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This page was originally published Thursday 9.23.21; it was last updated 1.27.26.
What are City Alternative Shelters?
City Alternative Shelters are places that serve as improved points of entry for Portlanders on the continuum from living on the streets to finding stability in permanent housing. Our program is mostly focused on alternative, outdoor shelters, but we are also in charge of Portland's first RV Safe Park, as well as a congregate shelter. All City Alternative Shelters include case management with wraparound behavioral and mental health services. City Shelters do not enable unmanaged tent or vehicle camping—they address unmanaged camping by helping people break the cycle of homelessness and move into permanent housing.
Why are City Alternative Shelters needed?
The City Shelter Services system is among a range of services and program models employed to address our homelessness crisis. The City and Multnomah County—through the Homeless Services Department with federal funding and revenue from the Metro Supportive Housing Services Measure—are expanding that system to serve tens of thousands of people every year.
In addition to the City Shelter Services system, the City and the County are adding additional shelter capacity—including village-style and motel shelters—along with more outreach workers, more behavioral health resources, and more rental assistance resources to house people. Some of those new investments are in place making a difference right now, and many more will be online in the coming months.
How do City Alternative Shelters work?
City Alternative Shelters, regardless of if they are village-style, RV parking, or a congregate shelter, provide:
- A Variety of Service Models. While the City Shelters system is made up primarily of alternative, outdoor shelters, we know that model would not be successful for every person living outside. We do our best to support a variety of models, including a congregate shelter and RV parking sites.
- Entry by Referral. Entry is by referral for adults only (18+). Partners and pets are allowed at all Villages. Referrals will be made by the Street Services Coordination Center, among other social service providers engaging with those living outside through a referral program managed by the Joint Office of Homeless Services. People who are 18+ and homeless who are interested in receiving shelter at one of our sites can request a City Street Outreach worker to come visit them for a potential referral, though this is dependent on capacity.
- On-Site Services for Participants Only. Services and programs offered on-site are only for villagers; these are not walk-up sites, not day sites, and will not be cause for queueing.
- A Minimum of One Meal a Day. Shelter operators will provide at least one meal a day, and each Village has a shared kitchenette space for all to use.
- Services & Flexibility. Villagers are encouraged to take advantage of the programs and services offered as they experience the stability and safety of life in a Village.
Since there will be a variety of shelter operators, beyond these commonalities we hope each Village takes on its own character. We expect variations based on the participants themselves, services needed, and the community spaces they develop, both from within the Village and from the surrounding community.
Where are the Alternative City Shelters?
Find a complete list of City Alternative Shelters with locations and more information.
What other shelter options are available?
The City of Portland offers several options to help people escape the cycle of homelessness and move into permanent housing. They include:
Multnomah County also funds operations of a variety of alternative shelters throughout the County.
Where can I learn more about Portland's response to homelessness?
For a comprehensive overview, check out Portland's Homeless Response.
For a list of services, check out our Homelessness Assistance Guide.
For data, maps, and reports, check out Homelessness Data, Maps and Reports.