New complex opening in Tigard includes deeply affordable housing and services for people exiting homelessness

TIGARD, Ore. - Housing paired with rent assistance and comprehensive support services is a proven strategy for solving many individuals' chronic homelessness. Recent reports have found that here in Oregon, the model is working: Up to 92% of residents remain stably housed 12 months after placement.

Local elected leaders will join the nonprofit housing developer Community Partners for Affordable Housing on Nov. 12 to cut the ribbon on a new apartment community that will bring 22 of these permanent supportive homes to Tigard, along with 41 additional regulated affordable homes for households earning up to 30%, 50% and 60% of the area median income.

For residents of the supportive units, Washington County and Oregon Housing and Community Services are funding rent assistance, and the state is also funding culturally specific mental health and recovery services, job training and eviction prevention services, which will be provided by the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest and Community Action.

"Woodland Hearth is going to be a lifeline for people who are experiencing homelessness in Tigard," said Metro Councilor Gerritt Rosenthal. "A safe place to live is a solid first step, but for so many people who are recovering from the trauma of sleeping unsheltered, it's really the trusted relationships and ongoing support that make lasting success attainable."

Woodland Hearth was built with $9.45 million from the voter-approved Metro Affordable Housing Bond, as awarded by Washington County. The Housing Authority of Washington County is also providing 16 project-based vouchers for residents with the lowest incomes.

"Meeting our community's housing needs takes deliberate collaboration with many programs and organizations," shared Washington County Commissioner Jason Snider. "Our county has worked alongside voters, housing providers, and service partners to expand affordable housing and create opportunities for people to build brighter futures. Woodland Hearth brings those efforts to Tigard, creating affordable homes and opening doors for more of our neighbors to thrive."

Woodland Hearth also received $300,000 in grant funding from Metro's Transit Oriented Development Program, which funds affordable housing located near high-frequency public transit. This included an Innovations in Climate Leadership grant for rooftop solar and shade trees in the parking area to reduce the urban heat island effect. The project also worked with Earth Advantage to lower its energy usage.

With a large share of two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, as well as family-oriented services such as after-school and summer youth programs, Woodland Hearth is well-suited for working families in need of affordable housing. It is conveniently located near grocery stores and other retail and is a couple of miles from the future Bagan Park, funded with $1.74 million from Metro's parks and nature bond.

Creating housing that will meet the needs of both families and people exiting homelessness has been a key goal of the 2018 Metro Affordable Housing Bond. It is on track to provide the region with 831 units of permanent supportive housing and 2,769 family-sized homes once it's complete.

###

About Housing Authority of Washington County: The Housing Authority of Washington County has been providing and developing affordable housing opportunities for over 50 years. Today, the effort continues with the county's Department of Housing Services, formed in 1992 to administer its housing activities and programs, and that of Washington County. Its mission is to create pathways out of homelessness, promote housing stability, and invest in affordable communities for its county's residents.

Metro Housing Department: The Metro Housing Department exists to align systems, secure resources and promote innovation as we work toward a region where everyone has a safe, affordable and stable home. The department oversees two regional initiatives that voters passed to address the housing and homelessness crisis. The 2018 Metro Affordable Housing Bond and the 2020 Supportive Housing Services measure work together to provide homes for households with low incomes, along with programs and services to prevent or end episodes of homelessness.