Washington County activated two emergency shelters Tuesday, Aug. 4, that will take in anyone who walks up, no questions asked, through noon Thursday, Aug. 6.
The activation, announced by the county's Department of Housing Services under Board Chair Kathryn Harrington, responds to the same worsening air quality and extreme heat we reported Tuesday, Aug. 4. While that coverage pointed Bethany-area residents toward library cooling centers, these shelters serve people experiencing homelessness or housing instability, offering 24-hour access, hot meals and pet acceptance.
Where to go
Both sites operate around the clock and require no appointment or referral:
- Project Homeless Connect Access Center, 1440 SE 21st Ave., Hillsboro. Accessible via TriMet route 57.
- Just Compassion Access Center, 12264 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard. Accessible via TriMet routes 12 and 43.
Hot meals are provided. Pets are accepted, though individual locations may have specific handling policies guests should discuss with staff on arrival.
What residents can do
If you see someone unsheltered whose life appears to be in danger, call 911. For non-emergency welfare concerns, call the police non-emergency line at 503-629-0111 and request a welfare check.
The county said in its announcement that the activated beds supplement its existing emergency shelter program, which currently provides more than 400 beds and rooms serving families with children, veterans, youth and medically fragile individuals across Washington County.
What's next
The shelters close at noon Thursday, Aug. 6. No extension has been announced as of Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Separately, Washington County Homeless Services is preparing to open a transitional housing facility this fall at the former hotel at 15402 NW Cornell Road, near Cornell and Highway 26, according to Cedar Mill News. That site will offer on-site recovery services and 24/7 staffing, aiming to help residents transition to stable housing within two years.
