We, the undersigned residents of Reed’s Crossing in Hillsboro, Oregon, respectfully request that the Washington County Housing Authority, Housing Services Department, and Board of Commissioners pause and reconsider the proposed Safe Rest Village on the property purchased in December 2025 at the corner of SW 209th Avenue and Tualatin Valley Highway in Aloha. This site is directly across from our family-oriented neighborhood and raises serious concerns about potential “unreasonable risk” to public health and safety under Oregon law (ORS 197.783), particularly given Reed’s Crossing’s open backyard design, where many homes lack rear fencing and back directly onto shared green spaces, trails, and parks—making them especially vulnerable to external impacts. Precedent for Site Reconsideration In Portland, a proposed Safe Rest Village at the former Whitaker Middle School site was rejected in January 2022 by the Portland Public Schools board due to student safety concerns and lack of adequate engagement. Another site was dropped after environmental risks were raised. These cases show that strong community concerns can lead to reconsideration before approval. Our Primary Concerns •  Proximity to Schools — Only 0.3 miles from Reedville Elementary, 0.8 miles from Tamarack Elementary, and 1–1.5 miles from the planned Reed’s Crossing school. •  Proximity to Seniors — Approximately 1 mile from The Ackerly at Reed’s Crossing (assisted living & memory care). •  Reed’s Crossing Open Backyard Design — Our community’s master-planned layout features open backyards without rear fences, backing onto communal green belts, parks, and trails. This design promotes connectivity but heightens vulnerability to external hazards, such as litter or unauthorized access from adjacent areas. If the proposed shelter leads to issues seen elsewhere, it could directly impact these unfenced spaces, exposing children playing in backyards or seniors using trails to risks. •  Documented Safety & Public Health Issues from Similar Safe Rest Villages → Neighbor reports from existing Safe Rest Villages in Portland clearly link these shelters to increased drug use, needle litter, and related problems in nearby areas, including parks and residential zones. These issues often stem from “satellite camping” (illegal encampments near shelters), open drug activity outside village gates, and improper waste disposal. Key evidence includes:  •  At Menlo Park Safe Rest Village (Southeast Portland): Neighbors reported sidewalks lined with needles, open drug use, vandalism, and constant screams for years, despite rules prohibiting camping within 150 feet; the city has addressed the area 15 times in two months for cleanup → https://www.koin.com/news/portland/no-excuse-southeast-portland-residents-share-concerns-over-drug-use-illegal-camping   •  At Peninsula Crossing Safe Rest Village (North Portland): Shortly after opening in May 2023, neighbors complained of drug deals, drug use, needles, loud noises, and speeding cars; the operator expanded patrols in response → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TGDgAxZz_c   •  At Multnomah Safe Rest Village (Southwest Portland): Ongoing issues include satellite camping, drug use, drug sales, noise from fights, and concerns about needles being improperly disposed of; neighbors report a lack of responsiveness from operators → https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/the-story/portland-homeless-shelter-safe-rest-village-multnomah-southwest-neighbor-complaint/283-fd7d9b01-4a4e-4dcb-8d65-286eb9813d6a  and https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/portland-safe-rest-village-neighbors-multnomah/283-b263c6c0-5a3a-4a9c-a4d2-5b04699f5cdc 
These examples demonstrate how similar shelters have directly contributed to needle litter and drug-related hazards in adjacent neighborhoods and parks, amplifying risks for children and vulnerable residents. Additionally, multiple credible news reports across Oregon document homeless individuals using public park restrooms and parks for drug injection, with large numbers of discarded needles found in playgrounds, restrooms, and park grounds—issues that could spill into Reed’s Crossing’s open backyards and shared spaces. Key examples include: •  Dramatic increase in discarded needles in Portland (over 176,000 needles collected in downtown/public areas in 2022 alone) → https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-drug-needle-increase/283-3c912299-e143-4b58-b429-69a8270735bf •  Montavilla Park needles & human waste crisis (neighbors started petition) → https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/enough-is-enough-needles-human-waste-at-montavilla-park-is-the-last-straw-for-neighbors/283-548982755 •  SE Portland park near elementary school – needles concerns (Video Report) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q4VM0o0-qk •  Used needles found in public parks (AP News) → https://apnews.com/article/grants-pass-oregon-supreme-court-homeless-encampments-a8dcddb518bd76b11d409666c06701b8 •  Willamette River area: Over 100 needles from encampments in recreational spots (2019 report) → https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2019/05/trash-heap-from-homeless-camp-on-willamette-river-island-includes-over-100-needles.html •  University Park (North Portland): Resident frustrations over needles and drug use turning parks into “no-go” zones (2023 video) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hH4gK9kYpQ We believe this location next to schools, a senior facility, and our open-layout neighborhood is inappropriate without full transparency and rigorous safety studies. We Demand: 1.  Pause the project and conduct a full public safety & traffic impact assessment. 2.  Hold transparent public hearings with meaningful community input. 3.  Strongly consider relocating the site away from schools, senior facilities, and residential neighborhoods with open backyards. Signing this petition shows support for protecting our children, seniors, and unique community design. If our concerns are ignored, further steps including formal objections or legal review may become necessary. Thank you for supporting our families and community.