Year-Round Shelter

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The City is leading with compassion to meet the needs of all members of our community by reducing homelessness through collaborative and proven solutions, including creating adequate options for year-round shelter with rapid pathways to housing.

To address the community's critical need for more shelter space and safe sleeping options, the City acquired property at the corner of SW 17th Avenue and TV Highway to create a future year-round shelter. The property currently includes ample greenspace, parking areas, and two vacant buildings.

As the Year-Round Shelter Project moves forward, the temporary Safe Rest Pods on SW 17th Avenue are providing safe sleeping spaces and support services on the property from through late summer or fall 2024.

$850,000 in Funding Secured

With support from Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Senator Jeff Merkley, and Senator Ron Wyden, the project received $850,000 in Community Project Funding through the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.

We are grateful for the continued efforts of our elected officials!

The City of Hillsboro continues to explore options to help meet the total project costs.

Design-Build Team Selected

After a competitive Request for Proposals process, project partners have selected Walsh Construction & Holst Architecture as the shelter's Design-Build Team.

This collaborative contract will help us keep the project within budget as prices for labor and materials fluctuate.

Engaging Our Community

The Year-Round Shelter survey closed March 15.

Paired with feedback from our spring 2022 stakeholder focus groups, the results will inform:

  • Shelter design & architecture

  • Selection of a shelter operator

  • Elements of the shelter's Good Neighbor Agreement

See the focus group and survey results, check out the updated project timeline, and ask us a question below.

The City is leading with compassion to meet the needs of all members of our community by reducing homelessness through collaborative and proven solutions, including creating adequate options for year-round shelter with rapid pathways to housing.

To address the community's critical need for more shelter space and safe sleeping options, the City acquired property at the corner of SW 17th Avenue and TV Highway to create a future year-round shelter. The property currently includes ample greenspace, parking areas, and two vacant buildings.

As the Year-Round Shelter Project moves forward, the temporary Safe Rest Pods on SW 17th Avenue are providing safe sleeping spaces and support services on the property from through late summer or fall 2024.

$850,000 in Funding Secured

With support from Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Senator Jeff Merkley, and Senator Ron Wyden, the project received $850,000 in Community Project Funding through the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.

We are grateful for the continued efforts of our elected officials!

The City of Hillsboro continues to explore options to help meet the total project costs.

Design-Build Team Selected

After a competitive Request for Proposals process, project partners have selected Walsh Construction & Holst Architecture as the shelter's Design-Build Team.

This collaborative contract will help us keep the project within budget as prices for labor and materials fluctuate.

Engaging Our Community

The Year-Round Shelter survey closed March 15.

Paired with feedback from our spring 2022 stakeholder focus groups, the results will inform:

  • Shelter design & architecture

  • Selection of a shelter operator

  • Elements of the shelter's Good Neighbor Agreement

See the focus group and survey results, check out the updated project timeline, and ask us a question below.

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 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 month 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.


  • Share What’s going to happen when people inside the sleeping facility start stealing from each other? Is it going to be the police to deal with that? Or will you have your own way to deal with the theft that will occur? on Facebook Share What’s going to happen when people inside the sleeping facility start stealing from each other? Is it going to be the police to deal with that? Or will you have your own way to deal with the theft that will occur? on Twitter Share What’s going to happen when people inside the sleeping facility start stealing from each other? Is it going to be the police to deal with that? Or will you have your own way to deal with the theft that will occur? on Linkedin Email What’s going to happen when people inside the sleeping facility start stealing from each other? Is it going to be the police to deal with that? Or will you have your own way to deal with the theft that will occur? link

    What’s going to happen when people inside the sleeping facility start stealing from each other? Is it going to be the police to deal with that? Or will you have your own way to deal with the theft that will occur?

    Dvmomof3 asked about 1 year ago

    A non-profit shelter operator will be selected to contract with Washington County to provide day to day staffing and operations of this facility once it is opened. This operator will be responsible for managing any conflict that arises within the facility and setting/enforcing program rules and standards. Law enforcement becomes involved if/when a violation of the law occurs. Shelter operators work closely and collaboratively with law enforcement partners whenever needed to support the safety of shelter staff, participants, and the neighborhood.

  • Share Where are the pods going to be moved to? Or are they not going ti be utilized anymore. Seems like a waste of funds for those. on Facebook Share Where are the pods going to be moved to? Or are they not going ti be utilized anymore. Seems like a waste of funds for those. on Twitter Share Where are the pods going to be moved to? Or are they not going ti be utilized anymore. Seems like a waste of funds for those. on Linkedin Email Where are the pods going to be moved to? Or are they not going ti be utilized anymore. Seems like a waste of funds for those. link

    Where are the pods going to be moved to? Or are they not going ti be utilized anymore. Seems like a waste of funds for those.

    Dvmomof3 asked about 1 year ago

    Thanks for reaching out. The Safe Rest Pod structures currently in use at this site are owned by Washington County. When the temporary Safe Rest Pods on SW 17th Ave site concludes, Washington County will be removing these pod structures for use at another site within Washington County. The location of a future site for the pods has not yet been identified, but sites are being considered.

  • Share Why are the communications with surrounding neighborhoods, limited to 2000 ft or 1 mile? When neighborhoods 1.5-2 miles away, and further, in all directions; have been dealing with illegal camping, vandalism, thievery, and filth, by candidates of this shelter; for years now. Why are we expected to learn of any developments- secondhand? on Facebook Share Why are the communications with surrounding neighborhoods, limited to 2000 ft or 1 mile? When neighborhoods 1.5-2 miles away, and further, in all directions; have been dealing with illegal camping, vandalism, thievery, and filth, by candidates of this shelter; for years now. Why are we expected to learn of any developments- secondhand? on Twitter Share Why are the communications with surrounding neighborhoods, limited to 2000 ft or 1 mile? When neighborhoods 1.5-2 miles away, and further, in all directions; have been dealing with illegal camping, vandalism, thievery, and filth, by candidates of this shelter; for years now. Why are we expected to learn of any developments- secondhand? on Linkedin Email Why are the communications with surrounding neighborhoods, limited to 2000 ft or 1 mile? When neighborhoods 1.5-2 miles away, and further, in all directions; have been dealing with illegal camping, vandalism, thievery, and filth, by candidates of this shelter; for years now. Why are we expected to learn of any developments- secondhand? link

    Why are the communications with surrounding neighborhoods, limited to 2000 ft or 1 mile? When neighborhoods 1.5-2 miles away, and further, in all directions; have been dealing with illegal camping, vandalism, thievery, and filth, by candidates of this shelter; for years now. Why are we expected to learn of any developments- secondhand?

    Wendy asked about 1 year ago

    Thanks for reaching out.  A one-mile radius around a proposed shelter  was found to be the most preferred distance for informing neighbors when the City of Hillsboro conducted a community survey on homelessness in October of 2021, prior to launching engagement for this site. Results of this survey can be seen on our Homelessness Initiatives Page. The mailed flyer to addresses within a one-mile radius was just the first step of engagement for this project. Creation and promotion of this page to keep the entire community informed was also launched, as well as use of print, email, and social media communication channels city wide. 

    In addition, a Good Neighbor Agreement will be in place prior to the opening of this facility. These agreements work to enhance neighborhood safety and livability while promoting access to services as well as fostering positive relationships between the shelter opertor, shelter participants, and neighbors. Community input gathered through three focus groups held in June 2022 and through the survey on this page will inform and refine the future Good Neighbor Agreement.

     We invite you to take the survey on this page to share your thoughts.

  • Share What are their transportation options available, simply because they have to go shopping and what else they have to do? Are there bicycles they have access too or does a free bus have a regular route that stops at the camp? on Facebook Share What are their transportation options available, simply because they have to go shopping and what else they have to do? Are there bicycles they have access too or does a free bus have a regular route that stops at the camp? on Twitter Share What are their transportation options available, simply because they have to go shopping and what else they have to do? Are there bicycles they have access too or does a free bus have a regular route that stops at the camp? on Linkedin Email What are their transportation options available, simply because they have to go shopping and what else they have to do? Are there bicycles they have access too or does a free bus have a regular route that stops at the camp? link

    What are their transportation options available, simply because they have to go shopping and what else they have to do? Are there bicycles they have access too or does a free bus have a regular route that stops at the camp?

    Chris asked over 1 year ago

    Thanks for this question. This site is very near to a frequently serviced bus line that will be accesible to persons accessing the shelter. In addition, there are walkable shopping and employment opportunities in the neighborhood. 

  • Share What provisions for housing are being made for the 2023-24 winter while the construction is being finished? Pods are being removed this spring--2023--and the new facilities not available until a year later as I understand the timeline. Hopefully the property owners to the north will not face another expensive cleanup after a year of illegal camping. on Facebook Share What provisions for housing are being made for the 2023-24 winter while the construction is being finished? Pods are being removed this spring--2023--and the new facilities not available until a year later as I understand the timeline. Hopefully the property owners to the north will not face another expensive cleanup after a year of illegal camping. on Twitter Share What provisions for housing are being made for the 2023-24 winter while the construction is being finished? Pods are being removed this spring--2023--and the new facilities not available until a year later as I understand the timeline. Hopefully the property owners to the north will not face another expensive cleanup after a year of illegal camping. on Linkedin Email What provisions for housing are being made for the 2023-24 winter while the construction is being finished? Pods are being removed this spring--2023--and the new facilities not available until a year later as I understand the timeline. Hopefully the property owners to the north will not face another expensive cleanup after a year of illegal camping. link

    What provisions for housing are being made for the 2023-24 winter while the construction is being finished? Pods are being removed this spring--2023--and the new facilities not available until a year later as I understand the timeline. Hopefully the property owners to the north will not face another expensive cleanup after a year of illegal camping.

    JP72 asked over 1 year ago

    Thanks for reaching out. Washington County will continue to operate seasonal winter shelter, which operates from November to May, in the winter of 2023-2024. This will provide winter shelter options while year-round shelter projects are being completed. You can read more about the current winter shelter system on Washington County’s Winter Shelters page.

  • Share Considering the shelter for homeless men is adjacent to Winco's parking lot, is the city planning to patrol the lot for safety of elderly shoppers? on Facebook Share Considering the shelter for homeless men is adjacent to Winco's parking lot, is the city planning to patrol the lot for safety of elderly shoppers? on Twitter Share Considering the shelter for homeless men is adjacent to Winco's parking lot, is the city planning to patrol the lot for safety of elderly shoppers? on Linkedin Email Considering the shelter for homeless men is adjacent to Winco's parking lot, is the city planning to patrol the lot for safety of elderly shoppers? link

    Considering the shelter for homeless men is adjacent to Winco's parking lot, is the city planning to patrol the lot for safety of elderly shoppers?

    asked over 1 year ago

    Thanks for reaching out with this question.

    The Year-Round Shelter Project will serve adults and couples experiencing homelessness — it will not be a men’s-only shelter.

    We have a variety of safety measures in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of nearby residents and businesses:

    • 24/7 shelter staff will be onsite and will provide proactive support in the neighborhood near the shelter.

    • Hillsboro Police Department’s Bike Patrol team will provide street level support to the area.

    • A Good Neighbor Agreement will serve as a guide for how shelter guests and staff can work together with nearby residents and businesses to enhance neighborhood safety. The Agreement will set clear expectations and processes for resolving problems that may arise. Community input gathered through three focus groups held in June 2022 and through the survey will inform and refine the future Good Neighbor Agreement.


     We invite you to take the survey on this page to share your thoughts.

  • Share May I gather a few people from various churches in the area to come do a prayer vigil on the property before you open? We just want to bless the efforts and pray for peace, goodness, joy, and such. on Facebook Share May I gather a few people from various churches in the area to come do a prayer vigil on the property before you open? We just want to bless the efforts and pray for peace, goodness, joy, and such. on Twitter Share May I gather a few people from various churches in the area to come do a prayer vigil on the property before you open? We just want to bless the efforts and pray for peace, goodness, joy, and such. on Linkedin Email May I gather a few people from various churches in the area to come do a prayer vigil on the property before you open? We just want to bless the efforts and pray for peace, goodness, joy, and such. link

    May I gather a few people from various churches in the area to come do a prayer vigil on the property before you open? We just want to bless the efforts and pray for peace, goodness, joy, and such.

    Megan Nixon asked over 1 year ago

    Thanks for reaching out and for your desire to support this project! We welcome support from faith groups and other organizations or individuals around the city. For the Year-Round Shelter Project, we are working with Washington County to determine what pre-opening events, such as an open house or shelter tours, may be planned. We will announce those events on this Engage Hillsboro page, so please follow this project to stay in the loop. If a pre-opening event is planned for the public, your group would be welcome to attend.

  • Share I have been told by a number of people that theft of food and goods from local grocery stores in horrendous, and that nothing is done to confront thieves walking out the door with loads of steaks and so on due to issues including covid, limited authority of security staff and so on.. I see Winco as becoming a target for massive theft. What can be done to provide some security to Winco. on Facebook Share I have been told by a number of people that theft of food and goods from local grocery stores in horrendous, and that nothing is done to confront thieves walking out the door with loads of steaks and so on due to issues including covid, limited authority of security staff and so on.. I see Winco as becoming a target for massive theft. What can be done to provide some security to Winco. on Twitter Share I have been told by a number of people that theft of food and goods from local grocery stores in horrendous, and that nothing is done to confront thieves walking out the door with loads of steaks and so on due to issues including covid, limited authority of security staff and so on.. I see Winco as becoming a target for massive theft. What can be done to provide some security to Winco. on Linkedin Email I have been told by a number of people that theft of food and goods from local grocery stores in horrendous, and that nothing is done to confront thieves walking out the door with loads of steaks and so on due to issues including covid, limited authority of security staff and so on.. I see Winco as becoming a target for massive theft. What can be done to provide some security to Winco. link

    I have been told by a number of people that theft of food and goods from local grocery stores in horrendous, and that nothing is done to confront thieves walking out the door with loads of steaks and so on due to issues including covid, limited authority of security staff and so on.. I see Winco as becoming a target for massive theft. What can be done to provide some security to Winco.

    jim martin asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for reaching out with this question. While many details about future year-round shelter programming are still being developed, several neighborhood supports will be available.

    24/7 shelter staff will be onsite to provide proactive support in the immediate vicinity of the shelter. Neighboring businesses and residents will be able to contact shelter staff directly if concerns related to the shelter arise.

    Hillsboro Police Department’s Bike Patrol team will provide additional street level support to the area and Police and Parks & Recreation are partnering  to increase patrols in Dairy Creek Park.

    Hillsboro’s Economic Development Department’s Storefront, Security and Lighting Improvement Grant is matching funds to help local businesses install exterior security cameras and lighting.

    Community input will inform and refine a future Good Neighbor Agreement and other aspects of the year-round shelter. In partnership with Washington County, the City collected input through three focus groups in June 2022 and continue to receive feedback through the Year-Round Shelter Survey. We welcome you to share your thoughts by taking the survey.

  • Share Will the facility allow all-comers (drug and alcohol use on-site, unaccompanied minors, families, individuals with histories of violent or sexual assault offenses)? Will the administrative operators have a religious affiliation? on Facebook Share Will the facility allow all-comers (drug and alcohol use on-site, unaccompanied minors, families, individuals with histories of violent or sexual assault offenses)? Will the administrative operators have a religious affiliation? on Twitter Share Will the facility allow all-comers (drug and alcohol use on-site, unaccompanied minors, families, individuals with histories of violent or sexual assault offenses)? Will the administrative operators have a religious affiliation? on Linkedin Email Will the facility allow all-comers (drug and alcohol use on-site, unaccompanied minors, families, individuals with histories of violent or sexual assault offenses)? Will the administrative operators have a religious affiliation? link

    Will the facility allow all-comers (drug and alcohol use on-site, unaccompanied minors, families, individuals with histories of violent or sexual assault offenses)? Will the administrative operators have a religious affiliation?

    Jo asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your questions. The year-round shelter will serve individuals and couples. Families and unaccompanied minors will not be sheltered on the site. Organizations with an expertise in serving these particular populations operate other shelters that cater to the specific needs of those groups.

    A site operator has not yet been selected. The City of Hillsboro and Washington County are currently collecting community input to inform the selection of a nonprofit organization who will be contracted with Washington County to operate the site. We collected feedback through three focus groups in June and continue to receive input through the Year-Round Shelter Survey. Please complete the survey to share your thoughts.

    The future year-round shelter needs to welcome, be accessible, and meet the needs of people who are living unsheltered while also operating with behavioral expectations that promote safety of staff, guests, and neighbors.

Page last updated: 17 Apr 2024, 03:32 PM