Throughout the world, homelessness is a complex societal issue that is about much more than living without a home — it's also about the causes and barriers of getting back into safe and affordable housing.  

While local governments like the City of Hillsboro and Washington County are involved in addressing the issue, it requires federal, state, and nonprofit partnerships to meaningfully address homelessness.

Homelessness is not a new issue, but as it has become more visible in our region, the City of Hillsboro has dedicated additional resources. We recognize the importance of maintaining Hillsboro's livability for everyone. 

The City is taking steps to address homelessness in our community.

Current Initiatives

Point-in-Time Count 2019

The Point-in-Time-Count is an annual count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons conducted by communities throughout the United States on one of last 10 days in January.

Hillsboro conducted its count on January 23, 2019. City staff and volunteers canvassed neighborhoods and invited homeless persons to participate in a short interview to share their experiences living in homelessness. We also  distributed warm hats and food.

The Point in Time Count presents a unique opportunity to raise public awareness about homelessness in our community and connect homeless individuals with vital resources. 

Information from the count is used to: 

• Inform housing policy decisions
• Inform funding commitments for housing and homelessness programs
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current programs aimed at ending homelessness
• Increase public awareness

Homeless Work Group

Objectives:

• Gain a thorough understanding of the complexity of homelessness and how it is affecting the community.
• Research and make recommendations on initiatives that could help individuals move forward in obtaining safe, affordable, and stable housing.
• Put forth initiatives that help to reduce the suffering of our community members afflicted with crises resulting from mental illness, addiction, and socio-economic hardships, reduce the demand placed upon emergency services, and sustain our community livability.

Implemented Initiatives

• Entered into a contract with HomePlate Youth Services to bring dedicated outreach services to Hillsboro focusing primarily on youth ages 12 to 24. 
• The Hillsboro Police Department Crisis Intervention team, including the hiring of a new full-time Homeless Liaison Officer, will provide an organized and dedicated response for issues surrounding homeless, mentally ill and other at-risk populations. This team will collaborate with law enforcement, government service providers, non-government organizations, other individuals and groups, and our business community.
• Participated in the 2018 Point in Time Count (PIT) and will be leading the efforts for Hillsboro in 2019. This count helps to determine the need and number of individuals living in homelessness in Hillsboro.

Funding Programs

• Community Services Grants
• Impact Grant – focused on homelessness and housing stability
• Affordable Housing Initiatives
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

Local Homeless Shelters and Resources

• City of Hillsboro Community Impact Grant information 
• Washington County shelter information
• Programs serving homeless persons in Washington County
• Hillsboro School District homeless assistance
• SOS Shelter at Orenco Station operated in the winter at Sonrise Church
• HomePlate Youth Services
• Project Homeless Connect
• Dial 211 for the community resources hotline or visit the 211info website

• Call the Community Connect access phone line at 503 640-3263 or visit the Community Connect website.

Contact our Community Services Manager

For questions, comments, or partnership opportunities, email our Community Services Manager or call 503-681-6219.