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Friday, November 29, 2019

Kids Eat Free Portland



Going out for dinner in Portland can get expensive, especially when you have a number of little mouths to feed. Here are some lists of restaurants in Portland that provide free meals for kids!

They are divided up by days and times so you know when to go! Whether your little ones are craving burritos, pizza, or pie; Portland has got the place for you!

#Portland #Hunger #KidsEatFree


Thursday, November 28, 2019

Types of Homelessness




Often when we think about homelessness, we tend to picture an individuals who lives on the streets, with a sleeping bag or pushing a cart. However, are you aware that there are different types of homelessness? Well, according to the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, there are three types:

Situational or transitional/short-term: a person forced into homelessness due to a life event (loss of a job, disaster, losing a family member who is the breadwinner, domestic violence).

Episodic or cyclical: a person that falls in and out of being homeless, many times due to mental illness or addiction.

Chronic/long term: a person who is homeless for long periods of time usually because they don’t have the resources (family, friends, etc.) to change their living situation. These too are often people experiencing ongoing mental health or addiction issues.

Additionally, according to JOIN PDX, there is also a fourth type that isn’t usually documented or talked about and that is:

Provisionally occupied: also referred to as ‘hidden homelessness’, a person who temporarily live with others (couch-surf) without any guarantee that they will be able to stay long-term and without immediate prospects of acquiring permanent housing. This describes people who are staying with friends or relatives and are considered ‘hidden’ as they do not access homeless supports and services.

It’s important to be educated on the different types of homelessness as it isn’t simply just defined as one thing. If you’re interested in learning more or volunteering with JOIN PDX, visit their website through the link below:
https://joinpdx.org/

Resources:

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Opinion: Thought on homelessness – a modern social issue


 

Opinion: Thought on homelessness – a modern social issue

Homelessness has long been a controversial issue of the modern society. In any city around the world, it is easy to meet a homeless person on the street. In America, The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty currently estimates that each year at least 2.5 to 3.5 million Americans sleep in shelters, transitional housing, and public places not meant for human habitation. There are many controversial topics and talks about homelessness. I will demonstrate some different common aspects when we talk about homelessness.

First of all, in terms of economics aspects, homelessness causes damages to a country’s economics: overpopulation, resources to build the shelters and even job competitions (When immigrants move to a new country and seek for new opportunities and new life). This may even result in the increase of unemployment rate, then the income and the GDP may decrease, which potentially lead to an economic crisis. Moreover, people who are homeless are often at risk of infectious diseases—like hepatitis A, B, and C, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS—due to compromised immune systems, poor nutrition and hygiene, and frequent overcrowding at shelters, which is believed to be a sources of disease.

Next, when we talk about the society aspects, it is general knowledge that the risen in homelessness lead to the concern of public safety.  Indeed, the two most common offenses for which homeless people are arrested are shoplifting and drug possession.
In the Mashlow’s hierarchy of needs, the most basic need of people is physiological needs like food, shelters, warmth and rest. Without the very most basic needs, homeless people have to fight against the weather and survive. Beryl Markham, the author of West of the night, quoted in her book: “I have learned that if you must leave a place that you have lived in and loved and where all your yesteryears are buried deep, leave it any way except a slow way, leave it the fastest way you can. Never turn back and never believe that an hour you remember is a better hour because it is dead. Passed years seem safe ones, vanquished ones, while the future lives in a cloud, formidable from a distance.” It is so scary that when you have no place to go, to home to return and be lost in the flow of wanderers, without a life purpose.

The controversial part is that some people think that people who suffered homeless are lazy because they are healthy and they have the ability to find a job. However, in my opinion, when we are put in a homeless person’s situation: no legal document to work, a lot of bad attractions like drug possession, it is very difficult to thrive and make life better. They need an opportunity to make a turning point of their life, like a critical situation that is different from their life, or a hitch.
In conclusion, it is pretty hard to solve the homelessness issue. However, it is true that when a society become better, everyone in that society can be better off, too. When people unite together, we will have the power to solve anything. I believe that, the biggest change is made from the smallest actions: there are many local non-profit organizations that are helping people who suffer homelessness. If you live in Portland city, there is a organization that is helping homeless people in Downtown.
Here is their website: https://www.tprojects.org/

References
1.       Beryl, Markham. West with the night. 1942.
2.       National Law Center on Homeless and Poverty. Homeless stats fact sheet. Published on https://nlchp.org/
3.       Mel Trotter. What’s the real cause of homelessness. Published on Mel Trotter Ministries
4.       Emma, Woolley. What are the top 10 health issues homeless people face? February, 2015. Published on homelesshub.ca
5.       Mustaine, E. E. (2015). Homelessness and Crime. In The Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment, W. G. Jennings (Ed.). doi:10.1002/9781118519639.wbecpx282


Monday, November 25, 2019

Job Training For The Homeless



Employment Access Center is a place for those who are seeking for jobs. They provide access to computers, the internet, fax services, and phones. There are a lot of activities and workshops for homeless people, but everyone is welcome as well. People who join this program will get to improve their skills. Having financial coaching, counseling, and parent resources are very useful for getting out of homelessness to permanent housing. 

2NW 2nd Portland, Oregon
Training hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
503-226-7387

Other programs in Portland Oregon: 

Portland homelessness - what can WE do to help?


Springwater Corridor, Portland Business Journal, 2016

All you need to do is walk around Portland to see that we've got an issue we need to fix. The Springwater Corridor in East Portland is the largest homeless camp in the US, with around 200 tents housing upwards of 500 people. There have been steps taken to address the issue of homelessness, such as the Affordable Housing Bond, but because mental illness plays such a large role, we can't address homelessness without first addressing mental illness.

According to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, in January 2018 Oregon had over 14,000 people experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, Oregon also ranks worst for mental illness, with 35-40% of the homeless population being mentally ill. During the 1990's many of the mental hospitals were closed due to harsh conditions and treatment of patients. While this was planned with good intentions, there was no follow up and now many of the patients are homeless and living in worse conditions than before. Coupled with the huge heroin and meth usage, it's a vicious cycle that many people can't get out of.

So what do can we do to help? A great first step is to volunteer at a non-profit such as Transition Projects. Companies like this help those in need to get out of a bad situation and into somewhere stable and safe. The city needs to put more money into places like Transition Projects so they can be better equipped to help. But it all starts with the individual, taking a small step to make a difference. 

Sunday, November 24, 2019

A $1 a Week Helps Those in Need


Portland is a city that has been battling with homelessness for decades. The state has struggled to find solutions to the rising homeless issue in the Portland and wider Oregon area. One of the main struggles is finding jobs for those who are homeless or formerly homeless. However, in 1998 a homeless advocacy group and weekly alternative newspaper, Street Roots, was established to combat this specific issue by providing jobs to the homeless or formerly homeless. The paper features information around homelessness and various topics. How the program works is sellers purchase the original newspaper for 25 cents then sell them on the streets for $1 and profit the 75 cents. The program has proven to be successful as it is a way for homeless people to begin the process of getting out of their situation.

A dollar a day to you might be negligible but it is hugely impactful for those who have to work hard to earn a 75 cent profit. Even if you don't choose to read the paper, it could change an entire life.

Read more about the program on their site here: Street Roots Website

See their annual breakfast event to gain awareness of the program: Street Roots Breakfast Recap

SPORTS TRANSCEND HOUSELESSNESS



Many approaches have been taken in order to provide relief for the houseless community including training for jobs, providing mental health services, and providing shelter. To support this relief, an even further approach to pay attention to is the Homeless World Cup. Starting in 2001, this football (Soccer in the US) tournament is designed to get those experiencing houseless into a community activity. Rather than thinking on terms of individuality, this approach takes on a teamwork effort that instills a sense of belonging among each participant. Playing sports often require lots of communication, planning, and trust among team mates. Participants in the cup come from low income backgrounds, have battled many issues, and these key factors are the driving force behind feeling a sense of belonging, taking initiative, and playing a strong role toward something big.

Apart from the social aspects of sports, exercise plays a major role as well. Sports often require lots of physical body movement which has shown to have many benefits including positive and more steady moods, a stronger sense of motivation, a regulated metabolism, and stronger focus. This world cup gives people something to care about and something to be a part of. Rather than trying to provide relief to houselessness head on, this approach serves as a spring board that eases toward beneficial outcomes in a recreational manner.

Over 70 countries have taken part in this world cup, and multiple countries participant in the cup every year with different countries hosting. This world cup gets bigger every year and connotes the value of togetherness, community, and support with a unique approach.

There are many ways to get involved in the cup. Two of the most effective ways you can get involved is by hosting fundraisers to raise money for the annual cup and by donating to the cup directly.





LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED USING THE LINKS BELOW:

Check out the Invisible People article on the cup

Learn about the origins, participant's stories, and donate directly to the Homeless World Cup

Learn more about the benefits behind sports and teamwork

Listen to the Homeless World Cup Podcast

Potluck in the Park




With the holiday season coming up, it is important that we try to provide comfort to the less fortunate. Potluck in the Park is an organization that establishes tables with free, warm food every Sunday around the city. They have been providing food for those who may go without a meal every weekend since 1991. It is an organization that is run completely by its volunteers. Their winter location currently is under the Hawthorne Bridge. For the holiday season, they will be hosting their 25th annual Christmas dinner at the Portland Art Museum. You can volunteer by providing home cooked meals (with a food handler's card) or simply by help fill one of the 54 eligible spots helping with the Sunday events.

 Main Page: https://www.potluckinthepark.org/
Volunteer Page: https://www.potluckinthepark.org/volunteers/
Sunday Event: https://www.potluckinthepark.org/events/sunday-meal/
Christmas Dinner event: https://www.potluckinthepark.org/events/annual-free-christmas-dinner/

Planting Trees around PDX



Friends of Trees in action.
Not only is it important to take care of the people within our communities, we should also be mindful of the nature around us and making sure it is being taken care of as well. Friends of Trees is a organization that was started in Portland by several neighborhood communities in 1989, and now has since grown to not only surrounding cities in Oregon, but now into Washington as well. The organization is run by volunteers from surround neighborhoods to plant, maintain and nurture our local trees, part of such the beauty that exists within our Pacific Northwest.

The website has a calendar that lists larger events, but you can also individually volunteer for local projects. Teams consists not only of planters, but drivers and resource managers. If getting your hands dirty isn't your thing, they also offer volunteer positions at their call center, where you can find the next spot to dig in!

Volunteer Link: https://friendsoftrees.org/volunteer/how-to-volunteer/
Events Calendar: https://friendsoftrees.org/event-calendar/
About Friends of Trees: https://friendsoftrees.org/about/

Friday, November 22, 2019

Keep Portland Fed


From step by step volunteer instructions to lists of the most high demand food to donate, feeding the hungry in Portland has never been easier!


If it’s time you can donate, get involved in Portland’s Transitions Project! With a variety of programs, Transitions Projects makes it easy for you to select the times and occasions you would like to volunteer. Whether you’d like to volunteer once or set up a weekly service, serve dinner at the shelter or deliver lunches, Transitions Project provides a variety of volunteering opportunities to fit your schedule and ability.

If it’s food you can donate, reach out to Oregon Food Bank! Oregon Food Bank makes it easy by providing you with a list of what to donate and where. Just select the closest food donation location to see what hours they pick up and browse the “What To Donate” page to see what to bring.

Keep Portland Fed, she’s hungry.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Help The Homeless Stay Warm!




Winter is coming for less than a month. We all can be warm and cozy, but homeless people cannot. As the temperature in Portland is continuing to drop, there is a high possibility of a snow day. According to the Oregonian, 49 homeless died in the cold in 2018. Our help means a lot to them! You can join the Winter Weather Donations with Transition Project by donating:
thick socks (adult sizes), waterproof/resistant gloves or mittens (adult sizes), waterproof/resistant winter coats (men’s and women’s sizes), sleeping bags and warm blankets, waterproof/resistant hats, knit hats, tarps, hand warmer, rain ponchos.
Drop off hours: 24/7


Find the closest Homeless Shelters to you:

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

We Need to Take Care of our Homeless Population's Mental Health



Most of us write off homeless people as being one or more of the many traits depicted above. When we see homeless people in their tents, or out in the road begging for money, I think it’s fair to say most of us assume (or hope) that we wouldn’t end up in that situation. The reality is, it’s much easier than you’d think. The problem with homelessness is that it’s not easy to pull oneself out of. For just a moment, close your eyes and think about what it would be like to not have a home. You don’t have a shower, so your skin and hair are constantly dirty and exposed to germs. There’s no laundry, there’s no personal hygiene. There’s no scrolling on social media (for the most part). No nights out, no dating, no binging TV shows. No heat in the winter. No way to brush your teeth. No way to know where your next meal will come from. If you started off homeless without a mental illness, it’s almost a guarantee you will develop one.

This is why the need for community mental health is so needed. Oregon doesn’t have it perfect, there are many flaws in the system and room for improvement – but let’s focus on the positives. I urge you all to become familiar with the resources available for community mental health in your county. Not only can this help any homeless people that you feel the urge to help, but can assist you or a loved one in the future. The only way to improve community mental health services is to be aware of the systems in place, analyze how they are broken, and taking action from there.

I encourage all of you to refer to the website for whichever county you live in, and become familiar with the services. Look at volunteer opportunities for the Crisis Line in your county! 

For Washington County, Oregon:

For Multnomah County, Oregon:

For Clackamas County, Oregon:

Friday, November 15, 2019

Sleeping pods- Portland’s innovative way of helping the homeless





Tiny homes have become the talk of the nation for the past several years. Whether it is for vacationing, downsizing,
or simply trying to be trendy, people’s interest in the tiny dwelling areas have been increasing in cities everywhere. 
The city of Portland, Oregon has found a unique use for these Sleeping Pods, and its helping combat the homeless problem as well! According to Multnomah County statistics, “On one particular night, 3,800 people slept on the streets, in shelter, and in temporary housing. To help combat these numbers, The city of Portland has turn these trendy tiny living spaces- into sleeping shelters to help women battle against homelessness. 
Each pod provides an individual with their own bed, roof over their head, personalize access code to help ensure
safety, as well as a sense of overall well being. Could this be a solution in other cities across the US as well?
Hopefully Portland can be a stepping stone in the right direction of house to provide housing to those in need. 





Composting in PDX





Did you know that 20% of Portland’s yearly waste comes from food scraps?! According to PortlandMetro.gov, “That's enough to fill 5,000 long-haul trucks!” Fortunately, there is something that all of us can do to help. Compost! 

The City of Portland offers a curbside composting program that is aimed at reducing the amount of food that is wasted and instead of using the scraps to generate nutrient-rich compost. Compost can be added to the green yard debris bin, which is picked up weekly. Click here to see a quick list of what is compostable or for more information on Portland’s food scrap recycling program visit!

Want to save all those nutrients for your own garden? Find tips here for ways to utilize your compost, and start saving the environment today!

Get Your Free Food Game On!


Do you love food? I love food but the food can get expensive. There are many resources out there for us to make a nice meal or simply get some food. However, these resources aren’t always known. With the cost of living rising it spares little money left for food, finding free resources is always great. There are many resources that allow for those who are in need of a little helping hand to receive help for food. Places such as the Oregon Food Bank and Urban Gleaners are a great source to go to for help. The Oregon Food Bank is always receiving donations such as canned foods and which they distribute to those who need it. By utilizing and taking advantage of this resource those who are still seeking a help has one less thing to worry about. My friend once got a package of ground turkey from the food pantry and we made a pretty mean lasagna so don’t let your food recourses go to waste!




more info on when and where:
https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/find-help/find-food/
http://urbangleaners.org/need-food/

participating locations for food or grocery

Thursday, November 14, 2019

How to Navigate Portland’s Food Deserts



Food Deserts by census tract in Portland, Oregon. 
Source: United States Dept. of Agriculture food desert locator. 


The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food deserts as: “parts of the country vapid of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods, usually found in impoverished areas. This is largely due to a lack of grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and healthy food providers.”

The above map from the USDA’s interactive Food Desert Locator shows that large portions of the Portland metropolitan area (when measured by census tract) meet Food Desert criteria as they have low access and low income where “a significant number of share of residents are more than a half mile from the nearest supermarket.”

If you reside in a Portland area food desert what can you do?

The Oregon Food Bank and ride sharing service Lyft have partnered to offer subsidized rides to grocery stores for the cost of a bus ticket, or up to $15. The Lyft Grocery Access Program seeks to “reduce the time, transportation, and financial barriers to healthy food access,” according to Lyft.


For information on how to access the Lyft GAP program visit:
or,

To learn more about Food Deserts and access the USDA’s interactive Food Desert Locator visit:

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Nesika Illahee, Our Place: A project to house Portland, Oregon's at risk Native Americans


Construction of Nesika Illahee is set to be completed in December, 2019. Its 59 units will provide affordable housing to Portland's Native population as well as offer critical services to that community. Image source: Google Maps, 2019. 



According to the Oregon Community Foundation, “the share of homeless individuals
who identify as American Indian/Alaskan Native is 3.5 times this group’s representation
in the general population.” 

To confront this troubling reality in the Portland area, which contains the 9th largest
Native American population in the U.S., the Native American Youth and Family Center,
the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, the Confederated
Tribes of Siletz Indians, and Community Development Partners are constructing  59-units
of affordable housing in Northwest Portland.  

Nesika Illahee, meaning “Our Place” in the Chinook language, aims to provide affordable
housing to a historically under served community, services specifically tailored to Native
Culture, in house medical, dental, and behavioral care, according to the Community
Development Partners website. Further, this project represents a precedent in providing
housing and services to at risk Native American members of the community who live outs
ide reservations. Nesika Illahee may serve as a model in providing urban Natives with
greater opportunities and fairness going forward.

To support this project or others like it make contact with these groups today:

Nesika Illahee development:
https://www.communitydevpartners.com/nesika-illahee

NAYA: