Washington County approved $675,634 for a Tigard nonprofit to help finish construction of a homeless services hub at the Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, Sept. 1.

The money goes to Just Compassion for its South County Access Center, an expansion of the organization's existing facility at 12264 S.W. Hall Blvd. in Tigard. The funding comes from the county's Supportive Housing Services (SHS) fund, a regional tax approved by Metro-area voters through Measure 26-210 in May 2020.

The county's Department of Housing Services is building four access centers across Washington County. The centers serve as entry points for people experiencing homelessness, offering housing navigation, meals, showers, laundry and shelter during severe weather.

Just Compassion originally received $5 million in SHS capital funding in May 2024 for the Tigard project. But the total budget for the center's south building grew to $5.7 million after cost increases, environmental findings and a shift from renovation to demolition and new construction, according to county records. Just Compassion raised $1.58 million from other sources and made scope and material reductions to close part of the gap.

Molly Rogers, director of Housing Services, presented the funding request. County staff reviewed Just Compassion's application on Aug. 6 and recommended approval. The item passed on the consent agenda.

A Good Neighbor Agreement between Just Compassion and surrounding neighbors has been in place since part of the site began operating in early 2026.

Other board actions

The commissioners also approved a 10-year renewal of the Recology Organics compost facility franchise in North Plains. The agreement runs through Sept. 30, 2036, caps the facility at 100,000 tons per year and brings the county about $110,000 annually in franchise fees. The Garbage and Recycling Advisory Committee voted 6-0 on Aug. 13 to recommend the renewal, according to county agenda records.

Since the facility's last franchise renewal in 2021, regulators have issued zero odor-related violations, county records show.

The board approved a modification to an existing easement with Tualatin Valley Irrigation District on county-owned property at 26001 S.W. Rainbow Lane, Hillsboro, according to the meeting agenda.

The board held a public hearing on the private sale of a county-owned property to an adjacent landowner for $20,000. The hearing outcome was not available as of Sept. 2.

Commissioners authorized Chair Kathryn Harrington to sign an employment agreement for the County Counsel. The appointee's name and terms of the agreement were not included in publicly available agenda materials.

The board proclaimed September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.