Hillsboro’s Oregon housing initiative is taking shape with the city’s first year-round shelter for adults, backed by more than $3 million in public funding.
The 75-bed facility, expected to open by year’s end, aims to address rising homelessness across Washington County.
Collaboration Powers Oregon Housing Initiative
During a recent tour, U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici joined Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace and other elected leaders to review the progress. Officials praised the cross-governmental partnership driving the project.
“Our year-round shelter project showcases how government agencies and nonprofit partners can work together to meet the needs of people living unsheltered and preserve community livability for everyone,”
said Mayor Pace.
The funding includes $850,000 in federal Community Project dollars, over $2 million from Oregon’s 2023 housing package, and annual support from Metro’s voter-approved Supportive Housing Services tax. This combination ensures both construction and ongoing operations.
Facilities and Services Offered
Once completed, the shelter will expand Hillsboro’s capacity significantly.
Residents will find more than just a bed:
- Pet-friendly accommodations to reduce barriers for entry
- Daily hot meals and a staffed community dining area
- Housing navigation and case management for long-term stability
- 24/7 staffing to ensure safety and accessibility
Shelter and Homelessness Trends in Washington County
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total experiencing homelessness (2023) | 808 individuals |
| Unsheltered individuals | 473 |
| Sheltered individuals | 335 |
| Increase in unsheltered since 2021 | 23% |
| Hillsboro shelter beds after expansion | 75 (doubling capacity) |
Community Engagement and Oversight
Washington County selected Project Homeless Connect as the operator, citing its 17 years of experience. The nonprofit is collaborating with residents and businesses to design a Neighborhood Plan for ongoing communication and problem-solving.
“The City is proud to help ensure people experiencing houselessness will have access to life-saving shelter and long-term housing support in Hillsboro for years to come,”
Mayor Pace added.
Neighborhood and Business Perspectives
Local businesses have expressed concerns about downtown safety, while residents want assurances that services extend beyond nightly shelter.
Officials emphasize that the Oregon housing initiative is structured to balance livability with humane solutions, addressing root causes rather than shifting problems elsewhere.
What’s Next for Oregon?
The Hillsboro project reflects a wider trend: Oregon’s housing strategies now prioritize “shelter plus services” models. With rents in Hillsboro up nearly 30% in five years, such initiatives provide pathways for working residents to regain stability.
The community will be invited to an open house before the facility opens later this year—an opportunity for neighbors to see firsthand how the Oregon housing initiative is reshaping responses to homelessness.
Sources: Hillsboro, Oregon.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
