Houseless Encampment Update Sept 2021

Port-a-potties and hand-washing stations coming this week to encampment along Highway 47 near Forest Grove

Update September 13, 2021

Portable toilets and hand-washing stations are now in place at three separate locations on the site. Campers who have returned since the cleanup effort in mid-August have been advised of camp expectations and their role in garbage collection which will occur weekly through a partnership with the Metro RID Patrol program.

Washington County is committed to continued collaboration with the City of Forest Grove and other local stakeholders to manage this encampment and work to balance the health and safety needs of all community members.

September 7, 2021

Cleanup at this encampment was substantially completed on Friday, August 13, after a multi-disciplinary team of County staff determined the encampment was unsafe and unhealthy for anyone residing on this county-owned property. On August 4, 2021, residents of the encampment were given a five-day notice to remove all personal items and leave the site to allow cleanup work to begin on August 9. With help from federal funds and coordination with the Centro Cultural and others, displaced campers were offered hotel vouchers during the cleanup period and several impacted individuals took advantage of the offer. 

Washington County cannot prevent residents from returning to the site whenever a lack of available shelter space exists elsewhere. Washington County is encouraging residents returning to the encampment to maintain safe and healthy living conditions for themselves and neighboring community members as much as possible. In support of these efforts, the county will place port-a-potties, hand-washing stations and implement a regular garbage collection plan at various locations along the encampment this week. Campers will also receive supportive services from community-based outreach providers. County staff will continue to assess conditions of the encampment on a regular basis and take action necessary to reduce any ongoing health and safety risks.

Moving forward, the Board of County Commissioners has approved the creation of a one-year pilot program to manage this and other similar encampments to mitigate ongoing health and safety concerns on publicly owned property. Under the county’s organizational framework, cities and special districts have been invited to join in this effort to meet the urgent needs of our most vulnerable neighbors, as well as the very understandable livability and safety concerns of nearby residents.

More information about the County’s efforts to address homelessness can be found at: https://www.co.washington.or.us/Housing/EndHomelessness/index.cfm.

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