Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District has partnered with Community Action and Project Homeless Connect to open an emergency shelter for single adults at the Elsie Stuhr Center. The emergency shelter will be in operation during the time the facility is closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“THPRD is honored to be able to partner and host a temporary shelter,” said Felicita Monteblanco, THPRD Board President. “During this incredibly difficult and challenging time, it is a bright light that we are able to help provide a safe space for people experiencing homelessness.”
The emergency shelter will be able to host up to 25 people. The shelter is being operated by Project Homeless Connect. Access to the shelter is coordinated through the Washington County’s coordinated referral system. People should call 503-726-0850 to learn more.
“We never imagined that we would see our facilities closed to the public for such an extended period,” said Monteblanco. “But given the need for the public health closure, it just makes sense to share our facility so homeless individuals have a safe, clean, and healthy environment, to be in during this time.”
The THPRD Board has made a commitment to strengthen partnerships with community-based organizations and to be a strong partner with public and non-profit agencies serving the homeless community.
The temporary shelter is one more way THPRD is partnering to provide services to people experiencing homelessness. Two years ago, the district joined the Beaverton Family Promise network and hosts families a few weeks a year at various THPRD locations. Guests stay at a facility, during a scheduled public closure period, for one week at a time. Last year, THPRD joined the City of Beaverton’s Safe Parking Program, as their first community partner, to provide a safe parking option for up to three guests at a THPRD property.
About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 250,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, 95 park sites with active recreational amenities, nearly 70 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and about 1,500 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.
| Contact: Holly Thompson Communications Director 503.614.1218 (direct) |
Date: April 15, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Click here for official release (PDF). |