Delta Park to open as Multnomah County's eighth motel shelter

Multnomah County will soon open the Delta Park shelter, its eighth motel shelter, in North Portland, which can serve up to 70 individuals. This shelter will be operated by nonprofit Sunstone Way, known for providing various support services across the region. The county Board of Commissioners approved a 10-year lease for the former Motel 6, costing around $1. 8 million annually. This initiative follows a 2024 Portland State University report that highlights the effectiveness of motel-converted shelters in transitioning those experiencing homelessness into permanent housing.

Initially reserved for the Urban League's Jamii Center, intended for older Black adults with chronic illness, the site will now cater to the general population due to a change in plans. The Delta Park shelter is significant as it represents the county's effort to expand resources for the homeless, which have seen limited growth in recent years. Sunstone Way's involvement indicates a commitment to providing diverse support options for residents. The shelter is expected to begin accepting self-referrals in the near future.