Social Workers in Libraries: A New Approach to Supporting the Homeless in Multnomah County

In Multnomah County, Oregon, social workers have found a new and impactful way to assist the homeless population by setting up shop in the Multnomah County Central Library. The two social workers in Central Library are from Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare and they are trained to de-escalate situations when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis. This creative approach not only addresses immediate needs but also integrates crucial social services into community hubs that are accessible and welcoming. Here’s how this initiative is making an impact and what it means for the future of social support in the area.

Libraries: More Than Just Books

Public libraries have long been cherished as centers of learning and community engagement. In Multnomah County, they are now evolving into vital and accessible support networks for those experiencing homelessness. Libraries, often frequented by individuals seeking a warm or cool, safe place, are uniquely positioned to serve as access points for social service outreach.

The Role of Social Workers in Libraries

1. Immediate Support and Resources
   Social workers stationed in libraries can provide immediate assistance to those in need. They offer information about emergency shelters, food services, and other resources. By being available on-site, social workers can address issues quickly and connect people with the support they require in person.

2. Case Management and Long-Term Assistance
   Beyond immediate help, social workers in libraries engage in case management to support individuals in their journey towards stability. They work with clients to develop personalized plans, focusing on needs such as housing, employment, and mental health services. This holistic approach ensures that individuals receive ongoing support and are guided towards long-term solutions.

3. Community Integration and Trust Building
   Libraries are often seen as neutral and non-judgmental spaces, which makes them ideal for building trust with marginalized populations. Because libraries create a sense of community, they can encourage individuals to seek help and engage with available resources. This approach helps bridge gaps between service providers and those who might otherwise avoid seeking assistance due to stigma or previous negative experiences.

4. Educational Workshops and Skills Training
   Libraries are also venues for educational programs and workshops. Social workers can leverage these opportunities to offer skills training, financial literacy classes, and other educational resources that empower individuals to improve their circumstances. These programs contribute to personal development and self-sufficiency, providing tools that can lead to greater stability.

Looking Forward

More big cities across the country are following suit and are arranging social workers in their public libraries. Clackamas County now has two libraries that provide the same services and hopefully other surrounding counties implement this innovative strategy as well. By applying the combined power of libraries and social workers there is a hope for more inclusive and effective strategies in the fight for secured housing for all. 

The collaboration between libraries and social workers increases a commitment to empathy, accessibility, and holistic support for its community members. It’s a testament to how reimagining traditional spaces can lead to meaningful progress in addressing one of society’s most challenging issues.

For more resources go to Community resource lists | Multnomah County Library (multcolib.org)

Why should we care about sustainable tourism?

 

1. Clean beaches (no garbage) 💙   

2. Clean Air (no pollution)💚

3. No big, loud resorts! (peace & quiet)✌

DID YOU KNOW: Sustainable tourism is defined by the UN Environment Program and UN World Tourism Organization as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

For more info please check out:

https://ecobnb.com/blog/2016/12/why-sustainable-tourism-important/

Please do your part by traveling and booking sustainably!

Think before you vacay! 💜

The Rising Tide: Surviving the Climate Crisis Unhoused

 

Photo by Yesica Prado

As the climate crisis escalates, its impacts on vulnerable populations become more acute and complex. In Portland, Oregon, extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change are not just natural disasters—they are social catastrophes for the homeless population. 

In the city, the escalating climate crisis has intensified the challenges faced by the homeless population, manifesting through severe weather events that strain the city's emergency response capabilities. The January 2024 ice storm, for instance, highlighted a critical need for enhanced infrastructure and support systems as shelters were overwhelmed by those seeking refuge from the brutal cold. Such weather extremes not only exacerbate the immediate risks for the unhoused but also underscore the broader implications of climate change—destroying affordable housing and destabilizing economic sectors that disproportionately affect the lower-income groups, thus increasing the risk of homelessness.

Photo by Eccovia

The health risks of the climate crisis on the homeless population are both direct and severe, significantly compounding their vulnerabilities. 

Here are some of the primary health risks, to name a few:

As the summers grow more oppressive and the winters more frigid, homeless individuals are particularly susceptible to the extremes of weather—facing both heatwaves and cold snaps with no other options but to pray for temperateness. Left without shelter, those exposed to heatwaves are mortally threatened by heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which are particularly dangerous without access to cool spaces or adequate hydration. Conversely, cold weather increases the risk of hypothermia and frostbite, especially for those without proper winter clothing or shelter. Due to increases in critical fire risks, smoke pollution, a byproduct of rising temperatures and more frequent wildfires, can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis. Homeless individuals, who often cannot escape to air-conditioned or air-filtered environments, are especially vulnerable to these conditions.

While climate patterns become increasingly volatile, it is clear that homelessness cannot be addressed in isolation from environmental concerns. Urban planning and social services in Portland and beyond must incorporate climate resilience into their strategies to prevent homelessness. This involves not only reactive measures like emergency shelters and resource distribution during crises, but also proactive community planning that integrates sustainable housing solutions and economic supports. These efforts are crucial not only for safeguarding vulnerable populations but also for fostering a resilient community capable of withstanding future climatic disruptions.

In Portland, the intersection of homelessness and the climate crisis calls for immediate and sustained action. By integrating climate resilience into homelessness prevention strategies, we can help ensure that the safety nets provided are strong enough to withstand the challenges posed by a changing climate!

For more information:

How Climate Change Impacts Homelessness

On the Connection Between Climate Change and Homelessness

Portland ice storm drew unprecedented need from unhoused people

Global Inspirations for Local Solutions: Housing Oregon's Homeless

Oregon continues to struggle with a rising homeless population, with recent statistics emphasizing a significant increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's annual Homelessness Assessment Report, Oregon and Portland led the nation in homelessness among families and youth in 2023. The Portland area had the highest percentage of unsheltered families experiencing homelessness among major cities, with 74% of homeless families unsheltered. Statewide, Oregon had the highest percentage of unsheltered, unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness at nearly 70%. This crisis necessitates innovative and cost-effective solutions to provide safe, sustainable housing for those in need. 

Drawing inspiration from global architectural designs can offer fresh perspectives and practical solutions. One country that stands out for its innovative yet affordable housing solutions is the Philippines. Filipino architects have developed designs that maximize space, efficiency, and sustainability, which could be adapted to meet the needs of Oregon's homeless population. 

Pamana: A Duplex Dream

The "Pamana" Design

The "Pamana" design by Carl Jheyms Urbano, a junior architect from the Lyceum Northwestern University in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines, is a duplex house estimated to cost PHP 2,363,200, roughly USD 40,000. This design offers an efficient solution by providing housing for two families within a single structure, effectively halving the cost per family. 

"Pamana" Floor Design

The Pamana design utilizes natural ventilation strategies, taking advantage of the local climate to reduce the need of HVAC systems. This approach could be adapted for Oregon's varying weather conditions by incorporating energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions. 

Baluto: Compact and Resilient

The "Baluto" Design

Another innovative design by Carl Jheyms is the "Baluto", a cost-effective container house designed for flood-prone areas. Boasting a compact size of 6 x 6 meters, the Baluto is estimated to cost less than PHP 500,000, approximately USD 8,500.

"Baluto" Floor Plan

This design leverages the durability and availability of shipping containers, creating a resilient structure that can withstand harsh conditions. While HVAC systems are not typically included in Philippine designs due to the reliance on natural ventilation, adaptations could be made for Oregon's climate to ensure year-round comfort for residents.

Local Application: Learning from San Francisco

The "Tahanan" Project in San Francisco

San Francisco offers a compelling example of how Filipino-inspired designs can be adapted for use in the United States. The "Tahanan" project, named after the Filipino word for "home", provides permanent supportive housing for adults who have experienced homelessness. This project, developed by David Baker Architects, draws on traditional Filipino design principles, incorporating communal spaces and natural light to create a welcoming environment. 

When David Baker Architects was approached to design the six-story development, the goal was aggressive: produce 145 units of permanent supportive housing at under USD 400,000 per unit and have the operation up and running in less than three years. By 2022, Tahanan was fully leased to residents, all of whom are San Franciscans who have struggled with chronic homelessness.

Photos: Bruce Damonte courtesy of David Baker Architects; Getty Images. Illustration: Stephanie Davidson

On the ground floor, unfinished exterior walls are textured by pouring concrete into molds lined with traditional Philippine banig grass mats and bamboo rods, creating a unique and culturally resonant appearance. Higher up, the building's staircase tower is encased in a perforated aluminum screen that depicts a pointillist interpretation of the centuries-old rice terraces of the Philippine Mountains. The building facade also takes inspiration from Philippine basket weaving, with interlocking panels of rust-brown sheet metal that create a woven effect.

The Tahanan project demonstrates how culturally inspired designs can be adapted to local contexts, addressing both aesthetic and practical needs. By incorporating elements like communal areas and efficient use of space, Tahanan provides not just a shelter but a sense of community and belonging for its residents.

Bridging Global Designs with Local Needs

While Filipino architectural designs like Pamana and Baluto offer innovative and cost-effective solutions, it is essential to adapt these concepts to meet the specific needs of Oregon's homeless population. This includes considering the local climate, the necessity for HVAC systems, and the integration of sustainable building practices. Additionally, the conversion of PHP to USD can still pose challenges as not all materials used in Filipino designs are available or suitable for the geography and climate of Oregon.

Adopting global architectural inspirations can provide a fresh perspective on addressing homelessness in Oregon. By learning from successful projects and designs around the world, there can be housing solutions that can be developed that are not only affordable but also sustainable and conducive to creating a sense of community and stability for those most in need.

Investing in innovative and affordable housing solutions for Oregon's homeless population is more than just a moral imperative - it is a practical necessity. When stable housing is provided, the strain on emergency services, healthcare systems, and law enforcement is reduced. By creating a supportive environment, individuals regain stability and become productive members of society, which benefits everyone. 

Housing the homeless population means fewer people living on the streets, leading to cleaner, safer communities for everyone. It means children growing up in stable environments, which translates to better educational outcomes and a brighter future for the next generation.

By caring about and investing in these solutions, everyone is contributing to a more compassionate, sustainable, and prosperous society. 

For more information:

🔗: Homelessness in Oregon hits record high in 2023

🔗: Inspired by Filipino Design, an Apartment Building Looks Homeward

🔗: Tahanan Supportive Housing

Not A Lack of Bootstraps, But A Lack of Boots

Original Image by Simply Psychology

    Many of us have most likely heard of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. 

 

    A well known theory in Psychology that is often depicted as a pyramid or triangle, the chart is meant to represent a 5-tier model of all basic human needs. The highest point, which also makes up the smallest tier, claims that the last hierarchical need in order for one to thrive is Self-Actualization-- representative of one’s sense of purpose and inner potential. But before a human can realistically engage with this tier, they must first have access to all the lower levels that act as its foundations; Self-Esteem, Love and Belonging, Safety and Security, and most essentially, Psychological needs. Human Psychology suggests that air, food, water, clothes, and shelter are the absolute most basic necessities one needs in order to not just survive, but to focus on and strive for these higher tiers of needs. It is extremely difficult give back to one's community, to focus on concepts of creativity and love, when the threat of starvation, addiction, or homelessness are not first addressed.

    What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Portland? For many, it’s the rain.

    According to the National Weather Service, The West Hills alone can have up to 60 inches of rain per year, 90% of which just falling between mid-October and mid-May. Locals and longtime residents alike can attest to these seven long months of nonstop downpour; every year, like clockwork, the weather drops in temperature and the sky takes on a permanent shade of gray. The rain itself can vary in severity-- sometimes nothing more than a light drizzle, sometimes an unrelenting mist. But sometimes it comes down in buckets; icy sheets of hail, snow that cities never seem fully prepared for, and the wind provides zero relief from the cold, biting at any extremity that isn’t firmly swaddled in layers of Winter clothes. 

 

    But then lately there’s also been the heat. We’ve gotten a break from the rain, yes, but now there’s the heat. The National Weather Service claims that only 3% of our annual rainfall occurs between the months of July through August; temperatures have been reaching the 90s in the shade, and without so much as a stray cloud for comfort, it’s not hard to feel Summer clinging to your skin in a fine sheen of sweat.

 

    The Pacific Northwest in particular is known for sacrificing optimal weather conditions in exchange for some of the most breathtaking landscapes in America. But when the heat, or the rain, or the wind becomes too much, many, at least, can seek comfort in their homes. Air conditioning is an expensive privilege in Portland, but even without, one can still seek shelter from both rain or shine. You have running water and electricity– a kitchen and bathroom with all the expected amenities. 

 

    The City of Portland claims that homelessness has increased by 65% from 2015 to 2023, roughly equating to over 6,000 individuals left on the streets without proper shelter. Along that same vein, the Homeless Strategy and Solutions Initiative (HSSI) Behavioral Health Work Group claims that Oregon has the highest rates of methamphetamine and prescription opioid misuse in the nation, with an estimated 58-88% of Oregon’s houseless population reportedly experiencing some form of substance abuse.

 

    For those of whom that are physically and mentally disabled, shelter provides you with a place to go after doctors' visits. It’s a place to safely store your medications and important documents, a place to deliver and administer life-saving healthcare. It’s a place where you don’t have to worry so much about the heat and the rain. Shelter provides you with an address when filling out forms for things like rehabilitation facilities and other forms of addiction treatment. A drivers’ license. Job applications. 

    Portland's issue with homelessness is not due to a lack of effort, from those that are struggling. You cannot get to point C without first passing point A. You cannot treat a scar until the wound has healed-- until the blade is removed and the bleeding stops. One cannot pull themselves up by their bootstraps if they do not have the boots to do so-- if they have not yet first been taught to crawl.

     

    It is the responsibility of Portland, not just as a city, but as a community, to ensure everyone has this vital starting point, not just so they can survive, but so they can live.

 

 

 

 

Sources & More Info

Simply Psychology's Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs 

Resolving Homelessness: The Critical Need for a Substance Use Disorder System of Care

Out with the Poor, In with the Rich: The Gentrification to Houselessness Machine

Photo by Cornelius Swart

In the ever-developing city of Portland, it is a crime to be poor. This crime comes with consequences with deeper, more invasive implications than many of us realize, as gentrification and displacement are conditions that go hand in hand.  

Whole neighborhoods, predominantly those in red-lined Black communities (Albina, Mississippi, etc.) are being leveled and built from the ground up, actively burying the history, present, and futures of Portland's people of color. It is no accident then that African Americans make up the fastest-growing racial population of the houseless (Impact NW). 

According to the city government, Portland has seen a 65% increase in houselessness between 2015 and 2023 (Portland.gov). With sudden, unjustified, and unbending rent increases, developers force the working class out of their homes, making way for higher-income individuals. This process completely reshapes the social, racial, and economic demographics of these spaces.

Gentrification is sold to us in encrypted terms. We are told that with the development of our neighborhoods will come economic uplifting through modernization, innovation, and business. The reality though is that developments exploit poverty and perpetuate destitution to achieve these goals, disenfranchising those who are unable to afford the so-called financial benefits.

Mental health struggles and drug addiction, though results of houselessness, are often pointed to and assumed as its cause. However, these false flags work as scapegoats, washing our city’s hands clean of any real responsibility towards fixing the systemic issues our houselessness presents. The high cost of living, low median income, institutional racism, and gentrification make the streets the only option left for the thousands of unhoused individuals living in them. This issue is significant and impactful as over 66% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, one step away from losing their own homes (MarketWatch). 

With recent Supreme Court decisions ruling houselessness and street camping potentially punishable “acts”, the machine continues to grind on with prison being the final outcome. This is because in the city of Portland, it is a crime if you cannot afford to exist.

Advocacy projects such as Impact NW are working to provide housing services for those in unstable living situations. PDX Housing Solidarity and Albina Vision Trust are striving to safeguard and rebuild Black and Brown neighborhoods. All of these services are linked below and actively looking for donations, volunteer aid, and engagement from those who may need their resources. The time to act is now. Let's protect Portland for all!

Photo by Joe Mud

Maps of gentrification and its intensity in Portland (learn if your neighborhood is facing gentrification)

https://www.portland.gov/bps/adap/documents/2013-gentrification-and-displacement-study-appendix-supporting-maps/download

Advocacy Projects

Impact NW: https://impactnw.org/

PDX Housing Solidarity: https://www.pdxhousingsolidarity.org/

Albina Vision Trust: https://www.albinavisioninc.com/

Additional Reading

“Whitewashing Albina’s Destruction”: https://projects.oregonlive.com/publishing-prejudice/whitewashing-destruction

“Portland’s Gentrification Has its Roots in Racism”: https://www.hcn.org/issues/50-9/race-racism-portlands-racist-history-of-housing-discrimination-and-gentrification/

“Displacement by Design”: https://ncrc.org/gentrification-portlandor/

“State of Housing Report”: https://www.portland.gov/phb/state-of-housing-report

Crafting Sanctuary: The Art of Transforming Minimal Spaces into Welcoming Homes

What makes a house a home? It’s a question that goes beyond simple architecture and delves deep into the emotional and psychological comforts that define our personal sanctuaries. In the heart of Portland, Oregon—as in many parts of the world—the challenge is not just about building shelters but transforming them into spaces where peace, safety, and warmth are included in our definition of amenities that are essential to one's life.

As we explore cost-effective methods to build minimal safe housing units for the homeless, it’s crucial to reflect on the essential elements that turn a mere structure into a home. At the core, a minimal house might measure just 10x10 feet, equipped with basic necessities such as a lockable door, a window, and proper roofing. Yet, the essence of a home lies in its ability to offer a sense of belonging and security—a place where one can shut out the world and find solace. Using the most economical materials like wood, steel, or even innovative options like converted shipping containers, our goal is not only to provide physical shelter but to imbue these spaces with the spirit of a home. For instance, a tiny home built from wood offers not just affordability and ease of assembly but also an intrinsic warmth and familiarity that resonate with the feeling of home.

Our commitment to this cause is not just about addressing the immediate needs of housing but about weaving a tapestry of community support that dignifies every inhabitant. It's about sustainability and affordability, ensuring that each home, no matter how small, is imbued with the spirit of comfort and belonging we all feel when we step into a space we call our own. With minimal resources, creative ideas like multi-use furniture, natural light maximization, and personalized decor can transform any small space into a cozy haven.

Why should you care? Because every effort made towards building these homes is a step toward a more compassionate society, one where everyone has a place to call their own. Your support can spark a change that stretches beyond the confines of a 10x10 space, fostering a community where every individual is valued. Click here to learn more about Portland's efforts in building homes that offer more than just shelter but a foundation for personal restoration and hope.

Remember, the home is where our story begins.

Acquiring Skills through Construction: Empowering Communities

 

    Homeaid, a program operated by The Home Building Foundation of Portland constructs and remodels homes for nonprofit organizations in Portland and across the country. This company just celebrated 35 years of helping end homelessness. Homeaid has partnered on numerous projects, including building and refurbishing tiny home villages, group homes, and shelters.

    Recently HBF dropped off pre-cut building materials to a construction class at Sam Barlow High School. The students then constructed a shed as part of their coursework. This initiative illuminates a potential future where aspiring builders learn to contribute to their communities. Could this be the future of construction and education? For more information on this project and others led by The Home Building Foundation, read Taresa Spangler's blog post at Extra Credit Assignments (buildhopepdx.org)