Friends of Multnomah Safe Rest Village

Friends of Multnomah Safe Rest Village (FMSRV) is a grassroots group of neighbors and faith communities formed in June of 2022 to support participants and staff in the transitional Safe Rest Village (SRV) located at 2731 SW Multnomah Blvd.

For the latest news, photos, and info on how to be involved and support, check out our Facebook group.

The Multnomah SRV was developed as a transitional housing model by City Shelter Services. Members of FMSRV were invited to the ceremony marking the opening of the MSRV, and we have been steadily engaged ever since. We have helped to coordinate a variety of activities and projects for participants (and pets!), in collaboration with MSRV staff, local businesses, and other community groups.

Local nonprofit organization Sunstone Way operated the Multnomah Safe Rest Village since it opened in June of 2022. City Shelter Services has announced they will replace Sunstone Way as of July 1, 2025 and that San Francisco-based Urban Alchemy will become the Operator. You can read more Urban Alchemy on their website. FMSRV is eager to work with Urban Alchemy to continue our support and help the MSRV be a success.

Changes to the Safe Rest Village

As we know, persistent homelessness and the lack of affordable housing are among the biggest challenges facing Portland. Throughout the city, people are camping on our streets, and many suffer with substance use disorder and mental health challenges. As campers are being swept out of downtown, we see increased camping in the Multnomah and Hillsdale neighborhoods. The MSRV now hosts approximately 100 people in transitional housing, and there are many still living outside who wish they could find a place there.

As the new Operator, Urban Alchemy is charged with providing case management, amenities, mental and behavioral health services, and a path to housing for those Participants in the MSRV program who are ready. Friends of Multnomah Safe Rest Village is eager to establish a positive working relationship with Urban Alchemy, and we look forward to learning more about how they intend to operate the Multnomah Safe Rest Village, and to working with them to keep making it a success. Urban Alchemy is excited to step in as Operators of the MSRV.

The mission of Friends of Multnomah Safe Rest Village will not change: to support the people—staff and Participants—inside the MSRV, and help them to be good neighbors. If you would like to be a part of this important work, please join us on Facebook to stay up to date and learn how you can help.

City Shelter Services encourages everyone with questions to contact them at shelterservices@portlandoregon.gov or at (503)823-1340. They truly want to hear from neighbors.

We in Multnomah can be proud that our neighborhood has stepped up to do our part to address homelessness in SW Portland. Changes are a challenge for everyone concerned: our neighborhood, the Safe Rest Villages team, the operator of the MSRV, and, most of all, for the staff and participants inside the Multnomah Safe Rest Village. We are determined to provide whatever support we can during this transition.

--Friends of the Multnomah Safe Rest Village

Grateful acknowledgment to the St. Johns Welcomes the Village Coalition for allowing us to repurpose their logo and other materials.