Last Thursday, Multnomah County commissioners approved the creation of the Harrison Community Village, a 38-unit tiny home village in Southeast Portland to provide shelter and services for people experiencing homelessness. The village is part of a larger effort that also adds 200 overnight winter beds, bringing the total number of shelter beds in the county to 2,934. This project is part of the Homelessness Response System’s plan to add 1,000 more shelter units by the end of 2025. Chair Jessica Vega Pederson emphasized the importance of increasing shelter and permanent housing options, "along with wraparound services that help them achieve long-term stability," according to the Multnomah County.
The Harrison Community Village will receive $4.1 million in funding from the voter-approved Supportive Housing Services Measure. The facility will provide housing along with important services like bathing areas, office spaces, and laundry facilities. Before it opens, a Good Neighbor Agreement must be made, as required by Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards. This agreement is intended to help address community concerns. "I hope the amendments provide a way for the community, both the school community, the parents and the neighbors to have that engagement that answers their questions and addresses many of their very legitimate concerns," Brim-Edwards said, as reported by the Multnomah County.
The Joint Office of Homeless Services is working on the Harrison Community Village in Southeast Portland but hasn't chosen a service provider yet. The project will offer different types of shelters to meet various needs. It is expected to be finished by late 2025, along with the Oak Street Village and the East County Homelessness Resource Center. More information is available on the project website, and a video of the recent board meeting can be watched online, as stated by the Multnomah County.
