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Housing Services E-Newsletter
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Hello Washington County,
Just last week, on one of the most gorgeous fall days, we joined with our partners and residents to celebrate new beginnings, new hope and newly improved homes for nearly 600 households. Washington County’s Affordable Housing Preservation Portfolio Rehabilitation project, an ambitious and unprecedented effort, resulted in 10 significantly renovated affordable housing communities with 592 units in just three years. I am grateful for the leaders who launched this work and brought in our excellent development consultants, Brawner and Company, along with our many partners, including Oregon Housing and Community Services, JPMorgan Chase, RBC, Ink Built, Pinnacle, and LMC Construction.
One universal phenomenon I have experienced living in many different communities: when there is care in the quality of homes we are providing, there is pride. When there is mutual respect, there is dignity. Those are the values we endeavor to instill in these newly upgraded communities. It is crucial that we keep the limited affordable housing units in our community for generations to come. I believe everyone deserves to live in a place where they want to call home.
Here at the Department of Housing Services, we’re also reflecting on the past year as we are set to release our department annual report. This will be included in next month’s newsletter, but I can’t help but share a preview; last year we provided assistance and support to over 20,700 people – that's more people than residents of Sherwood! This incredible impact is because of the many partners and staff we have in Washington County who are dedicated to helping thousands in our community.
A central part of that community are our friends and neighbors celebrating Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month. I hope you celebrate their many contributions to Washington County with us. And on that note, I wish you all a great start to the fall.
Best,
Molly
| | Department celebrates extensive renovations of 10 affordable housing sites throughout Washington County | | |
Preserving affordability is more important than ever as properties made affordable generations ago risk falling into disrepair and aging out of affordability, impacting both current residents and future generations.
Three years ago, the Housing Authority of Washington County embarked on comprehensive renovations across 10 affordable housing properties, known as the Affordable Housing Preservation Portfolio Rehabilitation project. Last week, we marked the completion of this extensive renovation project at Holly Tree Village, the Housing Authority’s largest affordable housing community. The event featured speeches by community leaders, a celebratory ribbon-cutting, and special before-and-after visual exhibits.
The first phase of the project included Bonita Villa and The Ridge at Bull Mountain in Tigard, Parkside and Villager in Forest Grove, and Aloha Park in Beaverton, extending the lives of 332 apartments with a construction budget of $58 million, focused on long-term viability and sustainability. Construction was completed between fall 2022 and 2024.
The second phase included Holly Tree Village in Beaverton, Tarkington Square and Amberwood Apartments in Hillsboro, Marilann Terrace in Aloha, and Cornelius Village in Cornelius. In total, 260 homes were rehabilitated with a construction budget of $42 million. Construction was completed between spring 2024 and summer 2025.
In total, the two phases created 300-400 family-wage jobs!
Renovations focused on accessibility, energy efficiency, and building system improvements such as new roofing, siding, plumbing, electricity, heating, ventilation, appliances, and more. The project will preserve the affordability of these quality homes for decades into the future.
For a sneak peak into our renovations, check out this before-and-after video!
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Interested in waitlist openings?
Keep up to date with the department's affordable housing and vouchers' waitlist openings by easily creating a profile on our portal to receive notifications. You can also check out our dedicated waitlists' webpage that includes non-county operated properties. Share with family, friends, and colleagues.
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Department of Housing Services moves towards an appointment-based system
As part of ongoing efforts to improve services for the residents of Washington County, beginning next month the department’s Rental Assistance Division will begin requiring appointments. This new change will remove waiting times for our residents and guarantee certain slots, expediting their visits to the department’s lobby.
This will apply for meetings in-person or by phone with our staff. Same-day or drop-in appointments will no longer be accepted, except in cases of emergencies. For more information, including how to schedule an appointment, please visit our website.
| | Family Promise of Tualatin Valley celebrates completed renovations for Bridge to Home shelter | | |
Elected officials, community partners, and residents gathered to celebrate the completion of extensive renovations at the Bridge to Home Shelter, located in Tigard. Attendees toured the largest family shelter in Washington County, with 70 rooms available to offer emergency shelter to families experiencing homelessness.
These renovations mark a new chapter for Family Promise of Tualatin Valley (FPTV) and Washington County as we build out an infrastructure of intentionally designed facilities to best meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness. In June 2023, FPTV purchased this hotel to serve as a permanent shelter. Since then, FPTV has worked diligently to transform the building into a warm, functional, and family-friendly space.
Bridge to Home will now offer meals cooked and served onsite in their fully renovated commercial kitchen, as well as a food pantry, clothing closet, and birthday room, all operated by dedicated volunteers. The program provides each family with individualized case management and housing navigation services aimed at addressing barriers and achieving long-term, stable housing.
Ongoing operations of this shelter, and the shelter system of 385 units across Washington County, are made possible by voter-approved Supportive Housing Services resources.
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Do you have a story to share?
Do you know of someone who may want to share their housing story with us? Or perhaps you work in housing and want to inform others of a specific experience? We want to hear from you and share positive impactful stories with our community.
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Kim’s story: A public servant’s life dedicated to building safer communities
As the Community Risk Reduction Manager at Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R), Kim Haughn (pictured with Megan Cohen - left, and Kim Marshall - middle) is a Washington County expert on building safer communities.
Her work involves collaborating with partner agencies to prevent unnecessary 911 calls, address service gaps, and ensure community members have access to the right resources at the right time.
Kim, and the first responders at TVF&R, work closely with the County and community partners to provide compassionate care to unsheltered community members and help them access support and lasting solutions. She often collaborates with law enforcement partners who help assess available options and coordinate transportation.
“Our primary mission is to respond to life-threatening emergencies, yet we increasingly serve as a broader safety net for those who are unsure of where to turn,” Kim says, “Our houseless community members who resort to 911 for help often simply need basic support that our outreach partners are equipped to provide. Rather than send folks to already overburdened hospitals, we strive to connect them with the right care and services.”
To continue reading Kim’s story, visit our latest blog post.
| | A spectrum of jobs in housing are available from entry level to upper management with a competitive benefits package and a dynamic hardworking environment. Click here to view available positions and check back often as our positions' list continue to be updated. | | |
The Department of Housing Services creates pathways out of homelessness, promotes housing stability, and invests in affordable communities for Washington County and our residents. | |  | | | | |
