The City of Tigard marked a milestone today with the grand re-opening of the Bridge to Home Shelter, a haven for families grappling with homelessness. The event, which took place today, brought together a cross-section of society ranging from elected officials to community partners. In attendance were people who represent the voices of both policy and plight, ready to tour the newly refurbished shelter—the largest of its kind in Washington County.
Family Promise of Tualatin Valley, a non-profit dedicated to aiding families in need, has worked relentlessly to not only purchase, but also to comprehensively renovate the building, creating a refuge that both comforts and empowers. According to the Washington County government website, the shelter boasts 70 rooms and has transformed into a space that is warm, functional, and geared towards family needs—a path towards self-reliance.
One anonymous former guest expressed profound gratitude for the shelter's impact, saying, per the Washington County website, “Thank you so much for what you are doing for me and for everyone who is a guest here. I am so grateful for this miraculous opportunity. Thank you for making me feel a hope of life again, and for making my mental health feel better until I was able to start working on my career again. It means a lot.” Their voice echoes through the halls of the shelter, a testament to the profound change that is often born from comprehensive community support and a little humanity.
Washington County Commissioner Pam Treece highlighted the significance of community resources like the Metro Supportive Housing Services measure and Project Turnkey. She told the Washington County government website, "The Bridge to Home shelter supports our goal to ensure every family has a safe and dignified place to sleep in Washington County." Indeed, these renovations are to reflect more than just a change in aesthetics, rather, they signify a deeper communal commitment to eradicating the cycles that keep families bound to uncertainty.
