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

Blog Post
Streets to Stability: 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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Chris, a 46-year-old man, stands for a portrait photo at Clinton Triangle wearing a gray camouflage pattern t-shirt, gray gloves and a black hat.

Chris, 46, has been homeless for almost half of his life. 

Originally from the East Coast, he came to Oregon last year to help his brother move but ended up unsheltered again about eight months ago. 

He was staying in a tent at the corner of 4th and Couch in downtown Portland until late February, when he was offered a pod at Clinton Triangle. It’s been a reprieve from the harsh and sometimes violent conditions of living unsheltered.

“I’ve never had such good sleep,” Chris said after three weeks at the temporary shelter on Southeast Gideon Street. 

A self-identified “functioning addict,” the low barrier model has given Chris an opportunity to begin weening off of substances, some of which he said he uses to ease the pain in the body. He attends NA and AA on the weekends and now, through CareOregon, has access to much-needed medication. 

At Clinton Triangle’s March 14 Resource Fair, Chris was excited to share that he’s in the process of getting a picture ID, a major obstacle for him. It’s been many years since he’s had a proper form of identification, which prevented him from accessing employment, cashing a check, or even opening a bank account. 

The shelter has given him a space to keep his possessions safe so he can access much-needed services. And despite a lifetime of hardship, Chris said he is ready to be employed again. 

“Working will give me a sense of dignity, of purpose,” Chris said. “I have the ambition and the ability.”

Update: Chris moved into housing in early June 2024. 

Story shared with permission; interview with Chris took place March 14, 2024. 

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