Mayor Ted Wheeler to host community conversations on homelessness

Press Release
Today, Mayor Ted Wheeler 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.
Published

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.

Members of the media are invited to attend.

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

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