Washington County, Oregon, denies Portland mayor’s request for homeless shelter funding

Washington County’s Board of Commissioners unanimously denied a request from Portland Mayor Keith Wilson for millions of dollars to fund homeless shelters, according to KPTV.

Wilson sent letters last week to Washington County and Clackamas County requesting $6 million and $4 million, respectively. He proposed using the money to fund six homeless shelters in Portland, saying homelessness is a regional issue.

Board Chair Kathryn Harrington said the county had no spare funds to send. “There is no excess funding. There is no surplus funding. The Washington county homeless program needs all the available fund for the homeless programs here in Washington county,” she said.

Homelessness service providers in Washington County voiced concerns on Monday and celebrated the board’s decision on Tuesday. Elise Schaff Laubach, executive director of Family Promise of Tualatin Valley, said, “We are so grateful to the county commissioners for wanting to continue the good work that has been started here and to support service providers.” Laubach said she was concerned the board might send money to Portland that could otherwise be spent in Washington County. She and several other providers attended the meeting. Laubach said she was there alongside Kim Marshall of Project Homeless Connect and Dorian Russell of Homeplate Youth Services, adding that together they represent services for families, youth and adults. The providers kept their attention on the neighbors they serve, a picture of charity and hospitality (Hebrews 13:16).

Several Washington County community members spoke against the proposal before the meeting. John Woods, a county resident, said, “I think I want my tax money back. I want a refund. If you can give the money away to Portland, you can give it back to me.” Another resident, Jenny Kamprath, asked, “How can Washington County even take this request seriously? Washington County has its own struggles with homelessness.” Bob Terry, also a county resident, said, “Portland, no. It’s real simple.”

One commissioner said groups that usually disagree with one another had come together on this issue and did not want to send any money to Portland.

The commissioners said they would send Wilson’s office a written denial by the end of the week. Even while denying the request, they commended Wilson on his early success in addressing homelessness in Portland.

Clackamas County Commission Chair Craig Roberts said the county has invited Wilson to speak directly to the commission by the end of the month about his funding request. The mayor’s office could not confirm whether that meeting has been scheduled.

Source: Read the original report