In February 2016, the City launched this program to provide day storage and other services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Lack of secure storage is a huge barrier for homeless residents in seeking services, treatment, job interviews, or other routine daily events.
The City procured two specially retrofitted cargo containers that accommodate carts and other belongings. Additionally, the containers are equipped with a trash dumpster, two LED-lit portable toilets, needle containers, and information kiosks. They are mobile, so they can be moved where the population most needs them, and to distribute any impacts.
One day storage unit is located on the west end of the Steel Bridge and operated by Central City Concern’s Clean Start Program, employing a person who was once homeless. It is open 7 days a week from 7 am to 8 pm daily with a 1 hour lunch from 12 pm to 1 pm. While the container will be securely locked up when it’s closed, the toilets will be open 24 hours a day. The second site is located near the Hazelnut Grove campsite in North Portland and is operated by the camp for the camp residents.
People Served at Day Storage Unit Next to Steel Bridge
| Month | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 230 | 770 | 1316 | 1414 | 503 | 454 | 391 |
| February | 295 | 534 | 1076 | 1655 | 346 | 342 | 447 |
| March | 404 | 777 | 1381 | 1717 | 358 | 411 | 494 |
| April | 480 | 657 | 1696 | 1398 | 301 | 461 | 505 |
| May | 681 | 833 | 1851 | 1213 | 318 | 556 | 822 |
| June | 671 | 769 | 1926 | 965 | 346 | 525 | 793 |
| July | 578 | 610 | 2015 | 911 | 490 | 520 | 657 |
| August | 671 | 707 | 2005 | 836 | 562 | 570 | 804 |
| September | 682 | 624 | 1824 | 491 | 508 | 506 | |
| October | 813 | 889 | 1962 | 633 | 494 | 506 | |
| November | 660 | 1306 | 1606 | 573 | 405 | 503 | |
| December | 578 | 1484 | 1374 | 544 | 417 | 402 |
