Happy 2023!
To all our colleagues, partners and community members,
Welcome to the Joint Office of Homeless Services monthly newsletter!
The purpose of this newsletter is to help you learn more about our collective work and shared commitment to addressing homelessness in Portland and Multnomah County.
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If you are experiencing homelessness and need assistance, please call 211 or go to 211info.org.
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Question of the month:
Is Portland's homeless crisis more severe than anywhere else in the US?
(scroll to the bottom of the newsletter to see the answer)
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Permanent Housing Opened in 2022
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New permanent, affordable housing opened all across the County in 2022. Thank you to voters in Portland, Multnomah County and the Metro region for supporting so many households moving into permanent housing. Looking forward to many more units opening in 2023!
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By the numbers (July 2021 - Dec 2022)
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JOHS-Supported Shelters opened 2020 - 2022
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From 2020 - 2022, in the midst of a global pandemic, Portland and Multnomah County opened more shelters than in any previous two-year period. This includes alternative shelters, motel shelters and congregate shelters.
(This slideshow does not include temporary COVID-19 isolation shelters)
More info on JOHS-supported shelters
(including how to access shelter)
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Behavioral Health Resource Center
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Metro put together this video about last month's opening of the Behavioral Health Resource Center, featuring former JOHS employee Alexandra Appleton (now Manager of the new Center), and her colleague Deandre Kenyanjui.
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 Throughout the winter, the Joint Office works with providers to distribute supplies, open up emergency overflow shelter beds, and activate severe weather shelters when thresholds are met. If you are interested in getting involved, our provider partner Transition Projects offers trainings for severe weather shelter volunteers. And many of our providers have posted 'wish lists' of items they are hoping people will donate, so they can distribute them to people in need. New or gently used coats, hats, gloves, sleeping bags and blankets are among the most needed items.
You can find the most up-to-date list of what and where to donate at 211info.org
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Grand opening of first-ever 'Bridge shelter' in Multnomah County
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 The Rockwood Bridge Shelter, operated by All Good Northwest, is a 44-room motel, a former Super 8 in Gresham. This is the latest motel shelter to open with the support of the Joint Office of Homeless Services. The new 24-hour, fully staffed shelter will serve a specialized function in the overall shelter system, providing “bridge shelter” beds for people who are signed up for permanent supportive housing who are waiting to move into their new homes. A bridge shelter program, a nationally recognized best practice, is a first for the Joint Office and Multnomah County.
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Spotlight: Menlo Park Safe Rest Village
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 The Menlo Park Safe Rest Village, located at SE 122nd and Burnside, has officially been open for its first month, managed by provider Cultivate Initiatives! Neighbors are now safely sheltered and the village is nearly to its capacity of 50 villagers. Peer advocates, case workers, housing specialists, nursing students, and more are all coming together to provide support for and with the villagers.
More info on the Safe Rest Village initiative. |
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News reports about the work of the Joint Office of Homeless Services and our providers:
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Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties are working together to plan and conduct the upcoming Tri-County regional Point-In-Time (PIT) Count. As part of our planning, we are identifying people who are available to conduct surveys and count people experiencing homelessness between Wednesday, January 25 and Tuesday, January 31, 2023 in the Portland Tri-County area. If you are interested in participating, please complete the Volunteer Registration Survey. This survey will help us to determine coverage gaps early on, and to make preliminary geographical and site assignments. Future emails and forms will finalize shifts, locations, and training times and dates.
More information on the upcoming PIT Count
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Resources for People Experiencing Homelessness:
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Racial Justice/Equity Resources
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Employment Opportunities
Current openings in the Joint Office of Homeless Services:
Department Director - Open Until Filled
Media & Graphic Design Coordinator - Deadline January 27, 2023
Contract Specialist Senior - Deadline February 03, 2023
Finance Specialist Senior - Deadline January 27, 2023
Assertive Engagement Program Specialist - Deadline January 27, 2023
JOHS Partner Organization job listings:
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