Multnomah County approves lease for new family motel shelter in Gresham, set to open in fall or winter 2025

Multnomah County is advancing plans to open a new family motel shelter in Gresham, Oregon. On September 25, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a lease agreement for a 53-unit motel that will serve as a temporary housing solution for families experiencing homelessness. The shelter is scheduled to open in the fall or winter of 2025, replacing family shelter capacity lost earlier that year when the Homeless Services Department ended its contract with a different 50-unit family shelter provider.

This initiative aligns with the County’s Community Sheltering Strategy, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining and expanding family shelter options in Multnomah County. The new shelter is part of a broader effort to address housing insecurity and provide stability for vulnerable families.

Chair Jessica Vega Pederson emphasized the significance of offering families a safe and welcoming place to stay. “Creating more options for families in Multnomah County is a priority of mine,” she said. “I’m glad we’re working quickly to fill a critical gap in East Multnomah County for those who need shelter and support.”

The shelter, located at 24124 S.E. Stark St., Gresham, is designed with family needs in mind. It features larger-than-average rooms, many with pull-out couches, and includes accessibility features such as wider hallways, several ADA-accessible units, and multiple ground-level entrances. These elements are intended to create a more comfortable and dignified environment for families.

Anna Plumb, interim director of the Homeless Services Department, highlighted the benefits of motel-style shelters for families. “Motels are a trauma-informed shelter option, especially for families,” she said. “Kids can close the door and do their homework. A parent who’s had to work all day can get a good night’s sleep so they’re well-rested when they go back to work the next day. If a child is sick, they have a bed to sleep in and recover. Families don’t have to share a bathroom with anyone but themselves.”

The shelter will provide on-site wraparound services to support families as they seek permanent housing. The Homeless Services Department is in the process of selecting a community-based organization to operate the site, though the decision has not yet been finalized.

The County’s decision to maintain shelter in East Multnomah County reflects the ongoing need for family shelter in that area. Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon noted, “The need to support families with homeless services in East County is clear. Nearly half of the working households in East County are one unplanned expense away from home.” This underscores the County’s commitment to addressing the specific challenges faced by families in the region.

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