Passion for Compassion

At the beginning of the new year, Just Compassion representatives thanked a dedicated group from Lennar Portland who volunteered to help HBF install landscaping around its new shelter. When it opens this spring, the Tigard Access Center will expand the number of emergency beds it can offer to people experiencing homelessness in East Washington County from 20 to 60.

The Home Building Foundation has committed $50,000, materials and labor to provide finishing touches at the facility. HBF’s project manager Chris McDowell worked for several days to place 1500 pots of plants around the property.  The Lennar volunteers were undaunted by the size of the job, and worked tirelessly to install everything from heavy crabapple trees to smaller grass plugs that are filling a new drainage swale.

The facility was built by Walsh Construction, using funds from Washington County. Watson told the volunteers how much they appreciate them coming out to help. “It’s everything! Collaboration with other resources is what makes us who we are. Just Compassion couldn’t be where we are at today without collaboration with other resources and partnerships.”

This is HBF’s second round of involvement with Just Compassion. With Builder Captain Greg Olson of Olson and Jones at the helm, HBF helped renovate the older home on the site in 2020. In the remodeled house, Just Compassion provides breakfast and lunch, and is open from 7-3 for drop- in services. Currently, 20 people can be housed overnight.

Watson says they sought funding to expand because of the huge demand.  Some days as many as 200 people show up for assistance.  The new facility allows them to provide expanded services around the clock. Lennar volunteers tell HBF they were surprised to learn how great the need for homeless services is in suburban Portland. They went home with aching muscles, but gratified to know they are improving lives.