Homeless Shelter to Open in Former Sheriff's Office

Multnomah County's newest homeless shelter is expected to open Friday night.

The Hansen Building - which until last week was the home to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office - will provided space for about 200 people.

It's expected to house men, women, and couples 55-years-old and older.

Veterans will receive preference.

While the shelter will be 24 hours, people will need to make a reservation.

"The public expects government to work together to find solutions, to rise above excuses and jurisdictional barriers," Multnomah County Commission Chairwoman Deborah Kafoury said.

Kafoury helped negotiate the deal that made the new shelter possible.

The shelter will cost an estimated $1.3 million annually with a staff of roughly a dozen people providing services, including access to housing, health and income resources, as well as referrals.

"We have moved one step closer in meeting our goal to find 650 new shelter beds this year," Kafoury said. "With these new beds, we will be able to meet the needs of some of our most vulnerable residents."