Solutions to houselessness
We've all witnessed an increase in houseless individuals and camping throughout the region. Fortunately there is hope on the horizon.
The 2018 voter-approved affordable housing bond is delivering $116 million to strengthen the county's Housing Services Department. These investments, along with those allocated to Beaverton and Hillsboro, will create 1,316 affordable housing units throughout the county over the next five to seven years. Work is underway, with two affordable housing complexes opening by the end of this year.
The second glimmer of hope was delivered last May, as voters approved a once-in-a-generation commitment to fund supportive housing services. These dollars will provide rental assistance, job training, mental health and substance use disorder treatment and other programs that help the chronically homeless stay housed. The funds will be available beginning this July and we have been hard at work to ensure expanded services are rolled out immediately.