Cooking Up a Good Time
HBF's Chris McDowell, Rachel Moss PHC, Teresa Spangler HBF
Smoke filled the air behind Project Homeless Connect Washington County. HBF Project Manager Chris McDowell decided that he’d rather fire up a grill than organize a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of extensive remodeling of PHC’s buildings. For the wrap-up party, McDowell brought in chicken wings he’d made overnight, then grilled about fifty burgers, and countless hot dogs at the busy downtown day shelter. McDowell wanted to honor the folks who come each day to PHC’s Access Center, affectionately known as the “Yellow House”, where staff offer meals, laundry, showers, counseling, housing placement, and companionship to people living on the streets of downtown Hillsboro.
The dinner was a big hit. Many of the houseless friends told staff how much they appreciated the meal. Kim Marshall, of Project Homeless Connect said “It is impossible to put into words how thoughtful a partner they are, which was highlighted by the delicious food for our friends, staff, and volunteers”.
PHC Project History
The Access Center underwent a transformation beginning in 2022 thanks to an HBF project grant of $35,000 as well as the help of hundreds of volunteer hours from local builders. For example, employees from Lennar Portland, Mountainwood Homes, Pacific Landscape Services and TaylorSmith Sustainable Construction organized work parties to renovate the structure and campus. A team led by National Women in Roofing replaced the aging roof. Volunteers participating in Painting a Better Tomorrow painted interior walls.
The project also became a construction training ground. Students with Tivnu, a Jewish gap-year construction program helped with fencing and yard work. Student from Glencoe High built two valuable sheds. A new wheelchair ramp was built by Rick’s Custom Fencing and Decking with trainees of Constructing Hope.
HBF’s involvement carried on longer because Community Development Block Grant funding from the City of Hillsboro was not available until 2024, which was used to renovate the kitchen, bathroom and remove asbestos siding. HBF agreed to paint the Yellow House once the final step of asbestos abatement was completed. A team of volunteers from Marsh McLennan Agency and Adair Homes stepped into paint the historic teardrop wood siding that was perfectly preserved under the asbestos.
Caring Community Supports PHC Work
From Left: Sia Lindstrom, Brian Dorsey, Kim Marshall, PHC, Brenda Ketah HBF. Steve Callaway Hillsboro Mayor
The celebration was also attended by Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway, members of the PHC board, and HBF supporters. Project volunteers from Constructing Hope and Rick’s Custom Fencing and Decking came to see their work come to good use. HBF took the opportunity to bring 150 hygiene Care Kits, which PHC Board member Brian Dorsey helped distribute to shelter dinner guests. HBF also brought cat and dog food, which were welcomed by the many pet owners who visit the Access Center. In front of the facility, PHC volunteers helped patrons tie-die shirts, as a fun way to connect with their clients. For PHC’s Kim Marshall, the event was an ideal way to “recognize the power of community partnership and everyone who made the renovations possible. “
New Access Center Design
While our work is done, Project Homeless Connect will continue to improve. With a grant from Washington County, PHC plans to demolish the adjacent property they own and build a bigger facility. The new facility will be able to offer services 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, as well as providing emergency shelter during times of severe weather. Another HBF supported program, Just Compassion in Tigard, also won a Washington County Supportive Housing Services grant.