PORTLAND, Oregon — A North Portland building that was once a drug store, then an eye sore, is now just weeks away from housing more than a hundred people. 

The Arbor Lodge Shelter on North Lombard Street and Denver Avenue is the latest effort funded by a measure voters passed in 2020. People referred from surrounding neighborhoods will get priority in 106 shelter bed space. Both the city and county hope it brings them closer to their goal of adding 1,000 more shelter beds by the end of 2025.

"It kind of takes my breath away," said Daniel Hovanas, CEO of Do Good Multnomah, the nonprofit operating the shelter.

Hovanas said he's hopeful for those who will soon call the Arbor Lodge Shelter, home.

“We're trying to shoot for 90 days that people can stay here and go on to the next phase of their housing,” said Hovanas. “Hopefully it's permanent housing at that point; success looks different for many different folks.”

Multnomah County bought the old Rite Aid Pharmacy building in 2020 for $2.7 million, using federal COVID funds. The space started out as a COVID vaccine clinic, then it was used as a winter shelter. Last year, the shelter closed for a $9.4 million renovation. More than half of that cost was covered thanks to state shelter expansion legislation.

The remodeled shelter features beds each equipped with a charging port and light. There are also 18 tiny home shelter spaces in the parking lot. The shelter features ample bathroom space, a kitchen and access to wrap-around services.

“We're hoping to instill lifelong skills into folks that come through our doors,” said Sean Rotbergs, who’ll serve as the shelter’s program manager. 

“Learning how to sustainably cook for themselves… a case manager will meet with them, meet their individual needs.”

Organizers said the shelter would not be possible without community support. Terrance Moses from the Kenton Neighborhood Association offered his support during Wednesday’s ribbon cutting celebration.

“It's time for us to say no more 'Not in my back yard,' said Moses. “It's time for us to say, 'Let's put it in our neighborhood.'” 

From Moses to neighbor Peggy Shannon who lives two blocks away, they're invested in the effort and want their soon-to-be neighbors to know.

“We want to welcome the people that are going to live here and have them really be part of our community,” said Shannon. “I think that's what helps people improve.”