BEAVERTON, Ore. (KOIN) -- An around-the-clock shelter for 60 people opened in Beaverton Monday, bringing state and county leaders together for a ribbon cutting at the facility.
The Beaverton Shelter, funded through the voter-approved Metro Supportive Housing Services measure plus about $9 million in state and federal funding, is a 12,000-square-foot facility at 11380 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway. The property used to be a mattress store along Highway 217, across from the Beaverton Town Square shopping center.
The shelter is state-of-the-art: private sleeping pods, men's and women's dormitories, mental health counseling, work and life skill assistance, meals and pets are allowed. It is near transit and within walking distance to groceries, social service agencies and places to get jobs.
It's not a walk-in facility. It will take in some people who are at a temporary shelter that will close. Those looking to get housing at the new shelter should reach out to Community Connect, the homeless resources agency in Washington County.
The operations will be funded by the Washington County part of the Supportive Housing Services measure.
In prepared remarks, Gov. Tina Kotek said this is a good first step but the fight against homelessness is ongoing.
“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,” Kotek said. "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."
Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington noted the county is "proud to support over 430 shelter beds county-wide."
The shelter's opening is the "result of remarkable teamwork and dedication from state and federal legislators, county officials, local non-profits, city councilors, and city staff," Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty said. "This shelter reflects what we can achieve when we come together, providing essential support and services for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.”
Metro Council President Lynn Peterson and State Sen. Kate Lieber were also among the dignitaries at the event.
Open Door HousingWorks will provide housing navigation and supportive services for the shelter.
The new permanent shelter will begin having people move in within a few weeks. The average length of stay is expected to be a little more than 3 months.
