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Shelter capacity in Clackamas County to increase nearly 25 percent
On May 14, 2025, Clackamas County, Governor Tina Kotek, and Metro joined with partners to celebrate the opening of Clackamas Village, a new transitional shelter community with 24 spaces for adults in unincorporated Clackamas County.
“This shelter means a warm, safe, private space and the first step toward stability for people who have been struggling for a long time,” Governor Kotek said. “Here they will find hope, and they will receive health care, good meals, and life-changing support. I am struck by the immense amount of care put into every detail. These little details are not little at all. They are caring in action. They tell our neighbors that we see your humanity, and we see what you’ve been through, and we’re here to help.”
Clackamas Village is an important project for the county. Until the village opening, the county maintained 214 shelter spaces (including family units) for people experiencing homelessness. However with the 24 spaces at Clackamas Village, transitional housing at the Stabilization Center, and new shelter in cities and rural areas, that number will increase to a minimum of 266 spaces, a nearly 25% increase in shelter capacity.
This expansion is possible with funding from the Governor’s Emergency Order on Homelessness and the voter-passed Metro Supportive Housing Services (SHS) Measure.
“The county allocated $4.8 million from SHS to build this village, and another $1.5 million a year to operate it,” said Clackamas County Board Chair Craig Roberts. “We know the village model works, and we are anxious to help our residents transition off the streets and onto a path of stability.”
The village has 24/7 onsite staff and services coordinated by nonprofit Sunstone Way. These services wrap around residents and support them in their healing and transition to permanent housing. Services include peer support, community activities, employment and education opportunities, mental health and recovery support, and help to apply for housing.
The village is the first of six major investments the county is making into its recovery-oriented system of care. Other investments planned for this year include a recovery center, the Clackamas Stabilization Center, and a new behavioral health clinic.
“The Board of County Commissioners continues to support strategies that will help us end homelessness in our county, and Clackamas Village is one of these key projects. I know that it will be just as successful as the Veterans Village next door,” said Clackamas County Commissioner Paul Savas.
“Clackamas Village is more than just a place to sleep – it’s a place to heal, rebuild, and move forward,” said Sunstone Way CEO Andy Goebel. “Our trained, trauma-informed staff provide wrap-around support that meets people where they are, with compassion and dignity. From housing navigation and behavioral health support to connection and community, the village is designed to help people reclaim their sense of home and possibility.”
“Thanks to voters, the supportive housing services measure has brought vital resources to areas of our region that weren’t being served five years ago,” Metro Councilor Christine Lewis said. “Clackamas Village is a transformative example of the progress we’ve made. For those facing the harsh realities of homelessness, it offers more than respite – it offers dignity, stability and a meaningful path forward. Moving into this village will be a turning point in people’s lives.”