Each month, we will provide updates on the "smaller" wins usually hidden by the biggest goal of all--housing. These include managing the barriers that prevent someone from accessing housing or job resources, and can include such seemingly simple items as identification and social security cards. Some wins will be major, but are not considered "housing"--such as moving into drug treatment or moving in with family. Every month will be different, and each shelter within our system has a different method of managing the housing process for participants. As such, some months some providers will have lots of updates--some less so. But our shelter operators are all working tirelessly to help support all of our participants every day--this is only a small highlight of their work. These also are only a small reflection of the work shelter providers are doing. We are serving over 1,000 people every night, and each of them are moving forward on their individual goals.
Have questions? Or have suggestions on other wins we should share? Reach out to shelterservices@portlandoregon…. If you want more detailed information on our exits, and the demographics of our shelters, we always encourage you to look at our data dashboard, which is updated quarterly.
Clinton Triangle
- 2 Participants received a referral to aging and disability
- According to Portland Street Medicine, over 80% of unsheltered individuals report some sort of disability. For many, receiving disability payments is part of their journey towards stable income.
- 1 participant received a housing referral through Veteran's Affairs
- Veterans make up a large percentage of our unhoused population here in Portland. However, sometimes it can be challenging for those living outside to get access to their VA benefits. Case managers will design resource plans based on the individual life stories of the participant. In this case, this person was able to get resources because of their veteran status.
- 1 Participant received a wheelchair
- Mobility aids are life-saving medical equipment, whether one is housed or unhoused. Being in shelter allows for people the time to receive necessary medical support.
- 7 Participants received referrals to mental health services.
- A large percentage of our unhoused neighbors suffer from mental illness. Receiving vital mental health support is a necessary step for many.
- 1 Participant received health insurance
- Often, access to medical care remains an active barrier for unhoused people to receive the care they need. Care Coordinators and case managers can help participant identify and address those barriers, including accessing health insurance.
NE Weidler Village
- Adopted new referral process to help fill empty units more quickly. New process allowed for a unit to be filled within 6 hours of becoming available.
- 1 Participant paid off 80% of debt while in housing search
- For many of our unhoused neighbors, financial stress is another barrier to long-term housing stability. While in shelter, some people are able to use that time to pay off debt, get connected with medical needs, or other services that can help them take the next steps forward.
North Portland Rd
- 3 participants moved into housing, using various housing programs!
- Being able to rapidly fill shelter units is a vital part of shelter success. We are proud of the collaboration among the shelter operator and referral partners to make this happen! The faster someone is served, the faster they receive the help so desperately needed.
Reedway
- 5 participants received vital documents
- 1 participant had a baby and received services from Volunteers of America
- Participants come to us at all stages of life - including pregnant. Finding services that fit the support needs of all of our unhoused neighbors is one of the main jobs of case managers.
- 4 guests placed on priority list from the Multnomah Services and Screening Tool (MSST)
- The MSST is a newly designed coordinated access tool for Multnomah County. Those with higher needs are placed on a priority list. Using these tools allows our shelter operators to access all housing resources available for participants.
- 5 participants signed up for a methadone clinic
- Often, stability is the first step to recovery. After having some time to stabilize, our shelter operators support many participants through a variety of medical needs.
- 5 participants received flagging certification
- Flagging is important and stable work. Helping connect participants with desirable, long-term job opportunities is often a part of case management. Finding the right job for each person is a challenge, and case managers are adept at supporting each client
- 1 participant got their honored citizen Hop Card
- When one is living outside with limited resources, the normal cost of a fare can be a burden. Having access to significantly reduced, or even free, TriMet service is often vital for people's ability to access reliable transportation.
- 2 participants received a referral to Stone Soup's employment and training program
- We cannot succeed in this work alone. Helping participants connect with other, available resources ensures that they have a wide support network invested in their success.
River District Navigation Center
- 1 participant had their eviction expunged from their record and was connected with Permanent Supportive Housing, and was connected with Community Warehouse.
- Often, participants are unable to access housing because of unfair eviction records. Our shelter operators will work with other resources to help participants advocate for the removal of those evictions so they can better access housing. Community Warehouse is a resource in our City that provides furniture for previously unhoused neighbors.
- 4 participants received vital documents
- 1 newly-sober participant transferred from RDNC to a high-barrier shelter
- Sometimes, one shelter does not work for everyone's needs. Many times participants need to be in an environment that better supports their goals, like recovery. Our shelter operators support all participants find their best path forward.
SW Naito Village
- The new referral system sheltered someone within 2.5 hours of pod become available
- Being able to rapidly fill shelter units is a vital part of shelter success. We are proud of the collaboration among the shelter operator and referral partners to make this happen! The faster someone is served, the faster they receive the help so desperately needed.