The Safe Rest Pods on SW 17th Avenue opened on October 21 to provide 30 to 40 community members experiencing homelessness a secure place to sleep, peer support, and wrap-around services.

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The Hillsboro Handyman team made the nuts and bolts of this project possible.

The City of Hillsboro, Washington County, and OpenDoor Housing Works worked quickly to stand up the temporary shelter site in rapid response to community concerns and a critical need for shelter. The site will operate until spring 2023.

Guests at the Safe Rest Pods receive mental health, employment, and housing navigation support by OpenDoor Housing Works 24/7 onsite staff while the 80 square-foot insulated and private pods provide safe shelter and security for belongings.

“We are grateful to work with community partners and quickly stand up temporary life-saving shelter at the property on SW 17th Avenue,” Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway said. “The Safe Rest Pods will address an urgent need while planning and design for the site’s Year-Round Shelter are still underway.” 

The pods offer a dry, insulated place to sleep and locked storage for personal belongings.

OpenDoor will also provide support to neighborhood residents and businesses, including a direct line for persons to contact shelter staff should any issues arise related to the site. Hillsboro’s Outdoor Cleanup Through Supportive Employment project will keep the surrounding area clean while providing job opportunities for people with experiences of homelessness.  

As construction of the pods continues, guests move in on a rolling basis, building a supportive and safe community of shelter staff and peers as they work towards long-term housing stability. The first guests arrived on October 21, with more moving in over the following weeks.   

As construction of the pods continues, guests are moving in on a rolling basis.

“For just over 30 people, these pods open at a critical time, providing shelter from the elements before winter, and an opportunity to move towards permanent housing, the solution to homelessness,” said Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington. 

Placement at the Safe Rest Pods had an initial priority for people currently camping in the Dairy Creek area. Persons seeking shelter at this program or any other shelter in Washington County can contact Community Connect at 503-640-3263 or communityconnect@coawash.org.

Visit our Shelters webpage for more information or visit Engage Hillsboro to share your thoughts on the Year-Round Shelter project.