Efforts to End Homelessness
* Severe Weather Shelters *
Severe Weather Shelters are closed at this time in Washington County, however they may activate again in times of extremely high temperatures as cooling centers. When the Severe Weather Shelters are open, an activation list will be posted here, or for the most up-to-date information, you may contact 211Info by calling 2-1-1 or (503) 222-5555.
Emergency shelters are active year-round for youth and families.
10-Year Plan to End Homelessness
More than 1,200 people experience homelessness on any given night in Washington County.
Homelessness is a community concern with no jurisdictional boundaries and can best be addressed through a 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness and implemented through collaborative partnerships to care for this most vulnerable population. A 10-Year Plan is the cornerstone to developing strategies, programs, and activities that can best assist homeless families and individuals move to housing and self-sufficiency.
Today most American communities plan how to manage homelessness – not how to end it. Ending a complex problem like homelessness requires a commitment from all members of our community – government officials, faith and civic groups, philanthropies, businesses, housing and service providers, and concerned individuals.
On June 3, 2008, the Board of Commissioners approved the 10-Year Plan.
10-Year Plan Documents and Related Information
- A Road Home: 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness in Washington County
- Media Release: County Unveils 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness
- Year 2 Work Plan as adopted by HSSN June 3, 2009
Annual Homeless Assessment Reports
Homeless Plan Advisory Committee (HPAC)
For more information, please contact Annette Evans.
Events Serving Homeless
Veterans Stand Down and Job Fair
An opportunity to connect with employers, agencies, and fellow veterans.
| When: | Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm |
| Where: | Forest Grove Armory 2950 Taylor Way Forest Grove, OR 97116 |
For details, please see the 2010 Veterans Stand Down and Job Fair flyer.
Programs Serving Homeless
In 2009, Washington County implemented a new Homeless To Work Program that provides transitional housing serving homeless unaccompanied individuals over age 18 years. The program offers short-term housing and employment mentorship with linkage to appropriate supportive services provided by community partners. The Homeless To Work Program is managed by Bridges To Change and administered by the Washington County Department of Housing Services.
For referral of persons to the program, please refer to the Homeless to Work Applicant Referral Process (PDF format).
To verify homelessness for potential applicants to Homeless to Work, please refer to the Homeless to Work Intake - Verification of Homelessness form (PDF format).
Severe Weather Shelter Response
Train-the-Trainer Orientation Materials - 10/3/2009
Housing and Supportive Services Network (HSSN)
Homeless Counts and Information:
- 2009 Homeless Count
- 2008 Homeless Count
- 2007 Homeless Count
- 2006 Homeless Count
- County Data Points
- Qualitative Needs Assessment
Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR)
What is the AHAR?
The Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) is a report to the U.S. Congress on the extent and nature of homelessness in America. The report is prepared by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and provides nationwide estimates of homelessness, including information about the demographic characteristics of homeless persons, service use patterns, and the capacity to house homeless persons. The report is based primarily on Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) data about persons who experience homelessness during a 12-month period.
The reports contained in the packet below represent the data collection by providers of emergency shelter and transitional housing in Washington County, Oregon for clients served between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2009. The data was submitted and confirmed by the Washington County Department of Housing Services on December 15, 2009.
State of Oregon 10-Year Plan:
Request for Proposals: Project-Based Vouchers for Chronically Homeless Persons
As part of its commitment to the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, the Washington County Department of Housing Services has designated a portion of its Section 8 Vouchers as Project-Based Vouchers for housing Chronically Homeless Persons. Organizations who are interested in providing housing opportunities to this population may submit a proposal using the format in the packet below.
Please note that all Project-Based Vouchers for other populations (non-chronically homeless) have been obligated. This RFP will be open as long as the Project-Based Vouchers for Chronically Homeless Persons are available.
