Washington County is dedicating $42.3 million to bolster its homeless services with a particular focus on transitional housing and an access center, as announced by the Board of County Commissioners. These funds, authorized through competitive funding opportunities, will result in the addition of 119 transitional housing units across Hillsboro and unincorporated Washington County and establish a new, round-the-clock access center in Cornelius. A sizeable chunk of this financial commitment is sourced from the 2020 Supportive Housing Services (SHS) measure.
County Chair Kathryn Harrington emphasized the impact of this funding on local homelessness services, saying, "These future housing and access points will make a huge difference in our community. We simply cannot lose momentum on needed solutions for our homeless services system of care," in a statement made by Washington County's official website. Paired with these capital investments, $2.5 million of the pot hails from Oregon Health Authority resources to aid those with behavioral health challenges.
Specific projects include Transcending Hope's initiative to construct a transitional housing facility in Hillsboro, which received $8.1 million. This facility is set to open in spring 2026 and will focus on providing culturally specific programming for Latine households while aiding 39 individuals with behavioral health needs. Executive Director Deena Feldes expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort, stating, "Our dedicated staff, and support of our community partners has made this possible," as reported by Washington County's website.
Another major beneficiary is Central City Concern, which has earmarked $29.2 million to repurpose an existing hotel into 80-90 temporary homes for individuals in transition, particularly those undergoing substance use disorder treatment. The upgraded facility is expected to welcome residents in March 2026.
The approved funds will also develop a new access center through the renovation of an existing site in Cornelius, operated by Open Door Housing Works, due for completion in September 2025. Anticipating an increase in demand, this access center plans to deliver essential services such as showers, meals, and case management, besides providing emergency shelter capacity during severe weather. Open Door Housing Works currently manages a small drop-in service center that has outgrown its ability to meet community needs but stands ready to expand its hospitality, offering "pop up" emergency shelter.
With this phase of funding, Washington County is solidifying its commitment to addressing homelessness within its jurisdiction. These initiatives not only present immediate relief in the form of transitional housing and access centers but also promise long-term systemic improvements to the local framework of support for those experiencing homelessness. The county also anticipates funding an additional access center in Beaverton, signaling ongoing efforts to expand its network of services.
