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 city is now stepping up to provide additional safe, clean housing with wrap-around services to help unhoused Portlanders get back on their feet. As part of this effort, the Multnomah Safe Rest Village is growing.
The Multnomah Safe Rest Village was established in June of 2022 as a transitional housing model. The Operator, All Good Northwest, provides case management, amenities, mental and behavioral health services on-site, and a path to housing for those who are ready. Since opening, they have housed 30+ people.
The City Shelter Services team has now announced that the total size of the expanded Multnomah Safe Rest Village will be over 90 pods. This will be a big change in the character of the Village, with a larger footprint in the neighborhood. The Friends of Multnomah Safe Rest Village will continue to help the MSRV be successful, as we have promised to do since the beginning. 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.
**The Safe Rest Village team (now re-organized as 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. You can also learn more on the All Good NW website. As Operators of the MSRV, All Good NW is optimistic about the expansion: it will bring more resources, a bigger staff, and better facilities at the site.
We in Multnomah can be proud that our neighborhood has stepped up to do our part to address homelessness in SW Portland. We know this change will be 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