Supporting Suburban Homelessness
With construction underway, Home Builders Foundation’s latest project in Beaverton will expand a safety net for young people who are struggling to find a safe place to live. Washington County has the second highest level of youth homelessness in the state, and Beaverton Schools report the highest number of students experiencing homelessness in Oregon for a sixth year in a row.
HomePlate Youth Services downtown Beaverton center is being remodeled with help from HBF. Currently, people aged 12-24 who are at risk, or who are currently houseless turn to HomePlate’s small drop- in center. HomePlate provides a safe place to hang out, as well as meals and showers. Their clients come from unstable families; Some are sleeping on friends’ couches, some live outdoors. HomePlate staff members lend a nonjudgmental ear to an average of 25 kids a night, giving them help with everything from homework to finding housing.
The center will soon move to a 5,000 square foot former church. Executive Director Bridget Calfee explains “HomePlate has been on the lookout for a permanent location for a few years. When we found our unicorn property to house our drop-in headquarters and offices, we knew we needed the help of the community to make this dream a reality. We have been thrilled to partner with the Home Builders Foundation.”
Walsh Construction is overseeing the bulk of the $1.7- million-dollar remodel. In April 2021- HBF’s Board of Directors voted to donate $25,000 cash towards the project. HBF Program Manager Chris McDowell has secured additional donations of materials and discounts. Calfee praises HBF for its part. “I am amazed at the connections they have, it's inspiring to have community businesses step up to the requests- from flooring to cabinets. This building is truly built and furnished by the community to support the stability of youth in unstable housing situations.”
HomePlate also runs a street team, which works in Washington County to provide outreach and to guide kids to its services. HBF also delivered a box full of hygiene kits for the team. These Care Kits are full of supplies purchased with a grant from Bank of America and donated Bombas socks. The kits were assembled by our partners at Taylor Morrison, who diligently filled them at one of their construction sites.
HomePlate staff tell us they are thrilled with the Care Kit donations, as well as our help with the new building, which will triple their capacity. Our generous supporters allow us to assist HomePlate, so they can dedicate more of their resources to improving their young client’s lives.