After years of uncertainty and the harsh realities of homelessness, one man’s journey to a secure life encapsulates the potential and impact of dedicated social services in Washington County. Russell, whose last several years consisted of braving the elements by the side of a highway, now finds solace in a space he can call his own, thanks to the concerted efforts of outreach workers and the voter-approved Supportive Housing Services measure.

It wasn't until his friends began to receive housing that Russell reconsidered his stance on seeking assistance, as he told Washington County's housing news, “I never wanted to go for housing until I saw my friends getting approved for apartments. Then I realized this could be real for me, too.” Supported by outreach initiatives and later by a bedroom at the Hillsboro Bridge Shelter – a program designed to serve as a stepping stone to long-term housing – Russell’s story is a testament to the value of persistent support and tailor-made services for those in need.

The turn of fortune came with the help of Netosha Thomas from Open Door HousingWorks, a case manager who labors to aid individuals like Russell in transitioning from unsheltered conditions to more permanent living situations. A specific lifeline for Russell was the SHS-funded Regional Long-term Rent Assistance (RLRA) voucher. Upon obtaining his new apartment in February 2024, he expressed a newfound contentment, “It feels good to know that it actually went through and according to plan,” an observation he shared with the county's housing news outlet.

Indeed, Russell’s narrative highlights the broader strategies and potential successes of a county striving to offer more than mere shelter, but a path to stability and self-reliance. “Washington County has been very successful... It worked for me, and it’s working,” Russell remarked, as per the Washington County, Oregon.