Westmoreland’s ‘Willamette Center’ residential shelter reopens

Published 12:00 am Saturday, December 23, 2023

After opening in November of 2016, the Willamette Center residential shelter for women, couples, and veterans, located at 5120 S.E. Milwaukie Avenue just south of McLoughlin, served up to 120 people, including single women and 45 couples.

But in July of 2022 it closed temporarily to “address issues that emerged in the years since the shelter opened,” as Denis Theriault, the Deputy Communications Director for Multnomah County (its owner) put it. Theriault works closely with the Joint Office of Homeless Services, and the shelter is operated for the county by Transition Projects.

On November 30, Theriault announced the Willamette Center would reopen in December, upgraded and retrofitted for earthquake safety, with a public “open house – including community tours, and remarks”.

The $2.5 million renovation project included seismic and electrical upgrades – including electrical outlets with USB ports at each bed – HVAC updates – and improvements to the shelter’s common areas.

R. J. DeMello, Sr., Manager of Communications & Community Development at Transition Projects; the agency that still operates the Willamette Center for Multnomah County, stepped up to speak with THE BEE about the reopening.

When it opened, the Willamette Center shelter was among the first to serve couples, allowing them to stay together, and sleep next to one another, instead of having to separate into single-gender facilities for the night, DeMello reminded.

The shelter also incorporated other changes, DeMello pointed out, that are now standard in the government-supported shelter system: It was open 24 hours instead of overnight only, and it accommodated pets and personal belongings. It also is open to qualifying individuals seeking to obtain permanent affordable housing and a job – and by referral only. “No lines every day seeking admission,” he said.

Those accepted receiving support and counseling, and assistance in obtaining work and a permanent affordable residence. They also have to adhere to strict conduct requirements to remain there, but they can stay until they do transition to permanent quarters.

“It will again be staffed 24 hours, will allow pets, and will have storage for personal items – as well as being a shelter for women and couples, and veterans,” DeMello confirmed.

It formally reopened in mid-December, but admissions will be gradual as residents qualify – a dozen a week, perhaps, until eventually the 120-person limit is reached.

The public is invited to get involved in the shelter – perhaps by offering classes on subjects of interest to the residents, by helping prepare lunch and dinner, or by gathering and donating needed items: The SMILE neighborhood association “Decemberville” open house in Sellwood, on December first, gathered blankets to donate to the shelter.