Elected leaders from the Oregon federal delegation, Washington County, City of Hillsboro and Metro gathered today to mark the grand opening and cut the ribbon for Hillsboro’s new year-round shelter.
The shelter will be operated by Project Homeless Connect and provide 75 safe sleeping spaces, as well as onsite meals, hygiene & laundry facilities, and housing navigation resources with trauma-informed staff available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To meet diverse needs, the shelter will offer 35 indoor congregate sleeping areas & 40 individual shelter pods and further reduce barriers by allowing pets.
“Everyone in Oregon should have a safe, secure roof overhead,” said U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, who secured funding for this community-initiated project as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “As I hold a town hall in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year, I hear firsthand from folks about what matters most to them, and tackling our nation’s housing crisis is high on that list. This project is a critical piece of the puzzle to help those struggling with housing instability in Hillsboro, and I’ll continue working in Congress to deliver critical housing resources and support to communities in every county in Oregon.”
“The new year-round shelter in Hillsboro will serve as a safe and welcoming place for people who are experiencing challenging times and a lack of housing,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I’m grateful that I could secure federal funds for this project, and appreciate everyone who has worked to make the vision for the first year-round shelter in Hillsboro a reality. I will continue advocating for projects that connect people with housing and the wraparound services they need.”
“This shelter is about more than beds. It’s about safety, dignity, and a path toward permanent housing, especially as we head into the coldest months of the year,” said Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington, “Even with federal uncertainty, I am heartened to see local leaders rolling up their sleeves to meet the critical need showing up in our community.”
“We are proud to be able to provide community members the safety and support that are essential to their wellbeing and offer a first step on the path toward long-term housing,” said Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace. “By listening to our community and honoring a shared commitment to help everyone thrive — along with the dedication and collaboration of trusted partners — we are now able to answer the call for these essential services and support members of our community as they continue their journey toward positive change.”