Why Do We Need Community Safety?
Our communities and neighbors are our closest, most powerful source of safety and connection. When we come together to share our skills and resources, solve problems, and take care of each other, we create safer, more welcoming communities. Creating a safe community for all means that we have to address the many social determinants of vulnerability.
Social determinants of vulnerability are conditions like a lack of resources or physical safety, poor health, or an unwelcoming environment. We each have our own vulnerabilities and each person experiences them differently. These conditions cause stress for the people who experience them and can stand in the way of them living a healthy, empowered, fulfilled life.
Because the safety needs of every Portlander are unique, our Community Safety Program works with our communities to learn what they need and connect them to free culturally specific and trauma informed services. The services our team provides help reduce and prevent harm in our communities. Many Portlanders also want training or resources after a harmful event. Our team is committed to helping build a Portland that is safe and welcoming for all.
Our services improve the safety and wellbeing of our community by addressing:
Physical & Mental Health
Physical and mental health can touch every part of a person’s life. When someone has a disability or is going through a crisis, it takes more energy and resources to make it through the day. Our team has trainings and resources to help community members deal with health and safety needs. We empower Portlanders and make our city more accessible for all when we address these needs.
Education & Community
We work with neighborhoods and businesses on “placemaking” projects and events. These are community-led activities that community members feel are important for safety and community building. Activities like block parties draw in more positive attention and build connected, safe, and livable communities. By having communities lead these events, we build welcoming spaces and activities that work for them and strengthening their connection to local government.
Personal Safety
Our free trainings, such as the Personal Safety Workshops and Neighbors Together trainings, add to Portlanders’ own sense of safety. When we have safety knowledge and skills, we are more empowered to protect ourselves and help others during potentially unsafe situations. The Community Safety team teaches community members how to find and reduce safety vulnerabilities like improving lighting in dark areas around your home or business.
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What are Social Determinants of Vulnerability?
Social determinants of vulnerability are conditions like a lack of resources or physical safety, poor health, or an unwelcoming environment. We each have our own vulnerabilities and each person experiences them differently. These conditions cause stress for the people who experience them and can stand in the way of them living a healthy, empowered, fulfilled life.
Take the COVID-19 pandemic as an example. Many people in low-paying, in-person jobs (cashiers, food service, warehouse employees, caretakers, etc.) can’t do their jobs from home, putting them at higher risk of catching COVID-19. Because many of those people have less financial security or access to social/governmental “safety nets,” they do not have the choice to leave these high-risk jobs without facing financial hardship.
While the whole world is facing the same disease, low-paid essential workers face greater chances of illness and death due to their jobs. At the same time, they face greater financial hardship from becoming sick or losing their jobs than people in better paying or remote jobs.