PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Wapato Jail’s new owner says he’s exploring all options to use it as a homeless shelter.
Businessman Jordan Schnitzer spoke to KOIN 6 on Monday morning, saying he is optimistic about the possibility. Schnitzer bought the jail from developer Marty Kehoe, after Kehoe acquired it from Multnomah County for $5 million. He plans to lease it to developer Homer Williams to help solve Portland’s homeless crisis.
“If we try this, and we get something open, and let’s say it doesn’t work out after a year or two, well at least we won’t look back and say we didn’t try,” he says.
Multnomah County decided against using the empty North Portland jail for the homeless. Chair Deborah Kafoury said it was too far from services and too expensive. Schnitzer says he is meeting with community members to see if those obstacles can be overcome.
“This isn’t a problem for someone else. This is a problem for you and me and everyone watching this interview. This is our problem,” he says.
A full interview with Jordan Schnitzer will air next week on KOIN 6 News.