WASHINGTON COUNTY

Photo credit: Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District

On This Page:

  • The Washington County Chapter of Unite Oregon focuses on racial justice, economic equity, immigrant rights, affordable housing, and community wellness, while also addressing transportation, land use, and environmental justice. Through these efforts, we nurture new leaders and build a strong, community-driven movement for justice.

Recommended Events, Training, & Engagement Opportunities ...

Recommended Events, Training, & Engagement Opportunities ...

Share Your Feedback!

We would like to hear about your experiences with our climate and the environment to help finalize the plans for Hillsboro.

Explore the plan and take the Climate Action Survey to share your thoughts: Click Here

Survey closes on September 12th.

Visita el proyecto del Plan de Acción Climática en español.

Share Your Thoughts!

Please tell City of Beaverton about your experiences getting around Beaverton.

Take Survey | Responder encuesta

Survey closes on September 15th.

UNITED WE HEAL: CAREER PATHWAYS
Apprenticeship and Training Programs for Healthcare Professionals

LEARN MORE

Interested/Questions? Contact Gustavo Godillo at gustavo@uniteoregon.org

#EconomicJustice #WorkforceDevelopment

SEPTEMBER 2025 & BEYOND

Fri-Sun, Sep. 12-21

Welcoming Week

Venue: Varied by event

National Welcoming Week is an annual series of events designed to bring together immigrants, refugees, and U.S.-born residents to raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone. The week's activities celebrate the contributions of newcomers and provide opportunities to build cross-cultural relationships and understanding.

By City of Beaverton

Sat, Sep. 27, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Repair Fair event in Washington County

Cedar Mill Library
1080 NW Saltzman Rd, Portland, OR 97229

Repair Fairs help the community create connections, learn skills, reduce waste and save money. If you have nothing to repair but still want to be involved, sign up to be an event volunteer!

Unite Oregon

Stand Against Hate

Non-Emergency Bias Response Hotline
1-844-924-BIAS (1-844-924-2427)

Trauma-informed operators are standing by 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific time, Monday – Friday. Access to interpretation in over 240 languages. After hours? Leave a message and we’ll return your call. We accept all Relay calls.

Emergency Preparedness: Stay Informed, Stay Safe

We encourage you to share this information with friends and family to help ensure the safety of our community.

Stay up-to-date on emergencies and critical community updates by signing up for Washington County Public Alerts. This notification system covers all areas within the county, delivering important messages straight to your phone, email, or through a call.

To receive these alerts, create an Everbridge account and add your contact details. For the best protection, we recommend each household member register individually. Sign up here.

In times of crisis, it's crucial to be prepared and stay connected. For a comprehensive list of Disaster Shelters & Centers (Refugios y Sitios Durante el Desastre) and available resources in Washington County, please visit the following link: Disaster Shelters & Resources in Washington County

Our Chapter

The Washington County Chapter of Unite Oregon focuses on key issues prioritized by our members. These include advocating for higher wages for workers, advancing racial justice by ending police profiling, fighting for the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees, addressing the affordable housing crisis, and promoting holistic community health and wellness.

We also work on planning and land use issues, improving transportation access and affordability, promoting economic justice for working women, advocating for environmental justice, and enhancing civic engagement. Our efforts are rooted in a racial justice perspective, with a strong emphasis on developing future leaders and building a robust movement for justice.

Our ongoing campaigns and initiatives aim to nurture new organizers and community leaders while maintaining a prominent leadership role within the community.

What are we working on right now?

Southwest Corridor Equity Coalition (SWEC)

Coalition Building | Leadership Development | Community Engagement | Community Organizing

The Southwest Corridor Equity Coalition (SWEC) is a collaborative initiative involving community organizations, residents, businesses, philanthropic partners, and government bodies. Established as part of the Southwest Equitable Development Strategy (SWEDS) during planning for transit and light rail improvements in the Southwest Corridor, SWEC aims to address racial disparities, economic inequities, and displacement risks in the area. SWEC has experienced significant growth as more individuals and organizations recognize the importance of collective action in achieving the SWEDS vision: a livable, affordable community with a strong economy and reliable transportation for all.

Tualatin Valley Highway Equity Coalition (TEC)

Coalition Building | Leadership Development | Community Engagement | Community Organizing

The TV Highway Equity Coalition (TEC) was established in early 2022 to unite residents, commuters, small business owners, and direct service organizations in response to a transit project planned by Metro Regional Government and other agencies. TEC's initial focus was developing the TV Highway Corridor Equitable Development Strategy (TEDS), which aims to create a livable, affordable, and economically prosperous community with reliable and safe transportation options. The EDS seeks to address potential impacts of this infrastructure investment on historically underserved communities, primarily by preventing displacement and providing essential services and resources.

Dare to Invest in Learning to Lead (DILL) Program (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement

The DILL 2025 program, funded by the City of Hillsboro, is dedicated to training and empowering male-identifying Black or African immigrant and refugee living or working in Hillsboro, Aloha, and Beaverton. This program aligns with Unite Oregon’s mission to uplift BIPOC communities and reflects our commitment to centering Black lives through partnerships with Black-led nonprofits across Oregon. Using Unite Oregon’s proven community leadership curriculum, this year’s program will develop 12-18 emerging African male-identifying leaders, providing skills that build on their unique lived experiences as Black or immigrants and refugees.

City of Cornelius Downtown Development's Anti-Displacement Anti-Gentrification Strategy (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement

In partnership with Unite Oregon and a Land Use Consultant, the City of Cornelius Downtown Development presents a comprehensive strategy focusing on four major elements: a Planning Phase, Support for Small Businesses, Housing Affordability/Ownership, and Community Development. This collaborative effort aims to address the challenges faced by marginalized communities, ensuring equity, inclusion, and resilience in the face of population growth and redevelopment.

Lombard West Property: Community Engagement for Equitable Development (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement

This community engagement project aims to support the City of Beaverton in preparing for and implementing an equitable process to select a property developer who will build regulated multifamily affordable housing units on the Lombard West site. The project is informed by and responds to the Beaverton Downtown Equity Strategy and the Beaverton Urban Redevelopment Area (BURA) Portfolio Redevelopment Strategy. The project consists of four phases: Pre-solicitation, Solicitation Evaluation, Post-Developer Solicitation, and Reporting & Program Evaluation. By fostering collaboration and engaging with diverse stakeholders, this initiative seeks to create inclusive and affordable housing solutions that align with the community's needs and aspirations.

Amity Orchards - Affordable Multifamily Housing in South Cooper Mountain, Beaverton by Wishcamper (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement | Community Organizing

This program emphasizes community engagement and leadership development, aiming to recruit and educate qualified applicants from diverse, multicultural backgrounds and marginalized communities. One key objective is to establish a Residents Advisory Council. This Council will collaborate with the Resident Services Coordinator, Wishcamper’s resident services partner Cornerstone Community Housing, and a developer representative.

Amity Orchards features 164 affordable homes spread across three buildings, intentionally designed to meet the needs of families and seniors. The housing offers a mix of senior and residential units for households earning less than 70% of the area median income (AMI). For more information, visit the project website at www.amityorchards.com, managed by Guardian, Wishcamper’s property management partner.

Community Commons Events

Community Engagement | Community Organizing

Since March 2024, Unite Oregon has hosted Community Commons Events in welcoming spaces across Washington County. These gatherings aim to cultivate a Community of Learning and Sharing filled with food, music, and engaging activities. Serving as a beacon of unity, they foster an environment where learning and connection thrive. Your presence is not just welcomed but cherished. Unite Oregon remains a pillar of grassroots advocacy, driven by and for immigrants, refugees, people of color, and marginalized communities.

2025 Events:

Unite Nights! at Bag&Baggage Productions (2025/2026)

After a successful inaugural collaboration between Bag&Baggage Productions and Unite Oregon’s Washington County Chapter in the 2023–2024 season—made possible through ticket sponsorship for Unite Oregon members funded by the City of Hillsboro Community Engagement Department—we are excited to continue our partnership. This sponsorship has not only supported community access to the arts but has also strengthened the relationship between Bag&Baggage and our Washington County Chapter, opening the door to more opportunities for collaboration.

Completed Projects:

Washington County Civic Leadership Program (2024)

This comprehensive leadership training program equips emerging leaders with essential skills in government, advocacy, and intercultural community organizing. Participants will learn power analysis, strategy development, and effective testimony delivery, while exploring transformative justice as an alternative approach to addressing community challenges. The program aims to cultivate a diverse cohort of leaders who will drive positive change in Washington County.

Unite Oregon Youth Expo (2023-2024)

The Unite Oregon Youth Expo promises to be an incredible event as we continue to support youth from historically underrepresented communities. Immerse yourself in engaging workshops, thought-provoking guest speakers, and fun activities like games and a photo booth. Unleash your creativity with hands-on crafts and connect with like-minded peers who share your passion for making a difference.

Annual United for Action Summit (2022-2024)

A full-day event featuring workshops, community-building activities, and discussions to shape our future legislative agenda. The summit brings together members from various chapters to share local issues, build skills in community organizing, and strategize for change at both the local and state levels. The 2024 agenda includes a welcome address, chapter discussions, workshops, networking opportunities, and a closing circle. Through this annual event, we aim to foster collaboration and create a united vision for a more just and equitable Oregon.

Unite Oregon Annual Action Agenda (2021-2023)

The Unite Oregon Action Agenda is an annual list of policy priorities voted on by its members during the Annual Action Agenda Summit. These priorities shape the organization's focus for each legislative session and fuel local and legislative campaigns. Unite Oregon Action is committed to building a unified political intercultural movement for justice in Oregon, led by immigrants, refugees, rural communities, and people experiencing poverty. Their values emphasize Black liberation, decolonization, and centering the needs of marginalized communities.

New Affordable Multifamily Housing Site on 209th Ave (Aloha) - Vision and Values

Community Engagement

This project focuses on community engagement and leadership development for a new affordable multifamily housing initiative in Aloha. Metro purchased three acres at 3140 SW 209th for this future complex. Starting in winter 2024, the Housing Authority of Washington County will plan the development, which will include 86 to 100 apartments for low-income households (30-60% of the area median income, about $34,000-$67,000 for a family of four). The complex will feature a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, along with on-site parking.

Dare to Invest in Learning to Lead (DILL) for African Women (2023)

In partnership with African Heritage Education Empowerment Community (AFRHEEC), Unite Oregon launched the first civic leadership program for emerging African women leaders in Washington County. The DILL program successfully supported participants in building relationships, gaining civic and political knowledge, and developing community organizing and leadership skills. Although the program has concluded, its positive impact on the community will continue to be felt.

Washington County ARPA Funds Advocacy (2023)

Washington County received $117 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds intended to support communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those already experiencing economic and health inequities. However, recent reports suggest that the Washington County Board of Commissioners is considering allocating a portion of these funds to the local jail and a juvenile detention center. This decision is a clear misuse of resources as the funds were meant for investments in housing assistance, job development, health services, and other areas affected by the pandemic. The potential investment in the carceral system exacerbates systemic oppression and undermines the initial intent of providing relief to communities in need.

Washington County Equitable Housing Coalition (2020-2023)

This three-year community-organized coalition successfully educated the public and addressed housing issues such as affordable housing and eviction protection in Washington County. Although the program has ended, you can still access valuable housing resources shared by our coalition, nonprofit partners, and government agencies on the program's website.

Beaverton Multicultural Community Engagement Program (2024-2025)

Previously known as the Beaverton Organizing and Leadership Development (BOLD) and the Beaverton Inclusive Housing Cohort, this program continues to be recognized as BOLD due to its longstanding recognition. It includes two elements: civic leadership development and community engagement. The Beaverton Multicultural Community Engagement program seeks to familiarize participants with local government structure, functions, and services while promoting active participation. Participants can gain practical experience in leadership, community organizing, and advocacy, and receive valuable information on research, alternative solutions, and recommended actions for various community projects and programs, including Affordable Housing, Long Range Planning, and Cultural Inclusion. Ultimately, the BOLD program aims to support Beaverton's growth as an inclusive, multicultural city.

Beaverton Inclusive Housing Program (2020-2023)

We partnered with the City of Beaverton on this multicultural community engagement program, which emerged from the city’s commitment to applying a lens of racial equity and tailoring community engagement approaches for housing-related programs and projects.

Beaverton Organizing and Leadership Development (BOLD) (2011-2023)

The BOLD Program is a leadership development and civic engagement training designed to empower emerging immigrant, refugee leaders, and leaders of color in Beaverton. Over the past 12 years, the program has equipped over 200 participants with essential skills to enhance their involvement in city government and contribute to a more inclusive and multicultural community.

Unite Nights! at Bag&Baggage Productions

After a successful inaugural collaboration between Bag&Baggage Productions and Unite Oregon’s Washington County Chapter in the 2023–2024 season—made possible through ticket sponsorship for Unite Oregon members funded by the City of Hillsboro Community Engagement Department—we are excited to continue our partnership. This sponsorship has not only supported community access to the arts but has also strengthened the relationship between Bag&Baggage and our Washington County Chapter, opening the door to more opportunities for collaboration.

Community Commons Events (2024)

Community Engagement | Community Organizing

Since March 2024, Unite Oregon has hosted Community Commons Events in welcoming spaces across Washington County. These gatherings aim to cultivate a Community of Learning and Sharing filled with food, music, and engaging activities. Serving as a beacon of unity, they foster an environment where learning and connection thrive. Your presence is not just welcomed but cherished. Unite Oregon remains a pillar of grassroots advocacy, driven by and for immigrants, refugees, people of color, and marginalized communities.

2024 Events:

Our Leadership

The Unite Oregon, Washington County Chapter is locally led by a community leadership council consisting of 5-10 members who reside in our community and are passionate about fostering a multi-racial, multicultural democracy that is inclusive of all. We prioritize immigrants, refugees, and people of color for leadership council positions. Additionally, 2-4 members of our leadership council are elected to serve on Unite Oregon's statewide Board of Directors.

Washington County Chapter Community Leadership Council

The Community Leadership Council for Unite Oregon’s Washington County Chapter has been on pause since May 2024, with our recent council term officially ending in October 2024. Since January this year, our chapter and organization are actively hiring new leaders—Chapter Director and Executive Director, respectively. Once our new leadership is in place, we will engage in a comprehensive review of our operations.

This pause is not a setback but an opportunity. We are committed to working alongside our community leaders to conduct a thoughtful assessment and planning process to strengthen and grow the Council. Together, we will build a more powerful and impactful organization that serves our community and amplifies our collective voice in the face of ongoing challenges.

We remain dedicated to the work of uplifting and empowering our communities. Change is on the horizon, and we are ready to move forward—stronger than ever.

(March 2025)

Welcome to Beaverton: A Guide for Immigrants, Refugees, and Other Newcomers

Explore this valuable resource, originally created by Piyawee Ruenjinda, our former Washington County Leadership Council member and now a staff member, in collaboration with Joan Goldhammer of the Beaverton First United Methodist Church. Version #2 has been carefully updated by volunteers and BOLD alumni Olga Cherevatenko and Zhulma Zárate, along with Piyawee, one of the original contributors. For comments, questions, or suggestions, please email: WelcometoBeaverton@gmail.com.

Browse the Welcome to the City of Beaverton Resource Guide

Meet the Team

John A Dougherty
he/him
English
Volunteer Consultant and Advisor

Mouna Jbali
she/her
Arabic, French, English
Chapter Director

Delfina Andrade
she/her/ella
Spanish, English
Community Health Worker
(Photo: Anita and Delfina)

Ernesto Oliva
he/they/el
Spanish, English
Southwest Corridor Equity Coalition Manager

Piyawee Ruenjinda
she/they
Thai, Lao, English
Lead Community Organizer

Juan Pedro Moreno Olmeda
he/they/el
Spanish, English
Community Organizer

Alex Vargas Hernandez
he/they/el
Spanish, English
Community Organizer

Contact Washington County Chapter Team.

Feel free to email us at wacostaff@uniteoregon.org