Washington County approves $42M for transitional housing and access center projects

The Washington County Board of Commissioners held a public meeting on December 3, 2024, focusing on critical infrastructure developments aimed at addressing homelessness in the community. The meeting featured discussions on two significant action items: the approval of transitional housing projects and the establishment of access centers.

The first item addressed the need for transitional housing, which serves as a bridge for individuals moving from shelters to permanent housing. Jess Larson, Assistant Director of the Department of Housing Services, presented an overview of the funding sources and the progress made in implementing the Supportive Housing Services Program. The board reviewed a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that aimed to create transitional housing units for high-acuity populations experiencing homelessness.

Jesse Adams, Strategic Projects Coordinator, detailed the review process for the NOFO applications. Out of eight submissions, two projects were recommended for funding. The first project, proposed by Transcending Hope, seeks over $8 million to expand its current facility in Hillsborough from seven to 39 stabilization transitional housing units. The second project, from Central City Concern, requests over $29 million to rehabilitate a hotel into 80 to 90 recovery-focused transitional housing units in unincorporated Washington County.

The board unanimously approved the funding for these projects, totaling approximately $42.3 million, which will be sourced from the county's carryover funds and state funding. The approval is contingent upon the potential referral from Metro and any necessary adjustments to ongoing resources.

The second action item discussed the establishment of access centers, which are designed to provide immediate services to individuals experiencing homelessness. The board reviewed a proposal from Open Door, which requested $5 million to construct a permanent access center in Cornelius. This center will offer essential services and support for unhoused households, including emergency shelter during inclement weather.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote in favor of both action items, reflecting the board's commitment to enhancing the infrastructure necessary to combat homelessness in Washington County. The approved projects are expected to significantly improve the support system for vulnerable populations in the area.