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.

People experiencing homelessness now have a way to dispose of trash, thanks to Hillsboro's collaboration in Metro's trash bag pilot program.

The City of Hillsboro is teaming up with Metro and other government agencies to distribute empty garbage bags to those with limited access to trash disposal and collect them when full. 

How the program works

• The Hillsboro Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Officers distribute empty garbage bags.
• Once filled, bags can be left in the public right-of-way, including parks, sidewalks, and any other publicly-owned property.
• Any community member can report bags for collection through Metro's website, or by calling the number on the side of the bag: 503-234-3000.
• Metro asks that community members do not dispose of bags themselves to ensure accurate collection data.

Metro staff will pick up all reported bags within three business days. City of Hillsboro Public Works Department staff will pick up any bags they encounter during their daily work travels.

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.

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

2019 Results

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.

Homelessness in Washington County

• 2018: 522 people reported experiencing homelessness.
• 2019: 430 people reported experiencing homelessness.

Homelessness in Hillsboro

Includes both sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness

• 2018: 77 people reported experiencing homelessness.
• 2019: 105 people reported experiencing homelessness.

Demographics

• Female: 28.16%
• Male: 69.5%
• Gender non-conforming: 0.2%
• Veterans: 10.5%
• Chronically homeless: 47.6%
• Escaping domestic violence: 23.8%
• Over the age of 55: 25.2%

Reason for homelessness

• Unemployment: 47.6%
• Couldn’t afford rent: 53%

Unsheltered People in Hillsboro

Includes people who spend nights outside, in tents, cars, RV's, or other places not meant for human habitation.

•  2019: 87 people reported that they would be unsheltered for the night of January 23, 2019.

 
Kindergarten Through Grade 12 (K-12) Students in Homelessness in Hillsboro

• 2018: 312 K-12 students reported experiencing homelessness.
• 2019: 467 K-12 students reported experiencing homelessness.