Portland Opens New Overnight Shelter to Combat Homelessness

Portland is set to launch an overnight homeless shelter at the site of the former St. Stephens Episcopal Parish, aiming to provide essential support to the city’s vulnerable population. The low-barrier shelter, which will welcome both men and women, is scheduled to open on August 4, 2023, on Southwest 13th Avenue near Southwest Clay Street. According to Rob Layne from Portland Solutions, the city’s shelter planning branch, nearby residents and businesses will be informed of the opening next week and invited to tour the facility on the evening of July 30.

The church, having served the community for over 130 years, sold the property to Operation Nightwatch in January. The nonprofit organization has been providing homeless services from the church for several years. Layne stated that the new shelter will initially offer 80 beds, with the potential to accommodate up to 100 individuals. The shelter will operate nightly from 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., providing a safe haven for those in need.

Community members have expressed support for the shelter’s establishment. Gabriel Mateo De Acosta, a resident living adjacent to the St. Stephens site, emphasized the positive impact the shelter could have. “I feel like it would help a lot because then they would have somewhere to go instead of sleeping right here (on the street),” he said. De Acosta voiced concern for those sleeping outdoors, particularly during harsh winter conditions, stating, “It kind of hurts my heart that they have to. I feel like people can use (the shelter) for bettering their life.”

Mayor’s Commitment to Address Homelessness

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson shares the sentiment that the new shelter will play a vital role in addressing homelessness in the city. He has committed to creating 1,500 new overnight shelter beds by December, which includes another project near Northwest 15th Avenue and Northrup Street in the Pearl District. That facility is projected to open as a 200-bed shelter in September, although it has faced opposition from local residents.

At a recent meeting, Todd Zarnitz, president of the Northwest District Association, expressed concerns regarding the city’s approach to managing homelessness. “It’s not enough (for the city) to say, ‘We’re in charge, everybody just stay home and we’ll worry about it,’” he remarked. “This is a community of people that have real concerns and that are being ignored, frankly.”

Despite the opposition to some shelter sites, the community around St. Stephens has generally welcomed the new facility. One woman who lives nearby, and chose to remain anonymous, shared her positive experience with overnight shelters. “I’ve been homeless before, it’s not what people think,” she said. “Everybody needs to sleep. And I know that these streets are deadly in a lot of different ways.”

As Portland prepares to open this new shelter, it reflects a growing recognition of the urgent need for supportive services for the homeless population. The initiative not only aims to provide immediate shelter but also seeks to foster a pathway for individuals to regain stability in their lives.