PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT WASHINGTON COUNTY
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Mission Statement
Project Homeless Connect empowers individuals experiencing houselessness by meeting them where they are and walking with them in their unique journeys toward stability and self-reliance.
About This Cause
Project Homeless Connect, founded in 2006 and granted 501c3 status in 2019, has evolved into a comprehensive organization addressing homelessness in Washington County. Our multifaceted approach includes collaborative one-day resource events, a street outreach team, an access center, shelter operations, multiple housing programs, and peer mentorship. One-day events are some of the largest collaborative efforts in the county, bringing together a vast array of services such as dentistry and haircuts for individuals and families experiencing housing instability. Our outreach team engages with people living in unsheltered locations, such as cars, parks, abandoned buildings, encampments, and streets. They reach people who might not otherwise seek assistance or come to the attention of the homelessness service system. Our access center is a place of refuge and belonging where people can shower, do laundry, receive meals, and get connected to various resources - including shelter/housing programs, mental health services, employment support, and social service benefits. We operate year-round non-congregate shelters as well as inclement weather shelters throughout the county. Inclement weather shelters are activated when weather conditions create an immediate danger for unhoused people. Our year-round non-congregate shelters allow us to provide safety and stability to individuals who are medically fragile or better suited for this setting while actively seeking to connect them to permanent housing. Our housing programs include short-, medium-, and long-term assistance. Housing case management pairs individuals with a case manager to help them secure permanent housing and connect them with other support services in the area. Our peer mentor program consists of a team of peer support specialists and certified recovery mentors dedicated to supporting individuals with their mental health and addiction recovery. Since 70% of our entire staff have lived experience with homelessness and/or behavioral health challenges, peer support is interwoven throughout all our programs. All our efforts aim to reach our vision of ensuring all Washington County residents have a stable place to call home. To offer a brief overview of our impact, in our 2024 fiscal year alone, our outreach team engaged with 165 people, referring them to our center for resources, providing for basic needs, and/or making warm hand-offs to partner agencies. The access center served 2,439 unduplicated individuals. We provided 76,017 meals, 4,135 showers, and 1,376 loads of laundry. We provided 126 people with non-congregate shelter rooms and over 100 with inclement weather shelter beds. Our housing team connected 116 people to permanent housing. We served over 200 individuals and families at each of our three One Day Events (hosted in Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Tigard), where over 40 different service providers were in attendance. Our 98% housing retention rate showcases our ability to support individuals effectively. Life changes are seen through client testimonials. While we have countless testimonials and stories to share our impact, here are just a few: 1) Peter* came to our center to receive help. After multiple connections with our programs, he told us, "If it wasn't for you all, I wouldn’t have been able to get my life together; I was able to secure an amazing job. I am in my children's lives again. I have a home and can be a functioning part of society." 2) Jessica*, a pregnant woman who sought refuge at our center, was able to receive critical support, including meals, showers, and housing navigation. Thanks to our staff, she secured stable housing before the birth of her child. Today, she lives in a secure apartment and is providing a nurturing home for her infant. 3) James *, a guest who had recently left detox and relapsed, was connected with a Peer Mentor at the center. The mentor supported him through his journey back to detox, arranged for sober living, and continued to provide encouragement. Today, James is six months sober and working toward securing his own apartment. 4) Shawna*, who had struggled with homelessness for years, began visiting our center regularly. Through consistent support from our team, she successfully transitioned into a 1-bedroom apartment. She now volunteers at the center, giving back to others in need. Shawna shared, “When I got into my apartment, I was ecstatic! I was happy. Before, when I was homeless, I was lost and confused. I didn’t know if having a home was even possible for me again. Now, I’m not scared, and I don’t have to depend on anyone. I can take care of myself. I have my own kitchen, and I sleep in a bed at night. I love living in my home.” 5) Lucy* fled domestic violence only to experience further gender-based violence on the streets. Then, she connected with PHC. “Amanda (PHC staff member) smiled at me and looked me in the eye; she treated me like a human being, not like an animal on the street. She helped me get into housing after years of struggling. Now that I am housed, I get to call this my home. I am happy here.” 6) Pedro* walked into our center for the first time and said this before leaving, “I came here with nothing on my feet. I hadn’t showered in seven days. My stomach was empty and I was hungry. My clothes were dirty with holes. I was alone and knew nobody. Thank you; I’m leaving and look, you gave me shoes. I took a shower and my clothes are clean. I ate so much my stomach is full. And now I have friends.” 7) Kyle*, a shelter participant, said, "If it wasn't for PHC, I would be in much worse conditions and somewhere unsafe. The staff understand where I come from and the challenges I face. They don't judge me. I have a lot of barriers to housing, but PHC gives me hope as I try to overcome those barriers. PHC is really helping people in the community get back on their feet." *names changed for privacy Project Homeless Connect feels strongly that it takes multiple entities to meet the needs of our un-/under-housed neighbors. That is why we believe so strongly in collaborative efforts and building partnerships. Join us as a partner in this critical work; let's invest in our shared community together.