FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2025
City of Portland Announces Transition of Multnomah Safe Rest Village Shelter Site to Urban Alchemy
PORTLAND, Ore. — The City of Portland is announcing the official transition of operations at the Multnomah Safe Rest Village (MSRV) shelter site to Urban Alchemy, effective July 1, 2025. This shift marks a new chapter in the City’s efforts to provide compassionate, person-centered shelter and services for Portlanders experiencing homelessness.
Urban Alchemy, a nationally recognized nonprofit known for its innovative and trauma-informed approach, will assume full responsibility for managing the Multnomah Safe Rest Village site, one of the City's designated alternative 24/7 shelter locations offering secure, supportive environments with access to services, hygiene, and community resources. Since beginning its partnership with the City in 2022, Urban Alchemy has supported over 1,500 Portlanders at the City’s alternative-shelter sites and helped more than 300 individuals transition from homelessness into permanent housing. Additionally, their LOVE teams, which connect our homeless neighbors to resources, have been operating in the nearby community and around the MSRV site since December 2024.
“Urban Alchemy’s work saves and transforms lives. Our model is deeply rooted in field-leading research, and we know it works, because it has already supported thousands of vulnerable Portlanders,” said Dr. Lena Miller, Founder and CEO of Urban Alchemy. “Our Practitioners are remarkable men and women whose lived experience and advanced emotional intelligence make them uniquely suited to serve those who need help the most. We are proud to expand our partnership with the City of Portland, and look forward to bringing empathy, dignity and healing to even more Portlanders.”
Brandy Westerman, Director of Humanitarian Operations within Portland Solutions, emphasized the City’s confidence in Urban Alchemy as a long-term partner in the shared mission to address homelessness in Portland.
“Our multi-year partnership with Urban Alchemy is a key investment in the future of alternative shelter in Portland. Their lived-experience and trauma-informed model as well as their deep experience in operating shelters will ensure stability and support for shelter participants,” said Westerman.
As Urban Alchemy assumes stewardship of the Multnomah site, the City recognizes and thanks Sunstone Way for its contributions in launching and operating the shelter since its opening. Sunstone Way will continue to play a vital role in Portland’s shelter system, operating the City’s two culturally-specific shelter sites, SW Naito Village and Weidler Village, where they will continue to provide tailored shelter services to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ community members.
The City remains committed to fostering inclusive and effective partnerships to address the homelessness crisis with compassion, collaboration, and lasting impact.
Media Contact:
Robert Layne
Senior Communication Strategist, Portland Solutions
rob.layne@portlandoregon.gov
971-438-7943
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