p:ear Organization

 

p:ear is an organization founded in 2002 with a goal to provide for Portland’s homeless youth through a series of programs aimed at not just providing food, shelter and safety, but also to improve the quality of life for homeless youths with their arts, education and recreation programs. Each year P:ear serves roughly 550 homeless youths, having provided mentorship programs for over 5,200 youths since their founding. 

 p:ear’s mission is to build positive relationships with 15-25 year old homeless and transitional youth through Education, Arts and Recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives. As described on their website “From interdisciplinary custom workshops and mentoring to our p:ear works job training programs (including the p:ear barista school, p:ear prints and the bike mechanic school), youth are guided through increasing levels of depth, engagement and responsibility, with an emphasis on the social, fiscal and practical skills that will serve them in their future.” 

P:ear also allows homeless youth to express themselves through the arts, as they have their own dedicated gallery to showcase the artwork created by homeless youth in the program. This program is incredibly useful in giving a voice to those who are normally silenced by society or may not have any other ways of expressing themselves, as well as increasing self worth. This is what initially drew me to the organization as I found this very unique and incredibly valuable to the homeless community, as well as the artistic community in which the voices of the homeless are very often not heard. I encourage you to explore the artwork in the gallery, to open your eyes to see art from a perspective many of us have the privilege of never experiencing. 

P:ear’s list of programs and where you can donate

https://www.pearmentor.org/programs/

Domestic Violence and Homelessness

Domestic Violence and Homelessness

More than one in three women and one and five men in the United States experience domestic violence within their life, leading it to be the number one cause of homelessness among women. Research also shows that 28% of homeless families in 2008 were experiencing housing instability because of domestic violence, with 39% of cities citing it as the primary cause of family homelessness. Along with this housing instability comes a number of adverse outcomes for mental and phsycial well being, as homelessness itself is a risk factor for violence. As stated by the Oregon Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence “According to a study of people experiencing homelessness, 32% of women, 27% of men, and 38% of people who are transgender reported either physical or sexual violence in the previous year. Youth can be particularly vulnerable to domestic and sexual violence while experiencing homelessness, with 70% of homeless youth reporting experiencing some form of violence, 32% of which included rape” 

Helping survivors of domestic violence facing homelessness often comes in the form of three stages; emergency shelter, transtional housing and finally permanent housing. Emergency shelters are especially important, as unlike many homeless shelters, they provide specialized care and advocacy for victims, as well as a confidential location. These shelters provide extremely valuable resources for survivors, but the demand is considerably higher than the current supply of shelters. In 2015, 10,196 requests for shelter made by adult survivors in Oregon could not be met (Oregon DHS, 2016) Long term care is usally not available at these shelters, as the typical stay of 30-60 days is much less time than is usually needed to find transitional or permanent housing. This lack of supply in regard to the demand puts many survivors, especially young people, at considerable risk. 

Below I’ve attatched a number of organizations that specialize in sheltering and advocating for victims of domestic violence, as listed by the Oregon Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Hopefully we can bring attention and support to these organizations in fullfilling the needs of those at risk or in need of help, as there is much work to be done to make life safer for survivors of domestic abuse and homelessness. 

• Call to Safety

https://calltosafety.org

• Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Domestic Violence Program

https://www.grandronde.org/services/social-services/domestic-and-sexual-violence-prevention/

• Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services

https://multco.us/dv/gateway-center-domestic-violence-services

• HAVEN From Domestic and Sexual Violence

https://haventhedalles.org

• Multnomah County Domestic Violence Coordination Office

https://multco.us/fvcc

• NAYA Family Center

https://nayapdx.org

• New Beginnings Intervention Center

https://www.newbeginningsinterventioncenter.com

• Raphael House of Portland

https://raphaelhouse.com

• SAFE of Columbia County

https://safeofcolumbiacounty.org

• YWCA of Greater Portland

https://www.ywcapdx.org

Source: Oregon Commision Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Report 2017 

https://www.ocadsv.org/resources/browse/607

Providing healthcare to Portland area homeless

(Outside In)

Many of those who live on the street have limited to no access to healthcare. Money certainly plays a factor, and some individuals have trauma related to state and city organizations and would rather stay on their own. A Portland area nonprofit is working hard to meet the needs of those left behind.

Outside In, provides access to a wide range of healthcare for those experiencing homelessness. Providing two locations in addition to their mobile medical van, Outside In is prepared to assist all patients, serving between 5,300 and 5,800 patients a week, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. 

Right now in Oregon as Covid-19 vaccinations are underway, Outside In has become an authorized vaccination site. As the vaccine rollout continues and more become eligible, the Outside In mobile medical van could play a key role in vaccinating our most vulnerable. 

Click here to learn more:

https://outsidein.org/

https://www.streetroots.org/news/2021/01/20/efforts-vaccinate-oregon-s-disenfranchised-populations-face-barriers

How can homeless folks get access to the stimulus check?

Pic Courtesy: https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/04/16/USAT/b6a2dc51-6840-4f3d-8720-2fd412d7d6d6-XXX_coronavirus_homeless_TH-107.jpg

https://invisiblepeople.tv/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Stimulus-Check.jpg

As we know that the U.S. Congress has passed a $2.2 trillion COVID relief bill which helps American families and individuals navigate through these very uncertain times, especially financial challenges and housing insecurities. For most of us who are taxpayers and have updated records to tax filing, the IRS has already begun distributing the stimulus relief either thru the direct deposit or by sending prepaid cards and cheque. But what about homeless folks who don’t have a registered address and don't have current tax records. Last year, people experiencing homelessness were directed to register with the IRS using the Nonfliers tool at the IRS website to claim their stimulus payments. The deadline for registering was November 21, 2020. But those who missed the deadline could still be eligible for stimulus payments.

If you are an individual and identify yourself as homeless then you can get assistance filing tax forms by visiting their nearest IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. The homeless may receive stimulus payments via Economic Impact Payment (EIP) cards if the IRS does not have any bank account information on them. A mailing address would be required to receive the EIP Card, which is sent within 15 days according to the IRS.

Follow this link to learn more

https://www.newsweek.com/how-get-your-1400-stimulus-homeless-right-now-1576460

Are Portland's homeless prepared for freezing temperatures？

In February 2021, a winter storm hit Portland. Affected by the severe cold, the temperature in Portland dropped to minus 35 degrees. Due to freezing rain and heavy snow, the power supply of more than 270,000 people ware without power, and many infrastructures were destroyed. Compared with usual, the homeless in Portland are seriously threatened by the heavy snow.

Authorities in Portland are providing temporary shelters for homeless people who are not safe to live outside due to snow accumulation caused by the snow. According to Portland data provided by the government, they will be $16.5 million in federal CARES bill money for homeless service, created 365 of physical winter shelter, 100 portable toilets was installed in the whole community. In addition, the Portland government purchased six motels for older adults and other homeless people who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19. However, due to COVID-19, the shelter does not mean safe. How the homeless in Portland will survive the cold wave is worrying.

                (David Ryder/Getty Images)

Sources:

https://www.koin.com/news/homeless/freezing-temperatures-prompt-concern-for-portland-homeless/

https://ktla.com/news/nationworld/hundreds-of-thousands-without-power-in-pacific-northwest-snow-storm/

The city of Portland will step up efforts to provide better care for the homeless

In May 2020, voters approved a new 1 percent income tax (New Homeless Services Tax) on high-income families in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties. The tax is expected to be used to address and improve the lives of homeless people in the Portland area.

Multnomah County plans to use this tax (expected to pay $55 million) to fund " supportive housing" and provide follow-up training, treatment, and education programs for the homeless. The proposal will establish permanent supportive housing, a service for the homeless to establish contact with permanent housing and help people who may be at risk of homelessness obtain housing, and for those who may be at risk of eviction from COVID-19 Provide emergency rent assistance and expand alternative housing programs.

In addition, the preliminary also involves community building and health services, including maintaining emergency shelters during COVID-19, developing new adult shelters, and improving the mental health of the homeless, for the homeless and the unemployed. Provide educational training and job opportunities.

                (Courtesy Peter Eckert Photography)

Sources:

https://pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/501548-401930-businesses-challenge-legality-of-metro-homeless-tax-rules

"Homelessness wasn't a choice: It was the only option available!

                                             "Pic Courtesy: Cheryl Leontina, Andries Denim award Recipient 2018"

For folks who live their day-to-day life inside, spend most of their time figuring out why those people are out on the streets. What can we do for them? How can we shelter them?

 Often people asking these questions have no idea what's the real reason behind the people ending up on the streets.

 I can recall the time when I was aiding one of the grant recipients at Portland State with the project “Story Under the Bridges.” While working on this project, I got to meet and know about the folks who lived most of their life on the streets and recently were able to move into transitional housing and from there eventually getting their apartment. I can recall hearing stories about human trafficking, child abuse, mental disorders… the list is long, and it doesn’t end there. 

While some folks don’t have a roof over their head and end up taking shelter on the streets, there are some out there in the world who chose to be homeless. People who are the victim of child abuse, people who are the victim of human trafficking, people who have been left behind by their heirs, and in some or many cases people who are fighting addiction and have nowhere to go. 

These are the folks that need much more help than others. These people are not homeless because they have lost their job or because and they don’t have any earning to pay rather than these folks chose to stay quiet amidst the fear of receiving the backlash from society.

 These folks chose to cut off the connection from the real world because of the trauma and abuse that they have been through their whole life. If you google then you will find resources regarding these issues but none of them will tell you what you can do and how you can identify those individuals.

 As there are numerous researches you can find, idealistically speaking from my perspective none of them talks about what could have been done to avoid it.

 Honestly speaking, we never talk about preventative measures rather than talk about the possibilities. While these possibilities could be a way to engage discussion among others, however, the majority of those discussions never come to fruition. 

As civilized citizens, we should ask ourselves “what if questions” and do role play to deeply understand that these issues are more important than any political debate. Most of us are fortunate enough to acquire all the basic living amenities though some are not fortunate enough. As a member of society, we should strive to eliminate the root cause of homelessness and as an individual try our best to assist those who are in need.
To learn about how serious this issue follows the link
To help those who are in need, Click here to learn about our partner efforts and how you can make your contribution

Distrust and Inequity in Vaccinations Among Homeless

As the access and availability of vaccines increases across the nation, cities in the U.S are now tasked with distributing them among the homeless in shelter systems. Homeless service providers as well as public health officials have found this task daunting however, as many in the homeless population are hesitant or completely distrusting of vaccinations. This issue will require a large scale intervention from municipalities throughout America to ensure the safety of those experiencing homelessness. This is a population that is at a particularly higher risk of poor health outcomes already due to age and health conditions associated with living on the streets. While many cities across the nation have already started vaccinating within their sheltering systems, Portland as well as many other cities on the West Coast, have not established a timeline to vaccinate homeless and are doing so only based on age or condition. There are many barriers that the homeless face already, and a commitment to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines reach them should hold more priority in both our city and country. People experiencing homelessness have faced greater risks from COVID-19 exposure, infection, and death when compared to those who have established housing. This unequal burden can be seen in a New York City study conducted by the Coalition for the Homeless, showing the mortality rate for individuals residing in shelters to be almost double that of the general population.

Along with plans to distribute vaccinations to the homeless populations across the United States, there needs to be a focus on increasing trust within the homeless with regards to vaccinations and medical systems in general. In order to build back trust, communities must first recognize that homelessness and COVID-19 are issues of inequity, as they disproportionately affect people of color at a higher rate. Only then can these communities actively work to bring back trust by reducing and reversing these inequities through both short and long-term health supports. Vaccinations are important, but it needs to be addressed that providing them alone is not a cure-all solution. Communities across the nation need to address issues such inequities in accessing healthcare and permanent/affordable housing availability in order to promote lasting change. As a part of the community that we live in, we must also ask ourselves how we may better address these issues in our neighborhoods. Sources: https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/five-ways-communities-can-ensure-covid-19-vaccines-reach-people-experiencing-homelessness https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/age-adjusted-mortality-rate-for-sheltered-homeless-new-yorkers/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/among-homeless-populations-deep-mistrust-vaccines-here-s-how-cities-n1259761 https://www.hudexchange.info/news/weekly-covid-19-vaccine-update-for-homeless-service-providers/

7 Ways You Can Help Houseless Citizens Without Spending Money

If you have ever wanted to help the community but struggled with attaining funds, you are not alone. In the modern age being on a budget can feel very limiting. One of the number ways we are encouraged to give back is to give cash, but if you're like me, a broke college student just trying to make rent, giving cash isn't always an option. So I have compiled a list of cost effective ways you can give back to the community. 1. Keep Your Cans! If you already have hefty supply of old beer or la croiux cans laying around, instead of recycling them, you can save them and set them on the curb for your houseless neighbors. This helps them get a little extra cash and reduces the change they'll be chastized by neighbors for rumaging through bins. 2. Use Your Voice! Chances are you probably have at least one social media account, so use it to share information on the houseless crisis. Money isn't the only thing that needs to be exhanged to make a difference, sharing vital information about houselessness aid can save lives. 3. Say Hello! Do you know your houseless neighbors? Often houseless individuals feel invisble. Interact with your neighbors, tell them hello and wish them a good day. Create positive social interactions. 4. Clean Out Your Closet! How often do you get socks for the holidays? Chances are you probably don't wear every pair in your closet. Socks are a vital item for houseless folks during the winter. You could also dig around and see if you have any jackets, hats, gloves, shoes, or old blankets. 5. Share Your Leftovers! When I go out to eat, I usually have leftovers, but I rarely eat them. That is why I have made a habit of gifting my leftover food to any houseless neighbor I see on my way home from eating out. 6. Clean Out Your Cupboard! I have a tendency to overstock on nonperishable foods. I see something canned go on sale and I buy some extra. It takes me a long time to go through it all, so occasionally I do a clean sweep. There are lots of organizations in Portland that will take both your perishable and nonperishable food items and give them to people experiecing food insecurity, such as PDX Free Fridge. 7. Don't Give Up! It is easy to experience burnout and feelings of defeat. But know that even if you are only making small efforts and changes, you are still making a difference in someone's life! If you would like more information on groups aiding houseless folks in the portland area please visit Housing Needs

$2.55 million grant for a homeless hotel approved in Oregon

 

Image source

A nonprofit organization, Rogue Retreat, is in the works of buying The Redwood Inn, 722 N. Riverside Ave., and turn it into a "homeless hotel" which will contain 47 units with kitchens. Rogue Retreat executive director, Chad McComas, is hoping to finalize the purchase of the hotel by March 19th, and then finish remodeling it "in a few months". The organization is also working with Providence to create four recuperative care rooms, with the use of another grant. On top of that, there will be rooms dedicated to fire survivors, as part of the Project Turnkey grant. Both COVID-19 and the Almeda fire has made the homeless crisis in Jackson County much worse. Getting this project in the works would greatly help combat the homeless crisis that Jackson county has. What Rogue Retreat is doing is a great idea and hopefully other cities will take on this type of project.

For more information on Rogue Retreat's project, visit their news page that discusses the grant. Here is a news article that also discusses it.
Visit Rogue Retreat's main page to learn more about them and find ways to give.

Tiny Homes Arrive in Los Angeles

     

After the initial implementation of tiny houses in Seattle, Minneapolis, and Portland, Los Angeles has now adopted its first tiny house community for people experiencing homelessness. Created by Pallet Shelters, based in Everett Washington, their design has been the forerunner in the tiny home community concept. The Los Angeles area which up until now has struggled to find a solution to combat the homeless crisis, has embraced this new idea. Named Hope of the Valley and located in North Hollywood, the design of these pods has been considered for the climate of Southern California and is equipped with air conditioning along with bunk beds and shelving. In addition to the community pods, there is a “hygiene trailer” with toilets and showers for residents. The builders took care to think about the aesthetics of the pods. “The homes are red, white, and blue with bright yellow pathways between them. The eye-catching colors are intended to avoid an institutional feel and help the village fit into the surrounding area,” says City Councilman Paul Kerkorian. In addition, residents at Hope of the Valley receive $55 per person daily to cover three meals and social services for residents. The initial positive reaction to the tiny house model is already spreading as more plans for tiny house communities are being made in the Los Angeles area.  

https://www.avpress.com/news/la-opens-first-tiny-home-village-to-ease-homeless-crisis/article_d5cd00e6-846d-11eb-80c0-c7bb392b07f4.html

Arizona Receives More Than $8 Million for Homelessness!

 

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Emergency Solution Grant program paid more than two dozen Arizona organizations more than $8 million to combat homelessness. Even more so, 31 organizations that applied for the grants will receive a portion of the funds for rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, and more. Even last year, Arizona organizations also received almost $6 million for the same cause. These stories are positive and showcase the willingness of the American people to help those in need — especially, the citizens of Arizona. If you're reading this and know of someone in need for rental help or homelessness assistance in Arizona, please go to https://www.hud.gov/states/arizona/homeless. Now that these resources are getting the help they need, it's a perfect time to pass that along to those who need the same.

Sources

https://ktar.com/story/4122030/arizona-receives-more-than-8m-in-federal-funds-to-combat-homelessness/

https://ktar.com/story/3394035/arizona-gets-nearly-6-million-in-federal-funding-to-fight-homelessness/

Examples From Around the World to Help Solve Homelessness

 

    As of 2019, estimated 150 million people are homeless worldwide. However, experts are afraid that the numbers are so much higher due to homeless people falling off the system because of their absence on the governmental records such as social security and census declarations. Not being able to capture real numbers creates complications, and makes it hard to come up with solutions to fight against homelessness. 

    As the number of homelessness arises each year, countries come up with innovative solutions with the support of local organizations that fight against homelesness. Here are a few solutions that were developed to help individuals get off the streets, whether it is recycling the old buses in the United Kingdom or teaching homeless people how to repair phones in India. 

    One of the solutions the UK came up with was converting iconic red buses into shelters. Due to strict environmental regulations, many red buses had to retire. The UK government saw that as an opportunity to give back to the community by converting red buses into shelters to help those struggling with homelessness. According to the local government, each red bus has a capacity of sheltering 16 individuals. 

    Thanks to this innovative solution, many big cities in the UK, especially London, were able to help thousands of homeless people by providing them a place to stay. The Concept called Buses4Homeless, does not stop taking care of their homeless by providing shelter but these red buses also come with health check-up and life skills training for those in need. 

  

    Another great solution in the UK was developed by an organization called Change Please to help individuals suffering with homelessness to learn a new skill so that they can start earning money to afford a shelter.  Change Please has dedicated coffee shops that train homeless people to be baristas. Cemal Ezal, the founder, noted that if we can only influence a percentage of Londoners to choose where they buy their coffee, we can make a real difference for helping London fight against homelessness. 

    The similar idea was implemented in Delhi. A charity called Adhikar Abhiyan trained homeless individuals how to repair phones. The founder noted that half of the participants went on to find full time jobs as a repairman after completing the course. The organization plans to continue working on the project in the upcoming years as well. For more information click below.

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/12/how-to-solve-homelessness-poverty-cities-urbanization/

Oregon Will Limit Bans On Homeless Camping by 2023

  

    Becky Straus, an attorney of the Oregon Law Center, thinks that not allowing homeless people to camp on the streets is unconstitutional. Straus sued Portland on behalf of homeless people in the past. She claimed that the local government fails to recognize federal laws that protect homeless people by enforcing their own ordinances. A bill introduced by Tina Kotek, House Speaker, none of the cities in Oregon would be able to remove homeless people from the streets without following the regulations that are aligned with federal laws. According to new House Bill 3115, local governments will have to follow policies that regulate where and when homeless individuals can camp. If the local government does not follow the policies introduced with Bill 3115, they can be sued.

    Oregon lawmakers noted that while this is not a ban on anti-camping laws, it is designed to make sure that local governments comply with the federal rules. Bill 3115 was introduced as a reaction to the growing housing crisis in PNW. Some of the federal rulings include limitations on criminalizing camping violations and limitations on giving people sleeping on the street a fine. Governors noted that the purpose of this bill is to clear some of the ambiguity around the laws regarding homeless people. Many cities spend time and effort to ensure that their ordinances are aligning with federal rulings. A House Bill such as 3115, will help those efforts to pay off. This bill will make sure that local governments who address homeless people sitting, lying, sleeping on a public property by acknowledging that the person is experiencing homelessness. Click below for mo re information.

https://www.opb.org/article/2021/02/02/new-bill-would-rein-in-how-oregon-and-counties-enforce-camping-bans/

Oregon Housing Legislation to Address Effects of COVID-19

 In the last few months, Oregon legislators have revealed many proposals to address the housing crisis in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.  These proposals include building more shelters, protecting those who live in tents, and creating easier pathways for Indigenous peoples to homeownership.  Even prior to this global pandemic, Oregon has been facing a housing crisis for several years.  Legislators gave little thought to this issue prior to the pandemic, and any solutions primarily come about on the local legislative level.  The housing crisis was further exasperated by the wildfires back in September 2020, which destroyed entire communities and as many as 4,000 homes, many of which considered affordable housing.  Prior to the wildfires and the global pandemic, Oregon had one of the highest rates of houselessness in the U.S.  Per a study done by the Urban Institue, it was found that Oregon had 3.5 times the amount of unsheltered houseless people than the national average.  

Oregon is currently experiencing a housing production shortage, in which the Oregon Housing and Community Services agency states in order to meet current housing demands, Oregon must doubt its production of housing, and triple its production of subsidized housing.  Due to these demands coupled with the effects of the pandemic, Democratic legislators proposed spending $535 million toward this housing crisis.  Roughly half of this allotment, $230 million, would be used to construct affordable rental housing, and $30 million would be used to help qualifying individuals put a down payment on a home.  Another $50 million would be used for statewide navigation centers, which are 7-day emergency shelters aimed to help connect houseless persons with services that can assist them. 

On Monday, March 8th, Democratic legislators announced of these policy proposals, which they consider to be of most importance for 2021. Such as Senate Bill 79: Racial Disparities in Homeownership, which will have funds set aside to offer grants and loans for home down payments.  This bill acknowledges and addresses long-standing disparities in homeownership and will expand the use of the Homeownership Assitance Program (HOAP) to support new strategies identifying these racial disparities.  Historically Oregon has used housing availability and location as a tool for banks, the government, and neighborhoods to discriminate against BIPOC.  This has led to a generation wealth and homeownership gap between BIPOC and their white counterparts. Senate Bill 79 will also allow for the nine federally recognized Indigenous communities to have access to this homeownership assistance program which historically has not been seen.  Lastly, it will also set out to have culturally specific counseling and financial literacy classes to fight language barriers of those setting out to buy a home.  

For more information on Senate Bill 79 and other bills presented by legislators please visit: https://www.opb.org/article/2021/03/08/oregon-democrats-legislature-housing-homelessness-priorities/ 

Sources: 

https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/about-us/Documents/gov-relations/SB-79-One-Pager.pdf 

https://legiscan.com/OR/rollcall/SB79/id/1021945

St. John's Village in Portland Oregon

    Do Good Multnomah is a non-profit organization that partners with the community to provide permanent supportive housing and low-barrier emergency shelter to houseless Veterans in Portland, Oregon. They employ relationship-building, one-on-one engagement, supportive services, and direct community participation. They have worked veterans and civilians to help transition people out of houselessness into permanent housing. They are currently working with the City of Portland and Multnomah County Joint Office of Homeless Services to establish a transitional shelter village in the St. Johns neighborhood. The St. Johns Christian Church leased its land to Do Good Multnomah to help. 19 "sleeping pods", simple standalone rooms (a video showing the pods above) are provided with the intention of cycling folks out to permanent housing over the course of a year or sooner. The plans are to have case management, electricity, plumbing, community space and a fully functional kitchen for use in the village as well. There is also a coalition of neighbors in the area that formed to help support the successful implementation of the village and to volunteer their time.

    I think this method is a great start to hopefully a trend of these kind of communities and villages popping up. The support system created here is essential to moving folks into more permanent housing. The community involvement is also very exciting to see because far to often do neighbors not know how to help or get involved. Giving those who are experiencing houselessness a sense of community support is very important, showing that there are people there to help. Having an organization like this take the reins and build something that can help right now and in the future seems like a recipe for success. Below are links to the Do Good Multnomah website about us and an overview of the St. Johns Village.

St. Johns Village Overview:

http://ahomeforeveryone.net/stjohnsvillage

Do Good Multnomah About Us:

https://dogoodmultnomah.org/who-we-are

Emergency Shelter During a Crisis: University Place Hotel

 Over the last fourteen months, there has been one major event after another.  Between killer hornets, locus in Africa, devastating fires in Australia than in California, political/human rights protests around the world, and all during a global pandemic, it has been a crazy time for all of us.  More recently was the massive snowstorm to hit the Portland area, leaving nearly 500,000 residents without power.  

In the wake of this crisis, University Place Hotel, located in downtown Portland, provided emergency shelter to Portland State University employees, along with OHSU low-income patients, and medical personnel, and others experiencing houselessness.  This began as an agreement between the hotel, Multnomah County, and the City of Portland in order to provide overflow shelter space for those experiencing houselessness during severe weather events such as the massive fire back in September of 2020.  This agreement began towards the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic as a way to help quarantine first responders.  In total, the University Place Hotel was able to house 219 people from the PSU, OHSU, and houseless communities. 

For more information about University Place Hotel please visit, https://www.uplacehotel.com/

Sources:

https://www.pdx.edu/news/university-place-hotel-continues-provide-emergency-shelter-community 

https://psuvanguard.com/psu-offers-free-shelter-at-university-place-hotel-for-wildfire-evacuees/

Implementing the ‘Safe Park Program’ in Portland

An affordable housing and homelessness crisis has forced many in Portland out of their homes and into their cars. The local government along with Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan, hope to alleviate this issue by providing another alternative sheltering option via the “Safe Park Program.” 

Although striving towards permanent housing should still be the number one priority, having another sheltering option for both the chronically and temporarily homeless does hold importance. Publicly operated lots for those living out of their vehicles have been implemented along the West Coast already in California cities such as Los Angeles, as well as cities in Oregon like Eugene and Beaverton. Beaverton’s “Safe Parking” program currently has three sites. People apply for a temporary space and, once approved, are assigned a space as well as a case manager to assist them in finding a more permanent housing solution.  

Having a safe and legal place to park may aid homeless families and individuals in stabilizing their situation by providing them with better access to services such as restrooms, storage, and garbage removal. The city, along with Commissioner Ryan, envisions Portland’s version of the Safe Park Program as “large parking lots with communal spaces for hygiene and food, along with social workers and mental health counselors on site.” The city would also like to set up two Safe Park locations in Portland, one for those who have recently started living in their vehicle and the other for those who have lived out for their car or RV for longer periods of time. Exploring temporary sheltering options like this may help to reduce the burden of homelessness that people living in their cars face. For more information about safe parking programs in other cities, as well as how you can donate, visit:

https://goconnect.org/safepark/

https://211la.org/resources/service/homeless-safe-parking-programs-1

https://www.cityofvancouver.us/ced/page/vancouver-safe-parking-zone

Sources:

https://www.opb.org/article/2021/02/02/portland-commissioner-dan-ryan-looks-to-implement-safe-park-program-for-homeless/

https://www.beavertonoregon.gov/2235/Safe-Parking-Program

https://katu.com/news/homeless-crisis-the-best-we-can-do/beaverton-homeless-resources-help-people-transition-to-stable-housing

Report Highlights Danger and Tragedy of Experiencing Homelessness

A startling piece of news that has come out in relation to those experiencing homelessness in Portland is the number of fatalities this portion of the population has faced. The collaborative paper between Multnomah County and paper Street Roots known as "Domicile Unknown" has found that in 2019, 113 people experiencing homelessness had died. This marks the highest number of deaths the report has found since the Multnomah County Health Department has started tracking them in 2011.

Further statistics gathered in the report include how nearly half of the deaths were related to drug and alcohol use, with methamphetamines being a leading cause with opioids following behind. A third of the deaths came from natural causes, be it due to complications from abuse or chronic illnesses, and then ten more were as a result of physical trauma, including being struck by a moving vehicle. 

Most recently, on the 2nd of February 2021, a 27-year old man died after a propane leak set the area where he was living on fire while he was still inside. He sustained 3rd degree burns before being rushed to a hospital by first-responders, but sadly lost life. Tragically, he is the third person reported to have died due to makeshift fires.

What the report from "Domicile Unknown" and the recent accidents really illustrate are the dangers that come with experiencing homelessness. Unfortunately, with rising numbers of people without homes, there are only going to be greater chances for more tragic deaths to occur. While projects such as the tiny villages from Pallet are going to help shelter more people, progress to transfer people out of homelessness need to move fast as to prevent tragedies similar to what happened to that man. Not only that, but with so many deaths being related to drug and alcohol abuse, that just further shows the failures in getting people with addictions the help they need. Oregon decriminalizing small amounts of drugs is a good first step, but more has to be done in order to ensure the recovery of people suffering from addiction.

Sources: 

https://multco.us/file/94224/download

https://www.koin.com/news/portland/fire-at-n-portland-homeless-camp-leaves-1-severely-burned/