PORTLAND, Ore. — For years, it’s been nothing but a question when the former drug store off North Lombard Street would be turned into a long-term homeless shelter. It finally opened this fall after months of unexpected delays.
In total, Multnomah County and the Joint Office of Homeless Services have opened 17 shelters since 2020, including the new one in North Portland called Arbor Lodge.
Multnomah County’s Joint Office of Homeless Services purchased the building in 2020, using $3 million of federal money and spent another $9 million renovating it. Over the years, it was a temporary shelter and vaccine clinic, and to some neighbor’s surprise, the goal was to make it a long-term shelter.
“When they bought the property, they didn’t even say that was going to happen,” said Kyle, who lives a few doors down.
Multnomah County officials held a shelter grand opening this past June, but due to unexpected construction delays, it remained empty until late October.
“I actually drove by and saw a bunch of seemed to be like city big wigs in little suits having, like, an opening party,” said Syndey Sheets, who lives a block away from the shelter.
The Arbor Lodge shelter now serves more than 100 people. Christian Theaudeaus, an Army veteran, is one of them.
There are a total of 106 beds — 88 congregate-style and 18 tiny homes — bringing the total number of shelter beds in Multnomah County to nearly 3,000.
“It’s been quiet — no real issues,” said Kyle of the shelter.
“Now, it just seems like really peaceful, and people just kind of come and go normally; there’s less drama outside,” added Sheets.
However, inside that’s not the case for everyone.
“It’s crazy; it’s the system is broken,” Derrick said. He has been staying there for two weeks.
“They got all different people coming in smoking drugs, fentanyl all in the dorm… like you’re back in prison. That’s the setting bunks, like you’re in prison; that’s basically what the setting is,” Derrick said.
A spokesperson for Multnomah County sent the following statement to KGW, reading, in part:
“We are excited that the Arbor Lodge shelter is now open and serving guests experiencing homelessness. It is the latest example of Multnomah County and the Joint Office’s years-long commitment to expanding and improving shelter… The shelter, which incorporates elements of intentional, trauma-informed design, is not just a safe place to sleep, but also provides on-site services that help people achieve long-term stability.”
The shelter is based on referral, meaning there will not be a line of people outside waiting to get in. Once inside, people can stay for as long as they want while they work with case managers toward permanent housing.