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A new two-story, 10,520-square-foot building is in the works for a Tigard-based nonprofit that provides shelter for houseless adults in Washington County.

currently operates overnight shelters in Tigard and Beaverton, as well as a resource center in Tigard. The new building at the Tigard campus will include 60 emergency shelter beds as well as space for administration and services. Construction will begin Monday with demolition of an existing building that the organization most recently used for storage.

Just Compassion has two lots in Tigard: the resource center and a 20-bed overnight shelter at 12280 S.W. Hall Blvd. and an adjacent one with the building slated for demolition. The new building will be located at 12264 S.W. Hall Blvd.

Urban Patterns LLC is the architect for the project and Walsh Construction is the general contractor. A ceremonial ground-breaking event is slated for Dec. 15. The new building is expected to open in late February or early March 2025.

The building’s first floor will hold a commercial kitchen, offices, and a multipurpose area to serve shelter occupants and others, Just Compassion Executive Director Vernon Baker said. The second floor will hold shelter beds, showers, a kitchenette, laundry space, offices, and space for service providers. There will also be an elevator. Outdoor space is in the works as well.

The campus improvements will put Just Compassion in a better position to expand the services it provides, Baker said. Programs will include counseling and mental health, medical triage, and employment support services.

The total project cost is $12.25 million. The project team has received $4 million in funding, secured by state Rep. Dacia Grayber, D-Southwest Portland and East Beaverton, and her team via the American Rescue Plan Act. Just Compassion has also received $1.8 million from Washington County’s Supportive Housing Services and $3 million from the city of Tigard, as well as other funds.

Meanwhile, Just Compassion is seeking to renovate and upgrade its resource center. The organization’s goal is to add offices to the main floor as well as expand rooms to accommodate community partners and programming.

Just Compassion anticipates receiving $1.9 million to complete the building and renovate the resource center. There is no construction date set yet for the renovation, while funding is sought. Officials are also continuing to seek funding for annual operations.