Our Town: Service Providers | Housing (Building a Better Beaverton)

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Get to Know Beaverton Service Providers

Here is a look at the people and organizations the city works with in responding with compassion to the social service needs of low-income populations and people experiencing homelessness in Beaverton.

Vernon Baker, Just Compassion

Vernon is the executive director of Just Compassion, which operates the Beaverton Winter Shelter. The shelter is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Wednesday, May 31 at the Beaverton Community Center, 12350 SW 5th St. Adults in need of shelter must call Community Connect at 503-640-3263 to enroll.

“I have always sought opportunities to give back to my community and provide support to those who are vulnerable and underserved. Being able to help someone’s day, life, and situation has always been important to me. Just Compassion provided me the opportunity to do just that, in addition helping to grow an organization in order to expand the level of services provided to those that are houseless. I stay engaged and motivated because I see daily the positive impact that we are having in the lives of the guests we serve.”

David Hewlett, Just Compassion

David is the case manager for the Beaverton Safe Parking Program, which provides a safe place to park for people experiencing homelessness and living out of their vehicles. Adults and families in need must call 503-624-4666 to enroll in the program.

“Having experienced hardships in my past, I felt the calling to relate my unique insight to those who are experiencing houselessness in order to bridge the gap for those who are traditionally marginalized in our community. With each success I am privileged to observe with a guest, it motivates me to work harder for them.”

Mike Backman, Greater Good NW

Mike is the program coordinator for the street outreach program. He connects with unsheltered individuals to provide resources and harm reduction. To contact street outreach in Beaverton, email outreach@greatergoodnw.org.

Javier Reyes, Greater Good NW (no photo)

Javier is an outreach worker based out of the Beaverton City Library Main, 12375 SW 5th St. He is available from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday to help provide resources and case management to families and individuals experiencing poverty. For more information on programming, visit www.BeavertonOregon.gov/CommunityServices.

Housing Beaverton Project to Analyze Housing Needs Over the Next 20 Years

The Housing Beaverton Project is designed to identify people’s housing needs and determine actions the city may take to promote the creation of needed housing.

The project is currently preparing a housing needs analysis to understand the current and future housing needs in Beaverton over the next 20 years. In December, the city began work on a housing production strategy that identified actions including policies, programs, development regulations, financial incentives, and other actions the city will take to help make that housing happen. In the summer, the City Council will review the housing production strategy for adoption and implementation.

The Housing Beaverton Project is using an equity approach to understand housing needs beyond affordability, especially for groups that have been historically excluded in housing and land use conversations. The project aims to understand housing needs based on diverse lived experiences to inform how the city must address identified needs. To do this, engagement will occur in three phases. Phase 1 asked the community to share what they need in a home and the challenges faced in finding needed housing. Phase 2 partnered with Unite Oregon to host an open house to get input from the public on potential strategies the city can implement with the Housing Production Strategy. Phase 3 is scheduled to occur in the next few months and will ask the public for feedback on proposed strategies.

To stay informed, visit the Community Development project website at www.BeavertonOregon.gov/HousingBeaverton or connect with the project team via email at hbproject@BeavertonOregon.gov.