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Published on January 24, 2025
Portland's Downtown COVID-Era Shelter Closing, Multnomah County Plans Bed Expansion at Bybee Lakes Hope CenterSource: Portland Government

As the temporary Downtown Shelter in Portland's Old Town prepares for closure in March, Multnomah County is in negotiations to expand the shelter capacity at Bybee Lakes Hope Center. The initiative is a response to the shutdown of a COVID-era establishment, which will result in the loss of 96 beds currently managed by Do Good Multnomah at the former Greyhound station, according to a news release from Multnomah County. In exchange, Bybee Lakes, which is operated by Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers, aims to add 100 beds this spring on top of the 175 already funded by the Joint Office of Homeless Services.

Despite the forthcoming closure of the Downtown Shelter, considered a product of the COVID-19 pandemic era, the local government remains focused on maintaining the shelter system's capacity. Helping Hands has been critical in providing support for those in need since the inauguration of Bybee Lakes Hope Center in October 2020, which has assisted over 3,350 individuals, including children. "The beds are currently set up and ready to go," Mike Davis, CEO of Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers, emphasized, foregrounding the organization's readiness to fill the gap that the Downtown Shelter's closure will leave.

This move to bolster capacity aligns with the Community Sheltering Strategy developed by Multnomah County and the City of Portland—a cooperative approach making nearly 3,200 year-round and winter-only beds available. Dan Field, the director of the Joint Office, underscored the continuum of support: "Even though this shelter is closing, we are committed to maintaining capacity. No shelter beds will be lost." The dedicated efforts of temporary shelters have been a pillar for countless individuals, with the Downtown Shelter alone having served 952 people, including 468 who identify as chronically homeless and 121 veterans, as stated in the news release.

While Bybee Lakes gears up to expand, the Downtown Shelter is wrapping up operations and will cease accepting new referrals in February, before shutting its doors at the end of March. The transition appears seamless, with Helping Hands ready to take on an increased role in providing critical services and shelter. Helping Hands, in particular, has been lauded for their commitment to safety and support for staff, volunteers, and participants during this process. We "work quickly to staff up appropriately, as safety is everyone's first priority when it comes to staff, volunteers, and participants," said Davis, as noted by Multnomah County.