Our History
From One Open Door to Many
Open Door HousingWorks (ODHW) was founded in 1984 by Verla Fuller, a visionary community advocate who launched a grassroots effort to provide food, clothing, and essential support to rural families in need. What began as an act of compassion quickly evolved into a broader mission: to offer housing, education, and life-skills support to individuals and families struggling to find stability.
Verla’s long-term commitment to serve low- and moderate-income households laid the foundation for what ODHW is today – a regional leader in housing access, homeless services, and community empowerment.
Although Verla has since retired, her legacy lives on in every person we serve, and every door we help open.
In Memory of Howard Rice
Howard Rice has been an integral part of Open Door HousingWorks since its founding in 1984, offering decades of compassionate leadership, steady guidance, and unwavering service to our community. As one of the organization’s founding voices, Howard helped shape not only Open Door’s mission, but also the values that continue to guide our work today.
Howard led with humility, integrity, and deep compassion for those experiencing hardship. He believed strongly in the dignity of every person and dedicated much of his life to creating opportunities, stability, and hope for others. His leadership touched countless lives and strengthened communities throughout the county and across the state he so deeply loved.
Through his vision and commitment, Howard helped build a legacy of care that will continue for generations to come. His impact lives on in the mission of Open Door, in the lives of those he served, and in the many colleagues, friends, family and community members fortunate enough to know him.
Howard will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever honored as a foundational part of the Open Door family.
Our Services Today
Housing • Stability • Support
Open Door HousingWorks provides a full continuum of services to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Our programs are rooted in trauma-informed care, equity, and a deep belief in each person’s right to safety, dignity, and opportunity.
Emergency Shelter & Safe Rest Services
- Operation and oversight of the Safe Rest Village Program (SRV) as well as the Beaverton Congregate Shelter Program
- Case management, daily meals, outreach, hygiene, and safety supports
- Safe, low-barrier shelter options for individuals and couples experiencing unsheltered homelessness
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)
- Long-term housing for individuals with complex needs (including mental health, substance use, and chronic homelessness)
- On-site case management and wraparound services
- Stability-focused programs that reduce returns to homelessness
Street Outreach & Case Management
- Mobile engagement teams connecting with unsheltered individuals
- Referrals to shelter, housing, medical care, and behavioral health support
- Ongoing case management to assist with identification, documentation, benefits access, and housing readiness
Workforce Development & Life Skills
- Job readiness training and employment coaching
- Life skills workshops focused on financial literacy, wellness, and tenancy education
- Peer mentorship and access to community-based training programs
Basic Needs & Client Support Services
- Distribution of food boxes, hygiene kits, tents, clothing, and sleeping bags
- Transportation assistance, including TriMet bus tickets
- Referrals to partner agencies for medical, legal, and mental health resources
- Quiet rooms and animal-friendly areas for emotional safety and accessibility
Housing Education & Counseling
In addition to our homeless services, ODHW supports housing stability through free, accessible housing education for homeowners and first-time buyers:
First-Time Homebuyer Education
- ABC’s of Homebuying Workshops (classroom-based & virtual)
- One-on-one financial counseling to build mortgage readiness
- Guidance on budgeting, credit, and access to down payment assistance
Reverse Mortgage Counseling
- HUD-certified, neutral support for homeowners age 62+
- Education on equity access and long-term housing sustainability
Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
- Free, confidential help for individuals facing mortgage challenges
- Rights education and lender negotiation assistance
A Legacy That Lives On
From our beginnings as a small outreach effort in 1984 to today’s regional network of housing, shelter, education, and supportive services, Open Door HousingWorks has remained committed to leading with compassion, professionalism, and innovation.
Guided by the vision of our founder, Verla Fuller, we continue to work toward a future where every individual has stability, opportunity, and – most importantly – a place to call home.
