Year-Round Shelter

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 Good Neighbor Agreement, and ongoing community engagement.

See the Spring 2024 Community Feedback Report for the detailed results or read our latest news article for a summary of top themes.

The City of Hillsboro, Washington County, and Open Door HousingWorks reopened the Safe Rest Pods on SW 17th Avenue with new, temporary shelter pods on the in response to critical need. The temporary site will provide life-saving shelter through late summer or fall 2024.

Visit our Shelters webpage to learn more.

Due to the complex nature of the project and changes in expected cost, the City chose to pursue a Design-Build Contract in August 2023.

Rather than continuing with the previous Early Design Concept, the Design-Build approach will allow contractors to work with architects and the City as one team to keep the project within budget as costs for labors and materials fluctuate.

Community feedback from three focus groups and initial survey results through October 14 is informing the shelter's physical design.

Community members noted the importance of:

• Spaces designed to be healing, welcoming, durable, attractive, and clean
• Personal hygiene amenities to meet basic needs
• Adequate trash disposal
• Using trauma-informed design

They also shared thoughts on key considerations for selecting a site operator and shaping a future Good Neighbor Agreement. Results were shared with Washington County and Carleton Hart Architecture at the November Design Kick-Off

Read the initial Community Feedback Report and take the survey to share your thoughts

The City of Hillsboro, Washington County, and Open Door HousingWorks acted quickly to provide unhoused community members with temporary shelter by providing Safe Rest Pods at the Year-Round Shelter site.

The Safe Rest Pods provided safe sleeping spaces and support services for 30 to 40 unhoused individuals and couples from October 2022 to June 2023.

The City of Hillsboro selected Carleton Hart Architecture to create an initial design concept for the future Year-Round Shelter in October 2022. The firm brought vast shelter design experience, a community-based approach, and core values that reflect their passion and care for people experiencing houselessness.

Note: Due to the complex nature of the project and changes in expected cost, the City chose to pursue a Design-Build Contract in August 2023.

Why was this location chosen?

• Existing structures on the site have been vacant for many years. Renovation of the properties will increase visual appeal and bring 24/7 staffing to the location as well as increased debris management.
• The site offers immediate access to frequently serviced bus line, employment opportunities, food, and medical care, as well as close access to Washington County Community Action and Open Door Housing Works Day Center.

Early Operational and Programming Details

• The site will will be a year-round shelter for single adults.
• There will be 24/7 staffing and management.
• Shelter services will include housing navigation and supportive services.
• Once open, the site will be operated by a nonprofit organization and funded by Supportive Services Metro Tax funds through Washington County.