Our Town: Tree Lighting | Non-Profit Incubator | Beaverton Shelter | Homeless Resources

Celebrate the Season with Beaverton Winter Lights and Tree Lighting Event

Save the date and join us as we celebrate the winter season at the city’s annual Tree Lighting Event.

Join us at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 for Beaverton Winter Lights with Mayor Beaty lighting the tree at 7 p.m. at City Park, located at Southwest Hall Boulevard and Southwest Third Street.

Winter Lights at City Park’s Candy Cane Lane will be lit from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. every night from Sunday, Dec. 1, through Friday, Jan. 3.

For more information, visit www.BeavertonOregon.gov/WinterLights.

Keep Your Gifts Safe This Holiday Season

The holiday shopping season is upon us, and with that the Beaverton Police Department wants to share tips for keeping your package deliveries safe. This year, it’s estimated nearly 25 percent of all holiday shopping will be done online. Gifts ordered online will arrive on your doorstep, where they are subject to theft.

Public Information Officer Matt Henderson with the Beaverton Police Department has some tips to keep your packages safe:

• Add package insurance. Many online retailers now offer package protection during the checkout process. Take advantage of this for peace of mind when shipping valuable items.
• Ship to a store or consider a package receiving service. Having the package delivered to a safe location where you can pick it up is an easy way to keep your presents safe.
• Check in with your neighbors. The good neighbor benefit is twofold. First, your package may have been delivered to the wrong address so going by to check in with your neighbors just may recover your package. Second, if you know you won’t be home for an expected delivery, ask your neighbors to keep an eye out for the package and keep it in a safe spot until you arrive home and you can offer the same service for them.
• Use home security cameras. If your package does get stolen, it’s very helpful for police officers to have a photo or video of the suspect.

If you need to report a stolen package, you may do so by calling the non-emergency dispatch center at 503-629-0111.

Work Continues on Nonprofit Incubator

Running a nonprofit is no small task. While you’re dedicated to providing essential programs and support to those in need, you know there’s more you could achieve. Collaborating with other organizations that share your mission could amplify your impact, but you need a dedicated workspace and resources, like printing facilities, to help you thrive. You have ambitious goals, but how can you ensure you’re on the right track? Imagine having a resource at your fingertips to guide you.

The city is working with nonprofits to give them the assistance they need with the support of $1 million in state and federal grant funding and local organizations such as the Oregon Startup Center and Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Since last fall, the incubator has helped nonprofits with educational programming, consultation, and on-site services to build capacity and community impact of organizations delivering services in Beaverton and Washington County. The program has a strong focus on creating opportunities for historically underserved communities.

There is still more to do. The grant funds will also be used to build out a collaborative incubator space in the Beaverton Round Executive Suites on the third floor of The Beaverton Building to help the four to six local organizations chosen each year. Work on the design and build out of the space continues, with the in-resident facilities planned to open in January.

Learn more about the nonprofit incubator program, visit www.npi-b.org.

Beaverton Shelter Opens Offering Space for Critical Care and Homeless Services

The Beaverton Shelter, the city’s first year-round shelter for adults experiencing homelessness, is now open.

The shelter features space for 60 guests and will provide beds, meals, showers, and resources on a 24/7 basis. Housing navigation and supportive services will be provided, as well as a dedicated coordinated care space to ensure greater stability to individuals experiencing homelessness and offer a critical link to housing.

The 12,000-square-foot property located at 11380 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway is situated in an established business area, centrally located near transit, and within walking distance to groceries, social service agencies, and employment opportunities.

The shelter is made possible by grant funding for shelter acquisition and operations, including approximately $9 million in state and federal funding, including American Rescue Plan Act funds. Ongoing shelter operations will be supported by a unique opportunity with Metro supportive housing services funding available through Washington County.

In recent years, the city has invested in a number of solutions to support people experiencing homelessness, including opening a temporary shelter to offer immediate relief, launching a Safe Parking program with secure space for people living in cars, and partnering with street outreach workers to deliver direct services.

• To learn more about current programs and community services available, visit www.BeavertonOregon.gov/CommunityServices.
• For more information about The Beaverton Shelter, visit www.BeavertonOregon.gov/Shelter.

Resources for People Experiencing Homelessness

Winter snow and ice, excessive summer heat, and air pollution from forest fires present challenges for people experiencing homelessness. Here are resources to help with basic needs and a connection to housing:

• Community Connect: A coordinated entry system that helps people experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness find housing resources. Registering with Community Connect is the first step in accessing comprehensive support services available through Washington County. Call 503-640-3269.
• Beaverton Temporary Shelter at the Beaverton Community Center: Open 24/7. Provides a safe, warm place to sleep, access to hot meals, and housing services. 12350 SW 5th St. For enrollment, call 503-640-3263.
• Just Compassion of East Washington County: Open to the public 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Breakfast and lunch served daily. Access to showers, internet, and support resources. Overnight sleeping accommodations: guests must be on the waitlist to get a bed. 12880 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard. Visit the shelter or call 503-624-4666.
• Safe Parking Program: Safe, legal place to park for people experiencing homelessness and living out of their vehicles. Call 503-624-4666 for intake.
• HomePlate Youth Services: A drop-in center for youth ages 12-24. Food, clothes, housing, and employment assistance. 12685 SW 4th St., Beaverton, Mondays 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays 2-5 p.m., and Wednesdays 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. 494 E Main St., Hillsboro, Thursdays 6-8 p.m. Youth line: 503-567-6591; community line: 503-608-7252.
• Greater Good NW Library Outreach Worker: Specialized outreach worker provides one-on-one support to connect homeless and other community members in need with a multitude of resources. Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St. For appointments, call 503-545-6827 or visit outreach@greatergoodnw.org. Walk-ins welcome.
• 2-1-1: An information and referral service that connects people in Oregon and southwest Washington with community resources such as shelter, food, and utility assistance. Call 211 or 503-222-5555 or visit www.211info.org. Calls are answered 24/7.
• Beaverton Resource Center: Provides a multitude of support services and resources: basic needs, food pantry, ESL classes, legal services and more. 13565 SW Walker Rd. Call 503-207-5670.
• Care to Share: Emergency food and other necessities for families and individuals. Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 503-591-9025.

Visit www.BeavertonOregon.gov/BeavertonHomelessnessResponse for more information.