Mayor Ted Wheeler has announced a schedule of four upcoming community conversations on homelessness. The first event, in partnership with neighborhood coalition Southeast Uplift, is set for 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Feb. 1st at Portland Community College Southeast.
Building on December’s successful Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Educational Forum on Homelessness, Mayor Wheeler — joined by service providers, community advocates and people with lived experiences — will share how the City is addressing homelessness and housing instability while inviting community members to share their priorities for continued improvements and upcoming budget decisions.
“No other issue has remained a higher priority in this administration. Through collaborative, regional efforts, the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and private partners have made historic investments that have proven to be effective and compassionate in our response,” Mayor Wheeler said.
“The data shows we’re helping thousands of people, every year, escape or avoid homelessness. We’ve heard success story after success story from neighbors that our investments in housing and shelter have made a significant difference. But we know there’s also work to do. So we’re increasing our community engagement to talk about the progress we’re making, but also how to navigate the challenges we continue to face.”
During the conversations, Mayor Wheeler will provide a brief update on the City of Portland’s proactive work to address the housing and homelessness crisis. Mayor Wheeler and other speakers will share how the City has invested in an effective, compassionate, holistic system of strategic responses, assisting people who fall into homelessness as they move from the streets to shelter and transitional services, and then eventually into permanent and supportive housing.
After the presentations, attendees will be seated in smaller groups, allowing for focused conversation.
The Portland Police Bureau, Portland Fire & Rescue, the Homelessness and Urban Camping Impact Reduction Program (HUCIRP), the City of Portland and Multnomah County’s Joint Office of Homeless Services (JOHS), the Portland Housing Bureau, and two nonprofit providers, JOIN and Central City Concern, will be among the organizations presenting.
Upcoming Dates & Locations:
Southeast Portland
Saturday, Feb. 1, 9:00am – 12:00pm
PCC Southeast Community Hall
2305 SE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97216
Central Northeast Portland
Thursday, Feb. 13, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Beaumont Middle School Cafeteria
4043 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97212
North Portland
Tuesday, Mar. 3, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
University of Portland Bauccio Commons
5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97203
Southwest Portland
Saturday, Mar. 7, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Multnomah Arts Center Gymnasium
7688 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR 97219