How the Cost of Living Effects College Students

 Portland's reputation for its vibrant culture and innovation belies a pressing issue that sadly affects its college student population: the escalating cost of rental housing. This discussion delves into the formidable challenges posed by exorbitant rental prices in Portland, particularly concerning its impact on the accessibility of housing for students pursuing higher education.

The staggering rise in rent prices in Portland has created a significant barrier for college students seeking affordable housing options. As rental rates continue to outpace wage growth, students find themselves grappling with the dilemma of allocating a significant portion of their limited financial resources towards housing expenses. This leaves them with little room to cover other essential needs such as tuition fees, textbooks, and groceries. Consequently, many students are forced to make sacrifices and compromises, often opting for substandard living conditions or resorting to multiple jobs to make ends meet.

Source

The scarcity of affordable housing exacerbates the housing crisis, intensifying competition and driving rental prices even higher. This vicious cycle perpetuates a sense of instability and uncertainty among college students, who are left uncertain about their housing situation from one term to the next. The constant threat of eviction or displacement looms over their heads, adding stress and anxiety to an already demanding workload. The geographical distribution of affordable housing exacerbates the challenges faced by college students in Portland. As rental prices surge in prime locations closer to universities and colleges, students are often compelled to seek accommodation in peripheral areas with limited access to public transportation. This not only imposes additional transportation costs but also contributes to feelings of isolation and disconnection from campus life and resources.

The impact of high rent prices extends beyond financial strain, infiltrating the academic performance and overall well-being of college students. Studies have shown that housing insecurity and financial stress are strongly correlated with decreased academic engagement, higher dropout rates, and mental health issues among students. The constant juggling act of balancing academics with the burden of housing instability takes a toll on students' physical and mental health, hindering their ability to thrive and succeed in their educational pursuits.

Source

In conclusion, the soaring rent prices in Portland pose a formidable challenge for college students, rendering housing increasingly inaccessible and exacerbating financial strain and academic stress. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from policymakers, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to implement strategies aimed at increasing affordable housing options, promoting sustainable development, and mitigating the adverse effects of the housing crisis on college students. Only through collaborative and proactive measures can we ensure that all students have equal opportunities to pursue their educational aspirations without being hindered by the burden of unaffordable rent.

Helping the Future Generation Overcome the Odds!

Volunteer groups working with the Younger Youth

Why is it important:

We need to help kids who don't have much, especially those living in tough neighborhoods, by giving them inspiration to love learning. When these kids get excited about education, it can totally change their lives for the better. Learning can help them dream big and believe in themselves, even when things are tough. Plus, it teaches them how to solve problems and think for themselves. When kids from tough neighborhoods get inspired to learn, it can make a huge difference. Education gives them the tools they need to chase their dreams and overcome obstacles. It also helps them feel more confident and valuable. And when they learn to think critically and creatively, it helps them handle whatever life throws their way. By investing in the education of kids from tough neighborhoods, we can make their communities better too. Education can break the cycle of poverty, lower crime rates, and help the local economy grow. When kids are excited about learning, they become leaders who inspire others to do the same. And educated people tend to make positive contributions to society, like getting involved in their communities or starting their own businesses. Helping these kids isn't just the right thing to do—it's also a smart way to build a better future for everyone.

Different Organizations to Join the Goal of making a difference in the Youths' Lives:

(Volunteers gardening with the youth)
https://focusonyouth.org/

Focus On Youth Organization:

Focus on Youth is like a big ray of sunshine for kids in tough neighborhoods, offering tutoring, job training, and fun activities like sports and arts to make their lives better. They provide extra help with schoolwork, which can be crucial for kids facing challenges in their education, and offer job training to prepare them for future employment opportunities. Beyond academics and work, they create a sense of belonging and connection through enjoyable activities, fostering a supportive community environment akin to being part of a big family. What makes Focus on Youth truly special is its unwavering support for kids who might not have many opportunities otherwise, instilling in them a belief in their potential and empowering them to succeed despite the obstacles they face. By providing encouragement, resources, and a sense of belonging, Focus on Youth is not just helping with immediate needs; they're building brighter futures and showing these kids that they are valued and capable of achieving greatness.

(Youths working with other youths)
https://www.youthpdx.org/

Y.O.U.T.H (Youth Organized & United to Help) :

 YouthPDX stands out as a transformative force in the lives of young people facing adversity in tough neighborhoods. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing mentorship, skill-building workshops, and community engagement, YouthPDX empowers youths to reach their full potential. By pairing them with mentors who provide guidance and support, YouthPDX fosters invaluable one-on-one connections that help youths navigate challenges and set and achieve their goals. Moreover, through a diverse range of workshops and activities covering areas such as academic support, job readiness, and financial literacy, YouthPDX equips young people with practical skills and knowledge essential for success. Beyond individual growth, YouthPDX cultivates a sense of community among participants, fostering supportive peer networks and providing opportunities for leadership and community service. By investing in the holistic development of young people, YouthPDX not only helps them thrive but also contributes to the positive transformation of entire neighborhoods, creating a brighter future where every youth has the opportunity to succeed and make a meaningful impact.

https://wearesage.org/

SAGE:

The Sage organization, showcased on their website, is a fantastic resource for young people in challenging neighborhoods. They provide a range of programs tailored to support these youths, including mentorship, leadership training, and access to educational resources. By offering guidance and encouragement, Sage helps these kids feel empowered and capable of overcoming obstacles. Through initiatives like mentorship programs and workshops, Sage creates a sense of belonging and confidence among underserved youth, giving them the tools they need to succeed. Their efforts demonstrate the importance of investing in the education and well-being of disadvantaged youth, not only for the individuals themselves but also for the wider community. By nurturing the potential of these young people, Sage is contributing to a brighter future for everyone.

LETS INSPIRE:

Helping younger kids is important because it helps them have a good future and makes our community better. When we support them, teach them, and give them chances to learn and grow, we help them become responsible and caring people. This not only helps them succeed but also makes our whole community stronger and happier for years to come.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK ON THIS LINK JOIN YOUR LOCAL GROUPS TO MAKE CHANGE AND IMPACT THE YOUNGER GENERATION!

https://greatnonprofits.org/city/portland/OR/category:children-and-youth/sort:review_count/direction:desc

Portland Resources for the Homeless

Resources for the Homeless

Everyday, thousands of individuals wake up on the streets of Portland without a home. The lucky ones found a shelter and maybe a bed, but they still worry everyday whether or not they'll have one the next night. Those with animals may be turned away from a cot, forced to choose between a bed and a dear pet on a cold night. I have taken the time to list resources for those that may need assistance. Below, you will find a list of shelters that allow pets, along with their address and contact information, and their hours and reservation policy. Further down you will find reputable non-profits and charities that may be able to help, with descriptions on what they aim to do.

Pet Friendly Shelters:

Walnut Park Shelter - 5411 NE MLK Jr. Blvd. at NE Killingsworth, Portland - 503.488.7762

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Reservation Required: Yes

The Willamette Center - 5120 SE Milwaukie Ave., Portland, Oregon 97202 - 503.488.7750

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Reservation Required: Yes

Columbia Shelter - 421 SW 5th Ave., Portland, Oregon 97204 - 503.280.4700

Hours: 7pm to 6:30am

Reservation Required: Yes

Wy'east Shelter - 1415 SE 122nd Ave., Portland, Oregon 97233 - 503.488.7766

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Reservation Required: Yes

Highly Rated Non-Profits:

Sisters of the Road - Website Found Here

Sisters of the Road is a charity to support low-income and homeless individuals through charitable and educational programs, which includes affordable and healthy meals. They encourage authentic relationship building and help to alleviate hunger on the streets. 

Street Roots - Website Found Here

Street Roots is a nonprofit media organization based in Portland Oregon. They aim to allow an income for all homeless individuals, by allowing them to sell their newspaper Street Roots. They hire those who find trouble finding work, and use the profits of the paper to support them with an income.

Transition Projects - Website Found Here

Transition Projects specializes in getting the homeless into housing. With 10 unique locations to support those in need, they provide overnight shelters, gender specific shelters, pet friendly shelters, short term housing, and help those involved find permanent housing. 

Outside In - Website Found Here

Outside In looks to support youth and marginalized people experiencing homelessness through a variety of means. They offer health services, counseling, meals, education, and employment opportunities. 

The Rise of Zero Waste Lifestyles

 

Photo by Sustain L.A.

The Rise of Zero Waste Lifestyle

By: Elizabeth Watson

Introduction:

The zero waste movement, gaining increasing traction and relevance in today's world, is a philosophy that aims to minimize waste generation and optimize resource use. Rooted in the principles of reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting, it advocates for a holistic approach to consumption that emphasizes sustainability and environmental consciousness (EPA, 2023). By encouraging individuals, businesses, and communities to adopt mindful practices such as avoiding single-use plastics, embracing package-free options and supporting circular economies, the movement strives to mitigate the harmful impacts of waste on ecosystems and human health while creating a more resilient and regenerative society. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and conservation, the zero waste movement represents a crucial response to the challenges of climate change and resource depletion.

Benefits of Zero Waste Living                                   Photo by Ensia

Embracing a zero waste lifestyle offers many benefits across environmental, economic, and health domains. Environmentally, it significantly reduces landfill waste by minimizing the amount of trash, then conserving valuable resources and mitigating pollution. Economically, zero waste living means consuming less, thereby saving money through reduced purchasing and waste management costs
while also promoting sustainable practices that contribute to long-term financial gain. Additionally, by opting for natural, unpackaged goods and products filled with chemicals, individuals can enhance their health by minimizing exposure to toxins, allergens, and pollutants commonly found in conventional consumer items (Toronto Environmental Alliance, 2020).

Practical Tips for Embracing Zero Waste Living

1. Assess Your Current Waste: Conduct a waste audit to identify areas for improvement

2. Reduce Single-use Plastics: Swap plastic items for reusable alternatives (e.g., water bottles, grocery bags)

3. Shop Mindfully: Choose products with minimal packaging or opt for package-free options

4. Embrace DIY Culture: Make your own household cleaners, personal care products, and food items

5. Compost Organic Waste: Start composting food scraps to divert them from landfills and create nutrient-rich soil

6. Prioritize Quality over Quantity: Invest in durable, long-lasting items instead of disposable ones

7. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about environmental issues and sustainability practices to make informed choices

Conclusion

Embracing a zero waste lifestyle is a gradual journey that requires commitment and mindfulness. By implementing practical changes into your everyday life, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable world. It is important to recognize that transitioning to zero waste is not an overnight process, but rather a series of conscious choices made each day. As long as you remain mindful of your consumption habits and continuously seek opportunities to minimize waste, you will invariably make a positive impact on both the environment and your own life.

                                                                                     Photo by Zeona        

 To learn more about zero-waste living, click here!   

References

EPA. (2023, November 22). How Communities Have Defined Zero Waste | US EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved March 17, 2024, from https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/how-communities-have-defined-zero-waste

Toronto Environmental Alliance. (2020). Benefits of Zero Waste. Toronto Environmental Alliance. Retrieved March 17, 2024, from https://www.torontoenvironment.org/zerowaste_benefits

                                                                                                                                         

When is a Home a Home? The Need for Legal Car Camping Spaces

 

Despite the image of the average houseless person as being out on the streets or in a tent, the reality is that there are hundreds of thousands of Americans that use their cars and mobile homes as both temporary and permanent shelters, a reality that is both at times glamorized, demonized and frequently misunderstood. What defines a “home” becomes a little more complicated when looking at mobile homes, as they have a structure to live in yet no legal space to park it in. This is where the problems start for those looking for a safe place to live off the street; they simply are running out of places to stay in spite of their shelter. With a growing number of mobile parks simply vanishing and not being replaced by local governments, people have no choice to park their vehicles in public parking spaces and lots, often drawing the ire of the local communities and leading to punitive punishments, like impounding, ticketing, and auctioning, as ways to further push these people into poverty. In this post I will look at how these situations are created directly by greater societal elements, like rent prices and job security, and how punishing people for living in their car only serves to make the homelessness crisis worse.

 

These issues become much clearer when you look at the statistics around citizens living in their vehicles. This information is from Seattle, Washington, but they reflect a wider trend throughout the United States that has only gotten worse since the COVID-19 outbreak and governmental shutdowns that resulted. Additionally, by looking at these graphs we see the cause of homelessness for these people lies deeper among other societal problems, largely job insecurity and raising housing prices. When compared to non-Vehicle residents, there is an average of ten percent of causes of homelessness attributed to greater societal issues like income equality and unreasonable rent prices, highlighting that the issue of people being forced to live in their car cannot be solved with punitive measures without addressing the greater issues first. As these graphs on rent prices show, there is a direct correlation between how much a city charges for rent on average and how many homeless people exist in that community. The cities may treat things like unsanctioned RV camps as nuisances that must be squashed, but it’s hard to deny that they are the ones that sowed the seeds that made these camps necessary in the first place.

 

These tickets issued to vehicles are not harmless financial measures, but rather legal traps that eventually lead to vehicle impoundment, as well as long term damage to credit ratings and the ability to receive financial help in the future. Whether they are auctioned off for fifty dollars or destroyed by the city using thousands of taxpayer dollars, the system directly exists to ensure that the people affected are further pushed into poverty with no hope of ever recovering. As we can see from the data, thousands of people are living in their cars and see it as a viable form of shelter, but it’s the government and wealthy local communities that are working overtime to make sure that they have one less safe space to sleep in. For us to combat this, we need to create a vast number of legal spaces for these vehicles to exist in, and to have a legitimate way of supporting a plan that makes up for our lack of public parking. Not only will this help the communities that want to clean up their streets from public car camping, but more importantly, it will provide the thousands of people who live in their car every night with a place of legitimate security that they currently do not have.

To read more about safe parking programs and learn about programs that currently exist, click on the links below. While the amount offered is not nearly enough for the amount of people in need, it shows that there are examples of this system working, and how we can build this into something that offers security to everyone who needs it.

 

https://www.beavertonoregon.gov/378/Safe-Parking-Program

https://www.cityofvancouver.us/community/homelessness/vancouver-safe-parking-zone/

Exploring the Impact of Remote Work on Homelessness

Remote work has become increasingly prevalent in today's workforce, accelerated by technological advancements and the global shift towards flexible work arrangements. This topic delves into the effects of remote work on employee well-being and productivity, examining the opportunities and challenges it presents for individuals and organizations.

In recent years, the streets of Portland have witnessed a troubling surge in chronic homelessness, outpacing national trends at an alarming rate. Multnomah County's 2022 Point-In-Time Count, a snapshot capturing the reality of houseless individuals on any given night, paints a stark picture. The numbers are staggering: over 5,200 people find themselves without stable housing in Portland, marking a staggering 30% increase since 2019. But beyond the statistics lie the stories of those affected. More than just numbers, over 80% of those living unsheltered in our city, including many of our patients, grapple with at least one disability. Among them, 40% struggle with severe mental health disorders, while 37% battle substance use disorders. These aren't just figures; they're the faces of a crisis that demands attention and action. 

Oregon is focused on tackling the shelter problem through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program. This program is aimed to help individuals and families quickly find stability in housing after experiencing homelessness. The program covers various components such as street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing assistance, and data collection.

One relatable aspect between homelessness and work is the concept of housing insecurity. While homelessness denotes a complete lack of housing, housing insecurity can also encompass situations where individuals have a place to live but face uncertainty about its stability or affordability. One of the main issues of onsite jobs for sheltered homeless people is that they are often low pay, long hours, far from shelter, or physically taxing. This can often contribute to the mental and physical toll on the individual perpetuating the mentality of never escaping the cycle of homelessness.  Remote work, with its potential to transcend geographical boundaries and offer flexibility, can be seen as a solution to housing insecurity for some individuals. It allows people to maintain employment without being tied to a specific location, potentially mitigating the risk of limited income, displacement due to gentrification, rising housing costs, and other factors.

Benefits of Remote Work:

Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Remote work offers employees the flexibility to manage their work schedules around personal commitments, leading to improved work-life balance and reduced stress levels. 

Increased Productivity: Many employees report higher levels of productivity when working remotely, citing fewer distractions, reduced commute times, and the ability to work in a comfortable environment of their choice free of stigmas.

Cost Savings: Remote work can result in cost savings for both employees and employers, including reduced commuting expenses, office space overheads, and increased efficiency.

While remote work alone may not completely solve homelessness, it can be a valuable tool in addressing some of the underlying challenges and providing opportunities for individuals to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. By exploring these connections, we can foster a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Strategies for Leveraging Remote Work to Address Homelessness:

• Partnerships with Nonprofit Organizations: Collaborating with nonprofit organizations that specialize in homelessness support to identify job opportunities, provide training, and offer resources for individuals seeking remote work.

• Remote Work Training Programs: Establishing training programs focused on remote work skills, digital literacy, and professional development to prepare individuals facing homelessness for remote employment opportunities.

• Employer Engagement: Encouraging employers to create remote work opportunities, offer flexible arrangements, and support diversity and inclusion initiatives that benefit individuals from marginalized backgrounds.

Survey Results and Response for "Houselessness, Mental Health Conditions, and Drug Abuse, Is There a Correlation?"

 We want to start by thanking everyone who participated in the survey that was posted in February. It was a great turn out and we're so grateful for 45 responses that helped us gain a better understanding of the knowledge and viewpoints that the public has on these public health issues. In this post, we will be sharing the responses and results from the survey, and at the end, there will be another brief survey that we encourage you to take after reading. 

The first question of the survey asked "How many individuals do you think suffer from houselessness in the United States?" and the majority of the responses were correct, the estimated number of houseless individuals in 2022 was 582, 462. From 2022 to 2023 the United States experienced a 12% increase in the number of individuals who were houseless on a single night, approximately 653,100 people experienced houselessness at some point in 2023.  

Graph of responses 

The second question asked, "How many people do you think suffer from houselessness in Portland, Oregon?". Many of the participants answered incorrectly, and only 38% of the responses were correct. There is a noticeable stigma surrounding Portland, Oregon, and its homeless crisis, many individuals expected the number of houseless individuals in Portland to be greater than the actual value. Around 53% of the participants expected the number of houseless individuals to be about 4,000 more people than the actual estimated value. The number of homeless individuals has dramatically increased by 65% in recent years. In 2015 the estimated number of people experiencing homelessness was 1,887, and in 2023 there were around 6,297 homeless individuals.

graph of responses

The next question was "Do you believe that drug abuse and houselessness are correlated?", this question was asked mainly to see what people's views are on the idea of a correlation between these two public health issues. 80% of the participants believed that there was a correlation between the two, which was good to see. It is estimated that around 1/3 of houseless individuals have some form of substance abuse disorder, around 38% of people who are houseless abuse alcohol, and 26% abuse other forms of drugs. The correlation between the two public health concerns is complex, substance abuse can be a factor that leads someone to becoming homeless, but substance abuse can also be a consequence of homelessness. Individuals who suffer from homelessness are more likely to abuse substances, and their also at a greater risk of experiencing an overdose caused by opioids or illicit drugs.

Graph of Responses

Then we asked in the survey, "Around what percent of houseless individuals in the U.S. abuse drugs?", the data compiled demonstrated that people expect the percentage to be higher than it is. 40% of the participants believed that 72% of homeless individuals abuse drugs, and 24% of survey takers correctly answered that 26% of houseless people abuse drugs.  

graph

The follow-up question was "Around what percent of houseless individuals suffer from substance abuse disorder (SUD)?", about 29% of the responses selected the correct answer, which was 37% of houseless people have a substance abuse disorder (SUD). 40% of the responses were for the highest value, and 56% of houseless people have SUD, which can demonstrate the stigma surrounding homelessness and substance abuse. One error in the survey question was that we used data for Portland, Oregon, but in the question, we didn't specify whether it was on Portland, or the United States as a whole. 

graph

The participants were asked, "In 2022, about how many houseless people died from drug overdoses in Portland, Oregon?". Following the trend of the responses to previous questions, 33% of participants answered "413" and 29% selected "365", the correct number was much lower than the participants assumed, only 11% of people answered correctly with "123" homeless people died from a drug overdose in 2022. With the rise of fentanyl in the United States, the nation has been facing a drastic increase in drug-related overdose deaths, and Portland is no exception, with 74% of the overdoses caused by fentanyl. 

graph

Again, we asked the survey takers a question that would be based on their views and beliefs, "Do you believe that houselessness and mental health issues are correlated?", 89% of the participants did believe that there is a correlation. People who experience homelessness are more likely to suffer from mental illnesses like anxiety and depression, and they're at a greater risk of having suicidal ideations and committing suicide. Mental illnesses can also lead to homelessness, individuals with mental health disorders are at a greater risk of becoming homeless, some disorders can inhibit a person from getting and maintaining a job, and behavior disorders can cause an individual to withdraw from friends and family. Substance abuse can also play a part in this, individuals with mental health issues are more likely to misuse substances in efforts to self-medicate, and the financial burden of substance abuse and self-medicating can also be a factor in becoming houseless. Substance abuse can also cause mental health problems and can also be a factor to self-isolation and maintaining a job. 

graph

In the survey we asked "In the U.S. what percent of houseless individuals suffer from mental illnesses?". This question also demonstrated that the expected percentage is much higher than the actual value, 62% of responses selected "50%" and only 7% of the responses selected the correct percentage which is 21%. In 2022, 21% of homeless people interviewed reported having a mental illness. 

graph

 

The last question of the survey was "What percent of houseless people in Portland, Oregon suffer from mental health conditions?". A majority of the participants (56%) answered 72%, and the other majority (36%) answered correctly, 40%. In 2022, 40% of houseless individuals reported having a mental health disorder. This percentage gives the public a good idea of how many homeless individuals suffer from some form of mental health problems. Still, the value is most likely higher than what was reported, because it is likely that non every homeless individual was interviewed. Some also might not be aware that they are suffering from a mental health disorder. People who are experiencing houselessness and mental health issues are more than likely not receiving treatment for their problems, which can exacerbate their symptoms, and can lead to episodes of psychosis or depression. 

graph

A large issue when discussing homelessness, mental illnesses, and substance abuse is whether there is a correlation or causation between the three. There is a correlation between these three public health issues, but correlation doesn't mean causation. Correlation and causation can exist simultaneously, which these three public health crises demonstrate, each of these issues can cause another. Mental illnesses can cause homelessness and substance abuse, substance abuse can lead to houselessness and mental illnesses, and substance abuse and mental illnesses can be the result of experiencing homelessness. The biggest takeaway from this survey and its results is that causation and correlation are both present and can be seen and experienced in different ways. 

Link for Final Survey