Beaverton opens first year-round homeless shelter

(NOVEMBER 27, 2024) On November 18, 2024, Beaverton opened its first homeless shelter that will stay open 24 hours a day, all year long. The shelter can take care of 60 people at one time. This shelter was built with help from Metro’s supportive housing services fund.  

Metro gave $4.8 million to help build the shelter and will also give $1.2 million every year to pay for services like helping guests find permanent homes. A local nonprofit group called Open Door HousingWorks will run the shelter. They have been helping people in Washington County for 40 years.  

The shelter is designed to make people feel comfortable. It uses soft lights, natural colors, and wood materials. There is a big mural by artist Damon Smyth that shows a happy, uplifting scene. In the lobby, there is a young Norfolk Island pine tree standing in a sunny spot. The building also has outdoor seating areas, a dog run, and private sleeping spaces for guests. There are special rooms for men, women, and people needing extra quiet time.  

Metro Council President Lynn Peterson said the shelter is part of a bigger plan to help homeless people in the area. The goal is to make homelessness rare, short, and not happen again.  

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek came to the opening. She praised the work done in Beaverton and said other communities in the state should follow this example.  

Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty said that three years ago, the city did not have a plan to address homelessness. Now, with teamwork from all levels of government, the new shelter is an important step forward.  

The shelter will help many people in the Beaverton area move toward better, more stable lives.