Addressing Disparities: A brief look into the demographics of the unsheltered in Portland

                                                 (AP Photo/Paula Bronstein, File)

        Homelessness is a complex issue that is affecting nearly every community across the United States, understanding the demographics of those experiencing homelessness is crucial for effective intervention and support. Data from the 2019 Point-in-Time Count that was conducted and sponsored by the city of Portland, Home Forward, A Home for Everyone, Multnomah County, and the City of Gresham revealed that there are significant disparities among various communities. The count showed that people of color, especially those who identify as American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Black or African American, were overrepresented in the HUD homeless population. 

     However, some communities, like the Latinx community, did not seem to be overrepresented based on the count, yet organizations working in these communities point to cultural and political factors that likely led to significant undercounting in the PIT Count. This underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach to accurately capture homelessness within diverse communities. 

  ( Source: 2019 PIT COUNT )

Understanding the racial demographics of homeless folks is paramount for developing effective solutions and allocating resources equitably. This data provides crucial insights into the specific challenges faced by various communities, allowing policymakers and social service organizations to tailor interventions to address the unique needs of diverse populations. Racial data can help in identifying systematic issues that are contributing to the housing crisis and guide the development toward dismantling those barriers. By recognizing these disparities, we can work towards dismantling structural inequalities that disproportionately affect specific racial groups. Furthermore, accurate demographics are crucial in ensuring that marginalized communities can receive the support they need. Without a more nuanced understanding of the racial dynamics of homelessness, there is a risk of implementing a one-size-fits-all approach that will not adequately address the root causes or provide effective assistance to those in need.

I urge you to read the full PIT Count report as there is critical information that further dives into the intersectionalities of race and gender and how marginalized folks are experiencing homelessness in our city. Understanding these complexities is essential for fostering empathy, driving informed discussions, and collectively working toward comprehensive solutions that address the diverse needs of our community. 

Join Urban Gleaners - The Unsung Heroes of Food Justice

 

Photo will open urbangleaners.org in a new window

In the heart of Oregon, where the beauty of the landscape contrasts starkly with the harsh reality of hunger, Urban Gleaners stands as a testament to the power of community-driven solutions. With 1 in 5 Oregonians living with food insecurity Urban Gleaners has a plan: rescue delicious, fresh food before it goes to waste and get it into the hands of those who need it the most.

Urban Gleaners was founded in 2006 by Tracy Oseran and stemmed from the understanding that hunger isn't merely an issue of access but also a matter of distribution. Tracy's grassroots movement has evolved into a vibrant volunteer-powered organization that feeds over 8,000 people every week through school pantries, summer free farmers markets, and Mobile Markets at low-income housing communities. The commitment goes beyond immediate hunger relief - it extends to confronting systemic issues like poverty, social injustice, and income inequality.

Distributing Hope

   Urban Gleaners collaborates with a diverse network of donors, including restaurants, grocery stores, corporate campuses, and farms. Their aim is to intercept surplus food, preventing it from contributing to the staggering $218 billion worth of food wasted annually in the U.S. That amounts to 52 million tons otherwise being sent to landfills.

Sorting & Packaging

   At their Central Portland warehouse, the organization's dedicated volunteers sort and package donated food into family-sized portions, ensuring that every item is high-quality and wholesome.

Distributing Impact

   Urban Gleaners operates over 35 sites in the Portland Metro area, delivering food directly to schools, hosting Mobile Markets at parks and apartment complexes, and partnering with various hunger services organizations. Their initiatives address the urgent issue of childhood hunger and contribute to creating a healthier community.

Urban Gleaner's Founder Tracy Oseran's TEDxTALK

Get Involved and Join the Fight Against Hunger

None of Urban Gleaners' impactful programs would be possible without the help of committed volunteers. Opportunities include repacking/sorting at their warehouse, committing to weekly food pickups, or joining the elite Rapid Response Team for one-off and after-hours support.

To volunteer, email volunteer@urbangleaners.org with your availability and preferences. Donations, whether in the form of time, resources, or financial support, play a crucial role in making Oregon's communities healthier and more resilient. For businesses looking to contribute, Urban Gleaners provides logistics support and a range of donation options, emphasizing that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

In the face of Oregon's hunger crisis, Urban Gleaners stands as a beacon of hope, inviting everyone to be part of the solution and to contribute to a world where no one goes to bed hungry. As Urban Gleaners continues to make a difference in the lives of thousands, it invites everyone to be a part of this transformative journey — a journey that starts with a simple act of kindness, one meal at a time.

Resources For Houseless Youth In Oregon

                                                 Resources For Houseless Youth In Oregon

                                             

According to the federal data and transient and unsheltered population counts cited in the research report, Oregon has the highest percentage of youth who are homeless in the country (0.36%). People under the age of 25 who don’t have a stable or safe place to live are considered houseless youth. In Oregon, 22,336 public school students reported being homeless or were couch surfing or living in motels in the 2019-2020 school year, according to data collected by the U.S. Department of Education. There are many factors contributing to the increasing number of young people living on the streets, such as conflicts with family, financial instability, systemic issues, domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health challenges. LGBTQ+ youth who are rejected by their families are also affected. Other reasons are the high cost of housing and scarce employment opportunities. The challenges houseless youth face extend far beyond a lack of shelter. Houseless youth do not have access to education, employment, or healthcare, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and instability. 

According to WalletHub, Washington D.C. has the highest child poverty rate in the U.S. (30.8%) followed by West Virginia (29%) and Mississippi (27.6%). The parts of D.C. which have the most wealth and high education are mostly in white neighborhoods black neighborhoods are more at risk for being in poverty. According to Michael Krezmien, director of the Center for Youth engagement and a special education professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the challenge of engaging at-risk kids is magnified in rural and smaller school districts. “Rural schools face numerous challenges with the engagement of youth in K-12 school(s), and in the transition to postsecondary education, training, and employment. Some of these challenges are associated with the lack of capacity to meet the instructional needs of K-12 youth because of the limited budget for licensed educators in their respective fields,” Krezmien said. “For example, many small rural schools cannot support science teachers in their respective areas of expertise (earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics). 

Despite the challenges, Oregon has seen the emergence of various initiatives and programs aimed at addressing youth homelessness. If you or someone you know is a person 25 and under facing housing issues please visit this link for resources and more information about how you can find help: 

https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/providers-partners/homeless-youth/pages/default.aspx

How Can You Help?

            You can have a role in addressing youth homelessness in Oregon by volunteering with local organizations that support houseless youth, donating to relevant causes, and advocating for policies that prioritize affordable housing and social services. It is also really important to raise awareness and challenge stereotypes surrounding houselessness because this can help shape our society to be
more compassionate and understanding.

Our System Of Living Is Entirely Flawed: How Feedback Loops Created From Trauma Keeps People in Poverty

 

Being houseless immediately puts you at risk for developing PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) as well as many other mental and physical conditions that negatively affect one's health. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur after an individual has experienced a traumatic event, particularly those that include the threat of injury or death. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, symptoms of PTSD appear in three ways:   

1. "Reliving" the event, which disturbs day-to-day activity, including, for example, flashbacks and nightmares.

2.  Avoidance including emotional numbing and feeling detached.  

3. Arousal which might include difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and outbursts of anger, amongst other symptoms.

A person with a history of trauma is way more likely to experience PTSD from a future traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD usually don’t start until weeks or even months after the initial traumatic event.  A feedback loop, relating to mental illness, is when a person’s environmental conditions disallows them from receiving any kind of treatment, leaving them vulnerable to being re-traumatized, and results in the creation of a feedback loop making it nearly impossible for a person to be able to make a positive change. Feedback loops can be caused by internal patterns of thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and behaviors, each element stimulating the next. Author Heidi Helen says, “Experiences of trauma may lead us to develop mental habits; feedback loops are mechanisms that keep maintaining and deepening these habits. One could theorize that feedback loops contribute to reinforcing specific neural pathways in the brain and to developing chronic imbalances in the nervous system and physiology.” Unfortunately most people experience this feedback loop prior to being houseless and still suffer after they’ve been housed. According to the National Alliance To End Homelessness, homelessness as a traumatic experience can lead to PTSD in three different ways. 

1. The actual event of becoming homeless can lead to trauma through the loss of stable shelter,  family connections, accustomed social roles and routines. 

2. The ongoing condition of homelessness and its attendant stressors, such as the uncertainty of where to find food and safe shelter, can erode a person’s coping mechanisms. 

3. Homelessness might serve as a breaking point for those who have pre-existing behavioral health conditions or a history of traumatization.  

Elon Musk is the richest person in the world making 16.9 billion a year, $22,500 every minute, which is $375 every second. According to Bloomberg, it would cost roughly 8.1 billion a year for 12 years just to end the housing crisis in the state of California (which has the highest statistics of houseless people). That means half of Musk’s annual income for the next 12 years could end the housing crisis in California. This estimated total is still based on our flawed system where it is nearly impossible for anyone to buy a house while rent is increasing steadily by the hundreds every year. In 2023, Oregon's rent hike cap was set at 14.6% increase and it’s set for 10% increase in 2024. With this inflation trend happening presently, this means the estimate made by Bloomberg is accounting for inflation to occur for the next 12 years. This illustrates that the real cost to end the housing crisis is actually way less than 8.1 billion a year, but since billionaires are present, and corporations need to make more money than the previous year, the total is way higher. This financial unbalance forces the working class to make less by having to pay more for necessities, like a place to live. This proves we have a housing crisis due to people wanting to capitalize on our need for shelter. The housing crisis acts as a threshold to keep people from becoming successful and makes them more likely to have a mental illness. Our system in America is ruthless, violent, and anti-humanitarian. In order for the housing crisis to stop in this country, we must have these conversations, point out the cyclical nature of oppression and hold the people, who are responsible, accountable for their actions.

For more information and statistics about PTSD and the housing crisis visit: 

Addressing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Caused by Homelessness

State of Homelessness: 2023 Edition

7 PTSD Feedback Loops

Office Of Economic Analysis

We’ve all heard it, “Take care of yourself.” The Importance of Doing Just That

Many of us have probably heard this saying a million times, “Take care of yourself.” Most of us nod our heads, smile, and go about our day. We’re busy, we have a lot going on, the last thing on our mind is ourselves. But this is an important question- Are you taking care of yourself? 

Here are some ways to do just that: 

Learn  to say, "No"

“Hey can you take care of the kids tonight?” If you’re like me you may be inclined to automatically say yes. I’ll be home and I don’t have plans. But what if I just don’t want to? I’m tired, have chores to do, and quite honestly just want to relax. It’s important to learn to say no without the need to give an explanation. Sometimes you just aren't up to it, and that’s ok.

Talk to a therapist (or Life Coach if that title sounds more appealing to you)

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and just don’t know where to turn. Even if you’re feeling happy, content, and satisfied with everything in your life right now, nothing negative can be gained from talking with a therapist. Therapists provide positive feedback and direction in your life. By providing you with tools to navigate difficult moments in life, therapists can help you deal with life’s daily challenges. Here are more ways to care for your mental health. 

Move your body

Take a walk around the block, go for a jog, a bike ride, do a few jumping jacks in place, or just clean the house. Do whatever you can to get your heart pumping at least once a day. Get moving, it’s good for your body and your mind. 

Be kind to yourself

You are probably your own worst critic. Life may not go exactly as planned, and that's ok. It's important to be kind to yourself and practice patience. Afterall, you're only human.

Mental illness, in addition to adverse childhood experiences and substance use, are risk factors for homelessness. People with poor mental health are more susceptible to the three main factors that can lead to homelessness: poverty, disaffiliation, and personal vulnerability.

It’s great to be there for others, but who’s taking care of you? 

Portland State Food Pantry: Campus resource providing free food for PSU Students Relocating to Bigger Space

The Portland State Food Pantry is a PSU Resource that has been serving the PSU community since 2010, founded by ASPSU. Watch this brief video highlighting the Food Pantry, how it functions, who it serves, and how to access it. 

Hear from General Manager Bea McGrath as he talks about his experiences working with the Food Pantry, the start of the PSU Food Pantry, where it is now, and where it's going in the future. Currently located on SW Broadway across from Cramer Hall, formerly occupied by the grocery store Green Zebra, the PSU Food Pantry will return to the SMSU Basement in winter term as they upgrade to a new space nearly 4 times as large as their previous space. 

Overcoming Employment Barriers Commonly Experienced Within the Homeless Community

Obtaining a job is not always an easy task and although it is a societal norm, it can be very difficult at times. There are many factors that can make stable employment harder to achieve including limited people skills, a lack of education, work experience or credentials, and competitive job markets can all effect one’s ability to gain employment. 

What barriers to homeless people experience? 

Taking into consideration that obtaining a job is not an easy task, imagine how much more difficult it can be when coupled with homelessness. Not only does an individual experience these basic challenges in job hunting, there are additional challenges commonly experienced within the homeless community when seeking employment. One of these challenges include having a low credit score due to financial instability, which is often checked by employers during the background check process and can disqualify an individual from the employment process. It can be much more difficult for an individual experiencing homelessness to maintain their physical appearance, which is an important aspect of the interview/employment process. Additionally, houseless individuals experience additional economic, social and physical stressors which can further impact their ability to gain and maintain employment. 

Another barrier that is often experienced is the stigma surrounding employment within the homeless community. Although 53% of the homeless shelter population and 40.4% of the unsheltered homeless population are employed, many people think people experiencing homelessness “just need to get a job”. The unfortunate reality is the average cost of living is much higher than minimum wage, which means that an income alone is not enough to support stable housing. 

Those experiencing homelessness are more likely to experience discrimination, difficulties with transportation and accommodations which can make an employer less likely to hire you. Overall, homelessness increases the difficulties associated with obtaining employment. So how can we overcome these barriers? 

How to overcome these barriers 

Although difficult, maintaining employment while experiencing homelessness is not impossible. Researchers with the United States Department of Labor’s seven-year Job Training for the Homeless Demonstration Program found that homeless individuals can secure and retain jobs that contribute to housing stability with the proper support, including case management, employment, training, housing and support services. Ensuring an employment program understands the process of change and offers options that meet the needs of the individual are vital components of a successful transition to employment. Understanding and acknowledging the presence of diverse barriers to employment such as parents small children, language barriers, old age, etc. is vital in creating support systems that support these barriers. 

How to Help

Although it may not seem like it at times, there are ways we can all help break down these barriers. Providing job assistance with job searches, resume building and interview preparation through volunteering at local shelters is a great way to support those seeking employment. Advocating for this issue, educating others, and raising awareness about this issue can help dispute the misconceptions and stigma surrounding homelessness and employment. Want to volunteer? Find local shelters near you! 

Changing the Narrative: Breaking the Stigma of Houselessness in Portland

In the city known for its progressive values and breathtaking natural beauty, Portland, Oregon is also known for another thing: its prevalent houseless community. In a 2022 Portland Insights Survey report conducted by the city of Portland, homelessness, cost of living, and community safety were seen as a priority for city governments according to community members.

Although the community is concerned about homelessness, there is still a stigma towards the actual houseless community. The Ecopol Project at Portland State wants to fight against those misconceptions that can lead to harsh judgment on the houseless community. It is important that we can help pave the way for a more empathetic and compassionate approach that will lead to a stronger community.

While statistics are helpful in identifying a social issue, it is the lived stories and experiences - the personal testimonies of those within the community- that will aid us on our journey to transforming perspectives and dismantling stereotypes. 

Candi Silvis's Story

Candi Silvis, after experiencing homelessness for three years, found stability and a renewed sense of purpose through a rental assistance voucher in Beaverton, Ore. Escaping an abusive relationship, she navigated the challenges of homelessness, usually sleeping in shelters or her car. After three years of uncertainty, Silvis received a transformative rental assistance voucher from Washington County. This voucher, designed for older adults experiencing homelessness, covers rent for up to a decade or until the recipient secures a regular income.

Since moving into her Beaverton apartment in August, Silvis has discovered a sense of purpose beyond mere survival. She's applying to job training programs, engaging in artistic pursuits, maintaining sobriety, and caring for her new kitten, Milo. Reflecting on her newfound stability, Silvis expressed, "It's surreal. I can go for a walk and know that I have something to come back to. I feel like I have a future. "Silvis's journey challenges stereotypes by highlighting the complexities faced by individuals seeking shelter. Her transformation from survival mode to pursuing job training, art, and sobriety underscores the potential for resilience and growth when supportive housing becomes available. Silvis's story exemplifies the importance of understanding the diverse narratives within homelessness, contributing to a more empathetic and informed perspective on those overcoming such challenges.

Nova Honey's Story

Nova Honey, a 23-year-old who experienced homelessness, shared her harrowing journey marked by mental health challenges and the complexities of securing stable housing. Believing she was hunted by the CIA during a period of psychosis, Honey grappled with the lack of access to mental health resources. The survey revealed that 63% of unsheltered Portlanders reported mental health issues.

Living outside exacerbated Honey's mental health struggles, with sweeps, trauma, and interactions with law enforcement further complicating her situation. Despite these obstacles, she eventually secured a rental assistance voucher and was able to move into an apartment. The transformative impact of stable housing on Honey's mental health is evident, as she now experiences reduced stress, improved sleep, and a sense of security.

While Honey's story highlights the positive outcomes that housing and support can bring, challenges persist for others facing homelessness and mental health issues. Advocates emphasize the critical role of outreach workers and increased funding for behavioral health services to address the intricate needs of individuals navigating both homelessness and mental health challenges.

Houseless People Are Not a Monolith

In reflecting on Candy Silvis’s and Nova Honey's inspiring journey from homelessness to stability, it's crucial to recognize that success stories like hers, while heartening, do not universally encapsulate the diverse experiences within the houseless community. Each person's narrative is unique, shaped by distinct challenges and circumstances. It is essential to acknowledge that one individual's voice does not represent an entire group; they are not a monolith.

These narratives serve as beacons of inspiration, yet they should not overshadow the diverse and varied experiences within the homelessness community. Each individual's voice contributes to a broader tapestry of stories, reminding us that they are not a monolith. As we champion success stories, let us remain committed to listening, learning, and advocating for solutions that address the unique needs of every person navigating homelessness.

Getting To Know Your Houseless Neighbors

As we acknowledge these successes, we must also underscore the importance of volunteering and actively engaging with the houseless community. Volunteering provides a firsthand understanding of the complexities faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and allows us to contribute meaningfully to their well-being.

By volunteering with organizations such as Hands On Portland, Transition Projects, or Street Roots in Portland, we can foster connections, break down stigmas, and challenge preconceived notions. Understanding the diverse narratives within the community is key to dispelling stereotypes and building empathy.

Ugly Produce Problems

 Ugly Food Gets A Second Chance...?

Have you ever gone to the grocery store or farmers market and picked up an oddly shaped bell pepper? What about a bruised banana? Did you end up purchasing it or looking past it and selecting a more "traditional-looking" piece of produce? 

 Photo Credit: 

Olga Leschenko/Shutterstock

If you answered yes to all of the questions above, you're not alone. In fact, most grocery stores in the US are actually set up so that you don't have to purchase "ugly produce" or even see it on the shelves in the first place. According to Almanac.com, it's rumored that about 1 in 5 fruits and vegetables that are grown by commercial farmers don't meet the harsh cosmetic standards of grocery stores. Why do grocery stores care what shape a carrot grows in? Well, it's simple, because consumers do. Several studies have been done on how we give value to the presentation and appearance of our food choices. One study, in particular, found that even as food was professionally prepared by chefs, participants still preferred more attractive plating techniques over quality of food. Our cognitive bias reminds us of how red a tomato should be and how straight a carrot should stand. Leaving us with aesthetically pleasing produce drawers in our fridge, and landfills of fresh, but ugly produce. 

So, what happens to all that ugly food and what can we do?

Simple. It goes to waste. But it doesn't have to. In fact, many companies are now beginning to offer food subscription boxes for low-cost fresh produce that is just "too ugly to sell". Sites like Misfits Market offer several box sizes for a monthly rate to get fresh farm produce sent to your door. You can even select to receive more or less fruits or veggies each month. They've recently expanded to offer meat, seafood, dairy, and other grain options for a more well-rounded grocery delivery option. However, the best and most economical option might be to simply shop small and local when you can and see if purchasing ugly produce from farmers in your area is an option. Chances are if you don't see ugly produce on tables at a farmers market, it's because farmers don't believe it will sell. There have also been several attempts made by Kroger, Walmart, and Whole Foods to begin selling ugly produce at a discounted rate, but the companies have reported that consumers just aren't interested. If we want to help reduce food waste, especially food waste due to shallow cosmetic reasons, it truly starts with us, we cannot solely rely upon major corporations to do the right thing or lead a worthy cause. 

Albina Vision Trust: Reimagining Renewal

     

    The Lower Albina Neighborhood in Portland, the area around and north of the Rose Quarter along the Willamette River, was the site of several urban renewal and infrastructure projects through the 1950's 60's and 70's. Construction of the Memorial Colosseum, the I-5 freeway, and Legacy Emmanuel Hospital displaced thousands in what was one of Portland's most diverse neighborhoods, and the heart of the black community. In the decades since, real estate investors, city policies and further urban renewal plans have worked to raise housing prices and effectively gentrify not just Albina but much of North Portland.

    Led by local Portlanders, Albina Vision Trust has laid out a plan to reclaim Albina as a livable, affordable place for families, honoring the neighborhood's history by bringing back the life that it once had. Most urban renewal plans are implemented with a focus on economic growth, the results of which often result in the pushing out of existing residents for a new, wealthier population. In their own words, the AVT is trying to "turn urban renewal on its head." In the Trust's 50 year plan, they are attempting to walk the tightrope between new development and affordable living. What they've devised is a combination of shared spaces and affordable housing where the prime real estate (i.e. looking over the Willamette) is publicly shared in the form of a park.

    The 50 year plan has its share of obstacles. Part of the renewal hinges upon Portland Public Schools selling its headquarters. A major infrastructure project would also have to be approves, covering sections of I-5 in order to build upon and connect Albina to the Willamette once again. All the while the AVT will have to combat the economic and political forces that have continued to raise rent and property values, displace black Portlanders, and have contributed to Portland's problems with housing access.

    To learn more, contribute, and stay informed on the important progress of the Albina Vision Trust, you can go to their website here: Albina Vision Trust  In addition to plans for the future, the also have resources to educate yourself on Portland's history of displacement.

    These are the first steps towards undoing the damage of economic driven urban renewal and gentrification in Portland, and steps toward a better and more livable city.