2026-08-21 · housing
Washington County adds screening for shelters near schools, day cares
Washington County's Department of Housing Services is implementing a pre-screening process for people referred to county-funded shelters and transitional housing within 1,000 feet of schools or day care facilities, checking for existing legal residency restrictions before assignment. County spokesperson Emily Roots said no one will be denied shelter and that people with restrictions will be referred to a different location; she said the process was developed with the sheriff's office and Community Corrections and had unanimous board support. The change follows concerns raised in April by Reeds Crossing neighbors about the Aloha Safe Rest Village's proximity to two elementary schools, though Roots said the policy was not created in response.
The Aloha Safe Rest Village, renamed Next Step Community, has been delayed by construction and is now expected to open this fall, with a good neighbor agreement still being worked out.