboro, Washington County, and Metro gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking on March 3.

Explore the design & read the construction announcement for more details.

Operator Selection Underway

Project partners are collecting proposals for 24/7 staffing and management with a closing date of May 5. With input from community engagement, operator qualifications include:

  • Commitment to racial equity & serving vulnerable populations

  • Culturally-specific & culturally-responsive services and trauma-informed care

  • Support & materials in Spanish, other languages as-needed

  • Effective coordination with partner organizations

Find more information & ask questions on Washington County's procurement portal.

Engaging Our Community

Plans for the shelter's design, architecture, and amenities have been informed by community engagement through stakeholder focus groups and a community-wide survey.

Community input continues to shape:

We're also inviting community members to ask us a question and sharing those questions and our responses below.

Next Steps

  • Neighborhood Plan community engagement is planned for summer & fall 2025.

  • The shelter is expected to welcome its first guests in winter 2025-26.

The City of Hillsboro is collaborating on compassionate & proven solutions to reduce the impacts of homelessness, including increasing shelter capacity to better meet the community's critical need for safe sleeping options.

In the winter of 2021, the City purchased property at SW 17th Avenue and TV Highway to build a future year-round emergency shelter for adults experiencing houselessness.

The new 75-bed facility will provide life-saving shelter and support services while connecting guests with pathways to longer-term housing support.

Once open, the shelter will be operated by a partnering service provider and funded through Washington County's allocation of Metro's Supportive Housing Services Measure.

Construction is Advancing Rapidly

Since construction began in early January, framing of the main building is complete and roofing is underway. Work on the individual shelter pods will begin soon.

Leaders from the City of Hillsboro, Washington County, and Metro gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking on March 3.

Explore the design & read the construction announcement for more details.

Operator Selection Underway

Project partners are collecting proposals for 24/7 staffing and management with a closing date of May 5. With input from community engagement, operator qualifications include:

  • Commitment to racial equity & serving vulnerable populations

  • Culturally-specific & culturally-responsive services and trauma-informed care

  • Support & materials in Spanish, other languages as-needed

  • Effective coordination with partner organizations

Find more information & ask questions on Washington County's procurement portal.

Engaging Our Community

Plans for the shelter's design, architecture, and amenities have been informed by community engagement through stakeholder focus groups and a community-wide survey.

Community input continues to shape:

We're also inviting community members to ask us a question and sharing those questions and our responses below.

Next Steps

  • Neighborhood Plan community engagement is planned for summer & fall 2025.

  • The shelter is expected to welcome its first guests in winter 2025-26.

What questions do you have for us?

Please Note: Questions asked here may be published publicly along with their response from the City of Hillsboro. If you would like to ask your question privately, please visit the Who's Listening section of this page to find staff member contact information.

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  • Share Hello- I'm wondering who I would contact to talk about shelter job opportunities? on Facebook Share Hello- I'm wondering who I would contact to talk about shelter job opportunities? on Twitter Share Hello- I'm wondering who I would contact to talk about shelter job opportunities? on Linkedin Email Hello- I'm wondering who I would contact to talk about shelter job opportunities? link

    Hello- I'm wondering who I would contact to talk about shelter job opportunities?

    Lisa B asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your question. The employment opportunities at the shelter will be managed by the selected shelter operator. Currently, our project partners are collecting proposals for this role, with a closing date of May 5. Once an operator has been chosen, more information about job openings and the application process will become available.

    In the meantime I encourage you to stay informed by following updates here on Engage Hillsboro and by signing up for monthly email updates on our homelessness initiatives. 

    employment
    employment
  • Share What will be the screening process for people staying at the shelter? Will it be low or no barrier like the one on 10th Avenue for example? on Facebook Share What will be the screening process for people staying at the shelter? Will it be low or no barrier like the one on 10th Avenue for example? on Twitter Share What will be the screening process for people staying at the shelter? Will it be low or no barrier like the one on 10th Avenue for example? on Linkedin Email What will be the screening process for people staying at the shelter? Will it be low or no barrier like the one on 10th Avenue for example? link

    What will be the screening process for people staying at the shelter? Will it be low or no barrier like the one on 10th Avenue for example?

    Anonymous asked 3 months ago

    Once open, the year-round shelter will be operated by a partnering service provider and funded through Washington County's allocation of the Supportive Housing Services Measure. 

    Washington County prioritizes low barrier shelters, which means background checks are not used to screen out guests. Low barrier policies allow community members experiencing homelessness to access shelter, housing, and services without preconditions such as sobriety, pet restrictions, or required participation in specific programs. This is a best practice to remove barriers to entering shelter, and in turn, reduces unsheltered homelessness in our community.

    Specific screening policies may be determined in collaboration with the selected shelter operator. Community feedback, including input from Dairy Creek Park visitors, is informing the operator selection process and qualifications.  

    Several neighborhood supports will be available once the shelter opens. 24/7 shelter staff will be onsite to provide proactive support in the immediate vicinity of the shelter, including Dairy Creek Park. Neighboring businesses, residents, and park visitors will be able to contact shelter staff directly if concerns related to the shelter arise. 

    Community engagement to inform elements of a Supportive Neighborhood Plan will take place next spring or summer and the plan will be shared with nearby neighbors and businesses, including Dairy Creek Park visitors.

    neighborhood plan,safety
    neighborhood plan safety
  • Share Are the safe sleep pods going to reopen here soon, for the homeless to use as a temporary housing until space in an actual shelter opens up. on Facebook Share Are the safe sleep pods going to reopen here soon, for the homeless to use as a temporary housing until space in an actual shelter opens up. on Twitter Share Are the safe sleep pods going to reopen here soon, for the homeless to use as a temporary housing until space in an actual shelter opens up. on Linkedin Email Are the safe sleep pods going to reopen here soon, for the homeless to use as a temporary housing until space in an actual shelter opens up. link

    Are the safe sleep pods going to reopen here soon, for the homeless to use as a temporary housing until space in an actual shelter opens up.

    Queen Brooks asked 4 months ago

    Hi Crystal, 

    Thank you for your question. The last round of Safe Rest Pods on SW 17th Avenue closed at the end of October to clear the property for construction of the future year-round shelter. 

    With construction underway, we are not able to host guests or reopen temporary shelter pods on the property at SW 17th Avenue and TV Highway.

    The portable pod shelters themselves are owned by Washington County and are currently being stored while the County explores opportunities for future pod village locations.

    The year-round shelter is expected to open and welcome its first guests in winter 2025-26.

    We hope this information is helpful! 

    Warmly,

    Megan Eatough | Communications Specialist

    safe rest pods
    safe rest pods
  • Share Aside from the shelter and safe sleeping spaces, what other services will the shelter provide that would be working towards helping individuals obtain a job, permanent housing, get benefits, healthcare, etc. Are there coordinators on-site that are providing life-skill lessons? Are you partnering with any workforce development programs to teach trade skills to those able and willing? Do you have people to help individuals obtain ID's or apply for SNAP benefits or explain social security, medicaid, medicare, etc. to them? Is there going to be an on-site garden or greenhouse for individuals to learn and be able to grow their own food? Thank you for everything you're doing! on Facebook Share Aside from the shelter and safe sleeping spaces, what other services will the shelter provide that would be working towards helping individuals obtain a job, permanent housing, get benefits, healthcare, etc. Are there coordinators on-site that are providing life-skill lessons? Are you partnering with any workforce development programs to teach trade skills to those able and willing? Do you have people to help individuals obtain ID's or apply for SNAP benefits or explain social security, medicaid, medicare, etc. to them? Is there going to be an on-site garden or greenhouse for individuals to learn and be able to grow their own food? Thank you for everything you're doing! on Twitter Share Aside from the shelter and safe sleeping spaces, what other services will the shelter provide that would be working towards helping individuals obtain a job, permanent housing, get benefits, healthcare, etc. Are there coordinators on-site that are providing life-skill lessons? Are you partnering with any workforce development programs to teach trade skills to those able and willing? Do you have people to help individuals obtain ID's or apply for SNAP benefits or explain social security, medicaid, medicare, etc. to them? Is there going to be an on-site garden or greenhouse for individuals to learn and be able to grow their own food? Thank you for everything you're doing! on Linkedin Email Aside from the shelter and safe sleeping spaces, what other services will the shelter provide that would be working towards helping individuals obtain a job, permanent housing, get benefits, healthcare, etc. Are there coordinators on-site that are providing life-skill lessons? Are you partnering with any workforce development programs to teach trade skills to those able and willing? Do you have people to help individuals obtain ID's or apply for SNAP benefits or explain social security, medicaid, medicare, etc. to them? Is there going to be an on-site garden or greenhouse for individuals to learn and be able to grow their own food? Thank you for everything you're doing! link

    Aside from the shelter and safe sleeping spaces, what other services will the shelter provide that would be working towards helping individuals obtain a job, permanent housing, get benefits, healthcare, etc. Are there coordinators on-site that are providing life-skill lessons? Are you partnering with any workforce development programs to teach trade skills to those able and willing? Do you have people to help individuals obtain ID's or apply for SNAP benefits or explain social security, medicaid, medicare, etc. to them? Is there going to be an on-site garden or greenhouse for individuals to learn and be able to grow their own food? Thank you for everything you're doing!

    Jenny asked 8 months ago

    Thank you for your question and your interest in our Year-Round Shelter Project. You have shared many great ideas for services that could be very helpful for future shelter guests.

    Year-round shelter services will include 24/7 onsite staff, housing navigation, and support services. Once open, the site will be operated by a nonprofit organization and funded by Supportive Services Metro Tax funds through Washington County.

    Once an operator has been selected, the City of Hillsboro & Washington County will work with the shelter operator to determine the specific services and programs that could be offered onsite.

    The shelter operator will be selected through a formal Request for Proposals process and informed by community feedback gathered through spring 2022 stakeholder focus groups and a community-wide survey that closed in March 2024. You can read the results of the focus groups and survey to see what community members listed as priority aspects of a shelter operator. The Request for Proposals process is expected to begin later this fall.    

    Updates will be shared here on Engage Hillsboro. We encourage you to sign up for our homelessness email newsletter to stay up to date on our progress.

  • Share Why doesn’t community sleeping area provide doors, not curtains? They should lock and provide safety to occupants. on Facebook Share Why doesn’t community sleeping area provide doors, not curtains? They should lock and provide safety to occupants. on Twitter Share Why doesn’t community sleeping area provide doors, not curtains? They should lock and provide safety to occupants. on Linkedin Email Why doesn’t community sleeping area provide doors, not curtains? They should lock and provide safety to occupants. link

    Why doesn’t community sleeping area provide doors, not curtains? They should lock and provide safety to occupants.

    Lindjg asked 8 months ago

    Thank you for your question.

    The shelter design is still subject to change as the project evolves and the exact use of the space may also evolve based on the selected shelter operator.

    Current plans for the year-round shelter include:

    • Congregate sleeping areas with privacy curtains, and
    • Individual shelter pods that offer more privacy.

    Offering both congregate and non-congregate spaces will allow us to best meet the unique needs of future shelter guests. Some guests may prefer a door with a lock, while others may be more comfortable in a congregate environment or have medical needs that make it beneficial for them to be closer to shelter staff and fellow guests.

    The shelter will have 24/7 onsite staff to ensure the safety of guests in both congregate and non-congregate sleeping areas. As planning continues, the project team will consider options for providing safe and/or locked storage for personal belongings. 

  • Share Will the current residents at the pods be placed somewhere else? If possible, do they have the option of relocating to where the pods will be placed while the permanent structures are being built? on Facebook Share Will the current residents at the pods be placed somewhere else? If possible, do they have the option of relocating to where the pods will be placed while the permanent structures are being built? on Twitter Share Will the current residents at the pods be placed somewhere else? If possible, do they have the option of relocating to where the pods will be placed while the permanent structures are being built? on Linkedin Email Will the current residents at the pods be placed somewhere else? If possible, do they have the option of relocating to where the pods will be placed while the permanent structures are being built? link

    Will the current residents at the pods be placed somewhere else? If possible, do they have the option of relocating to where the pods will be placed while the permanent structures are being built?

    Dancinggirl asked 8 months ago

    Greetings and thank you for your question! 

    As the Safe Rest Pods will close at the end of October, Open Door HousingWorks is making plans to safely transition each guest to an alternate shelter or housing arrangement. 

    Washington County is actively seeking a new location for the portable pod shelters, and until that location is selected and ready for guests, the pod shelters themselves will be stored at a Washington County property. 

    We will forward your question to Washington County and Open Door HousingWorks and add more details if they become available.

    safe rest pods
    safe rest pods
  • Share When do you anticipate the housing will be completed? on Facebook Share When do you anticipate the housing will be completed? on Twitter Share When do you anticipate the housing will be completed? on Linkedin Email When do you anticipate the housing will be completed? link

    When do you anticipate the housing will be completed?

    Emma asked 9 months ago

    Thank you for your question. 

    The year-round shelter is intended to meet basic shelter needs, but will not provide housing. The shelter will provide guests with a temporary safe place to sleep as well as wrap-around services that may help them begin their journey to stable housing. 

    Construction is expected to begin this winter (2024-2025) and the shelter is expected to open in winter 2025. The timeline is subject to change as the project evolves.

  • Share A repeat question about the use of about 40% of the "shelter" site for parking. Why is there any parking in the plan? How many of those using the shelter will have automobiles or other vehicles requiring parking spaces?? And if there are a few users with vehicles, just across the street is the enormous MOST -EMPTY WinCo parking lot. Just take a look at the architect's rendering!! The underused WinCo parking lot is clearly illustrated. Use the entire property to provide the critically needed shelter units. Put the parking, if needed at all, across the street. on Facebook Share A repeat question about the use of about 40% of the "shelter" site for parking. Why is there any parking in the plan? How many of those using the shelter will have automobiles or other vehicles requiring parking spaces?? And if there are a few users with vehicles, just across the street is the enormous MOST -EMPTY WinCo parking lot. Just take a look at the architect's rendering!! The underused WinCo parking lot is clearly illustrated. Use the entire property to provide the critically needed shelter units. Put the parking, if needed at all, across the street. on Twitter Share A repeat question about the use of about 40% of the "shelter" site for parking. Why is there any parking in the plan? How many of those using the shelter will have automobiles or other vehicles requiring parking spaces?? And if there are a few users with vehicles, just across the street is the enormous MOST -EMPTY WinCo parking lot. Just take a look at the architect's rendering!! The underused WinCo parking lot is clearly illustrated. Use the entire property to provide the critically needed shelter units. Put the parking, if needed at all, across the street. on Linkedin Email A repeat question about the use of about 40% of the "shelter" site for parking. Why is there any parking in the plan? How many of those using the shelter will have automobiles or other vehicles requiring parking spaces?? And if there are a few users with vehicles, just across the street is the enormous MOST -EMPTY WinCo parking lot. Just take a look at the architect's rendering!! The underused WinCo parking lot is clearly illustrated. Use the entire property to provide the critically needed shelter units. Put the parking, if needed at all, across the street. link

    A repeat question about the use of about 40% of the "shelter" site for parking. Why is there any parking in the plan? How many of those using the shelter will have automobiles or other vehicles requiring parking spaces?? And if there are a few users with vehicles, just across the street is the enormous MOST -EMPTY WinCo parking lot. Just take a look at the architect's rendering!! The underused WinCo parking lot is clearly illustrated. Use the entire property to provide the critically needed shelter units. Put the parking, if needed at all, across the street.

    Charles asked 11 months ago

    Thank you for your question regarding our Year-Round Shelter Project and for your patience as we gathered information to facilitate an informative response. 

     

    We included parking in the plan to accommodate shelter guests with vehicles, shelter staff, volunteers, and specialized service providers who may be onsite to provide housing navigation and other support services.

     

    While the Winco parking lot is nearby, it is privately owned and therefore not available for use by the City of Hillsboro. 

     

    Our design-build recently team provided us with new preliminary design concepts, which indicate that we’ll have 28 parking spaces to accommodate staff, specialized service providers, volunteers, and up to 75 shelter guests, many of whom may own vehicles and depend on this transportation to go to work, run errands, or go to appointments. Please note that the artist renderings, designs, and plans are subject to change as the project evolves.                                                                                                                         

    Our design-build team is working strategically to create a shelter that can meet the needs the Hillsboro community while also staying within our project budget.

     

    To best meet the needs of shelter guests and staff, we’ll need to utilize some of the property for parking in addition to allowing space for bicycle racks, outdoor community spaces, a pet relief area, landscaping and fencing, garbage and recycling facilities, gardening, and exercise.

     

    Thanks again, and we hope this information is helpful.

    parking
    parking
  • Share What equity study was used to keep people safe and engaged? on Facebook Share What equity study was used to keep people safe and engaged? on Twitter Share What equity study was used to keep people safe and engaged? on Linkedin Email What equity study was used to keep people safe and engaged? link

    What equity study was used to keep people safe and engaged?

    Kee asked 9 months ago

    Thank you for your question! We are not sure if we fully understand what you mean by equity study in this specific context - but we can share information on community engagement that is helping to inform the project.

    Since spring 2022, the City has engaged the community to help shape the design & operation of the future Year-Round Shelter.

    42 community members participated in the spring 2022 focus groups, and 455 respondents completed the online survey, including:

    • People with lived experiences of homelessness
    • Homelessness service providers
    • Neighboring residents and businesses
    • Dairy Creek Park visitors
    • People who live, work, learn, and volunteer in Hillsboro


    Feedback will inform shelter design & amenities, selection of a shelter operator, elements of the shelter's Neighborhood Agreement/Neighborhood Plan, and ongoing community engagement & communications.

    We did hear from the community that experience applying equity principles & non-discrimination practices should be priorities as we move forward toward selection of a shelter operator. 

    See the Spring 2024 Community Feedback Report for the detailed results or read the April 2024 news article for a summary of top themes we heard during engagement.

    Thank you!

    dei,operator,safety
    dei operator safety
  • Share I am wondering if you have engaged individuals who are homeless or have been homeless to help with the planning. They would seem to have valuable information and input as to how best help the clientele. on Facebook Share I am wondering if you have engaged individuals who are homeless or have been homeless to help with the planning. They would seem to have valuable information and input as to how best help the clientele. on Twitter Share I am wondering if you have engaged individuals who are homeless or have been homeless to help with the planning. They would seem to have valuable information and input as to how best help the clientele. on Linkedin Email I am wondering if you have engaged individuals who are homeless or have been homeless to help with the planning. They would seem to have valuable information and input as to how best help the clientele. link

    I am wondering if you have engaged individuals who are homeless or have been homeless to help with the planning. They would seem to have valuable information and input as to how best help the clientele.

    Sue asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question!

    In June 2022, selected groups of community members were invited to participate in focus groups to learn more about the project and provide feedback. 

    The first focus group was held at Open Door HousingWorks Day Center, which provides homelessness services just a mile from the planned shelter site. People with lived experiences of homelessness and homeless services providers were invited to share their thoughts in small groups, each with a dedicated facilitator and note taker. 

    The other two focus groups invited Dairy Creek park users, nearby businesses, and community members who work and live near the shelter site to provide input in the same small-group format. One was held in-person and the other was online.

    The online survey that closed March 15 mirrored the feedback questions posed in the three focus groups. 

    Feedback from the focus groups and survey will be evaluated separately and as a whole to help inform project planning.

    In October 2022, we published initial focus group feedback and online survey results here on Engage Hillsboro. This document also has more details and background information about the focus groups. 

    We’ll provide an updated community feedback report with the focus group input and the full online survey results in April.


Page last updated: 09 Apr 2025, 03:28 PM