The Family Shelter Network in Washington County, Oregon, is comprised of four family shelters. These shelters have a total of 110 beds for a county nearing 500,000 in population. Shelter directors report that they are able to serve 12 out of 100 who seek shelter. These shelters are:
- Good Neighbor Center, Tigard : 50 beds for nine families
- Domestic Violence Resource Center, Hillsboro : 28 beds
- Family Bridge, Hillsboro : 12 beds for three families
- Community Action Family Shelter, Hillsboro : 20 beds for five families
Community Action Family Shelter in Hillsboro: An In Depth Look
The Community Action Family Shelter offers twenty beds with space for five families, and is managed by the Housing and Homeless Services Team at Community Action. Although it is referred to as a shelter, it is actually a Housing Program. Families are able to stay for up to five weeks. A holistic assessment considers the immediate needs of each member of the family. The director, Patrick Rogers, and his staff, have offices in the building. But it is primarily a home. with kitchen, dining room, living room and a place to do laundry. Advocates work with the families to ensure that children can remain in their school of origin.
Other team members advocate on behalf of families to address employment and income barriers. Housing advocates on the team also work with families to help reduce the many barriers they face as they attempt to re-enter the rental housing market. Poor rental history due to eviction and poor credit reports represent some of those barriers. One third of the families who enter the Shelter Network are working when they become homeless.
Low-wage jobs do not prevent the possiblity of homelessness. Families who are attempting to function in "working poverty" are just one unexpected circumstance away from facing that fact. The Washington County Shelter Network is a resource that is available to all families with children faced with the prospect of losing their housing. It's a warm and loving place, an oasis for those fortunate enough to be accepted.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Go to this page. There are many ways to help, and the first step is to recognize the need. If you're there, if you've taken that first step and understand the need exists, please take the next step and explore your options.
See just where help is needed and what programs need your support. Thank you for wanting to do more!
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1923 Elm Street, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116
(503) 357-3282
Contact: Eric Canon, Chair - Interfaith Committee on Homelessness
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