Jun 23, 2025 - News

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

Meira Gebel

A white three-story Motel 6 building in North Portland with a large blue and red sign, flanked by trees and a nearly empty parking lot under a clear blue sky. — The former Motel 6 on North Schmeer Road will soon reopen as the Delta Park Motel Shelter. Photo: Meira Gebel/Axios

Multnomah County and nonprofit Sunstone Way plan to soon open a shelter — with the capacity to serve up to 70 individuals — at a former Motel 6 location in North Portland.

Why it matters: Motel-converted shelters are one of the most successful shelter types at placing those experiencing homelessness into permanent housing, according to a 2024 Portland State University report.

It will be the eighth motel shelter run by the county and the first new site to open in more than two years since the program began during the pandemic.

Follow the money: In December, the county Board of Commissioners approved a 10-year lease for the 60-room Motel 6, on North Schmeer Road near Delta Park, for roughly $1.8 million annually.

Funding will come from the Metro Supportive Housing Services measure.

Zoom in: The Delta Park Motel Shelter will offer various types of support to residents, provided by Sunstone Way, which operates tiny-home villages and congregate shelters across the region.

Yes, but: The site was originally reserved for the Urban League's Jamii Center — intended to house older Black adults with chronic illness — but the organization changed plans and the shelter will now serve the general population.

What's next: The Delta Park shelter is expected to begin accepting self-referrals soon.

Add Axios on Google

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

More Portland stories