Multnomah County plans to open a 24/7 Sobering and Crisis Stabilization Center. Law enforcement, first responders and referral partners will be able to bring people there. At the center, people can get help with sobering, withdrawal management, deflection and other services.
The center will help to fill a critical gap in crisis services that has existed since Portland’s sobering center closed in 2019. It will shift people away from jails and hospitals towards pathways for treatment and recovery.
While this work is underway, new services have been added at the temporary Coordinated Care Pathway Center to help bridge this gap. These services will move to the permanent Sobering and Crisis Stabilization Center after the new center is complete.
Location
The county has purchased a site at 440 SE Stephens Street. This building meets key needs:
- Room for planned services
- No school within 1,000 feet
- Close to hospitals
- Access to public transit
Services
The new center will provide sobering and withdrawal care for up to 50 people.
While this work is underway, we offer deflection and sobering at the temporary Coordinated Care Pathway Center. Entry is by referral only.
Project Background
Multnomah County is leading the project. Planning for the 24/7 Sobering and Crisis Stabilization Center began in 2024. Leaders from behavioral health, law enforcement and local government came together to develop the program model.
We plan to open in fall 2027, based on the initial project schedule.
Neighbor Engagement
Neighbors are part of the plan. The county will meet with neighbors to create a good neighbor agreement before the center opens.
We will use lessons from other projects to address issues like safety, graffiti, encampments and traffic.
Ways to Learn More and Participate
Stage 1: Site Selection (Complete)
- March 20, 2025 - In-person community meeting
- April 17, 2025 - Project briefing and Board vote
Stage 2: Discovery and Timeline Setting
Community engagement continues. A facility operator will be identified.
Construction approval (FAC-1). With the design phase complete, the project team will present to the board of county commissioners, who will vote on approval of the construction plan. Time and location:
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 9:30am | Regular Board Meeting
Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd
How to attend, watch and give public testimony»
Stage 3: Construction and Operations Planning
Construction begins early spring to summer 2026.
The community will work together to establish a collaborative good neighbor agreement. A good neighbor advisory group will be convened that may include:
- Businesses
- Community-based organizations
- Providers and peer organizations
- Law enforcement
- City and county officials
- Elected officials
- Neighborhood residents
Stage 4: After Opening
The county, service providers, partners and community will continue to work together to implement the good neighbor agreement through a neighborhood advisory council.
If you live or work in the community, connect with your local neighborhood association to learn ways to participate:
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