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Staff Feature

The City of Portland Shelter Services could not have served nearly 2,000 people experiencing homelessness in the past two years without the invaluable staff who provide daily support at our 10 alternative shelters. We asked our partners at these sites why they do this work. Here's what they said:

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‘From darkness to light’: Charlene’s story

Fifty-year-old Charlene faced nearly two decades of homelessness and addiction, but her life took a transformative turn when she found support at Clinton Triangle, one of the City of Portland’s alternative, transitional shelters.

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'From survival to stability': Pat’s story

After facing unexpected hardships, Pat Olson found himself living out of an RV on Portland’s streets for five years, struggling to take care of his health and find a safe place to park. At Sunderland RV Safe Park, Pat worked toward self-sufficiency, ultimately transitioning to permanent housing.

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City of Portland Adds 132 New Shelter Units, Moving Toward Key Goal of City - County Homeless Response Plan

This month saw the expansion of the city’s shelters at Multnomah and Reedway. Multnomah Safe Rest Village has added 72 tiny homes, bringing this shelter site to 100 shelter units, while Reedway Safe Rest Village is doubling in size from 60 to 120 shelter units.

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"My Mother's Ethical Will" - What Drives our Director

Driven by her mother's legacy of compassion and service, Brandy Westerman reflects on her transition from international humanitarian aid work to tackling Portland's homelessness crisis as the City’s Emergency Humanitarian Operations Director.

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‘I have a little more zest for life': Brandi's story

Stranded in the January 2024 winter storm, Brandi and her husband were living in their car when they were offered refuge at Clinton Triangle. Six months later, they are housed.

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Streets to Stability: Sharing Stories

The City of Portland Shelter Services blog is a space to share stories from our program.

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'I’ve never had such good sleep': Chris' story

Chris, age 46, said staying at a low-barrier City shelter has given him the much-needed safe space to recover from half a lifetime unsheltered.

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“This place has been a blessing”: Tehanna’s story

Nine months ago, Tehanna Welch learned she was pregnant while homeless. Today, she and her partner are housed and expecting their first child.

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Transitions: Jessica’s story

For 12 years, Jessica struggled through homelessness, addiction, and instability. Today, she's living her first ever apartment.

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Safe Rest Villages 2022-23 Annual Report to be presented at City Council

Safe Rest Villages 2022-23 Annual Report has been recently published. It will be presented at City Council on Wednesday 10/11/23 at 3:00 PM (Time Certain)

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City Council authorizes removing deed restriction at former Sears Armory, current property uses to continue

Portland City Council approved an emergency ordinance authorizing $3 million in ARPA funding for removal of the deed restriction at the Sears Armory site where the Multnomah Safe Rest Village is located.

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Commissioner Ryan and the 2300 SW Naito Stakeholder Group Make Progress on Safe Rest Village Negotiations

Commissioner Ryan and the 2300 SW Naito Stakeholder Group Make Progress on Safe Rest Village Negotiations

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All Good NW Selected as Multnomah Safe Rest Village Shelter Operator

All Good NW has been selected as the shelter operator for the Multnomah Safe Rest Village (SRV).

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City of Portland set to close Hazelnut Grove homeless community, help residents move to safer housing

Environmental, fire and traffic risks make Hazelnut Grove a dangerous place to live. Residents have the opportunity to move to the new St. Johns Village.

Updated News article