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On this episode of ‘Out of the Streets of Portland’, we look at the village model for shelter, and how communities and neighborhoods in Portland have come together to support unhoused neighbors in their area.

We’ll speak with Caleb and Matt, who responded to the news of a homeless shelter opening next door by holding a community potluck for the neighborhood, welcoming existing neighbors and shelter residents alike. That initial meet and greet turned into the formation of Cultivate Initiatives, one of the most dynamic homeless services organizations in East Portland.

We’ll also speak with Cara Rothe, who heads up Beacon Village. That village is a 10-unit transitional shelter formed on a church parking lot in northeast Portland at the height of the pandemic.

‘Out of the Streets of Portland’ is a podcast focused on sharing the stories of people who are currently or formerly homeless in our community, and helping navigate the systems and services that the Joint Office of Homeless Services and its partners either have in place, or continue to develop, to help people move out of homelessness and back into stable, supportive housing.

More resources on this topic:

Alternative Shelters – Joint Office of Homeless Services

Research Study & How-To Guide for Village Shelters – produced by the Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative at Portland State University

Episode page | Direct link to audio file | Listen on Spotify