Homelessness PDX Connection Fall 2019

Student researchers shed light on homelessness

Student research from our first Summer Research Institute is now available on our website.

"Thanks to a generous philanthropic gift, we were able to fund a number of students to advance work at the Center. We were especially excited to focus on research that would further educate community members about homelessness,” said Director Marisa Zapata.

Projects included everything from insights into youth homelessness to creating urban care stations for those living unsheltered. Graduate student Wendy Nuttelman explored the issue from a unique angle: the words people use and how they shape/reflect attitudes about homelessness.

Other topics included sleeping pod villages, familial homelessness & trauma, and an idea for emergency support for students and employees experiencing homelessness at PSU.

Hygiene & waste management

For nearly a year, HRAC has convened a group of government officials, service providers, advocates, and people with lived experience of homelessness to address unmet waste management and hygiene needs of people living unsheltered.

This group created a hygiene and sanitation resource handout for local residents (both housed and unhoused). It also initiated the successful effort to bring the global Pledge window sticker project to Portland, which supports businesses in publicly offering a set of services from free coffee to the use of bathrooms for people experiencing homelessness.

Portland Street Response closer to reality in PDX

The Portland City Council is slated to vote this month on Portland Street Response, an alternative response to low-priority calls for service involving those experiencing homelessness.

Currently police respond to many of these emergency dispatch calls even when they don’t involve a crime, tying up valuable resources. Advocates envision Portland Street Response as a way to connect people with necessary resources such as mental health, housing, and medical services.

This summer a team of community partners, including PSU’s Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative and Street Roots, released a report to help inform the pilot program based on interviews with people experiencing homelessness.

The center will work with Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty's office to evaluate the program as it develops. Learn more. Show support.

We're fans of Business for a Better Portland's focus on homelessness

BBPDX continues to work on policies and programs to address the multiple factors leading to homelessness. It is also calling on members to provide comfort and support to those living outside. Check out its recommendations to help this season:

Nonprofit spotlight: Play Grow Learn helps youth

Play Grow Learn is dedicated to providing healthy opportunities for homeless and underserved youth and families in our communities by providing weekly gym nights and family nights. PGL gym nights provide a safe and healthy outlet for kids from our communities who are living in shelters and experiencing homelessness.

The nonprofit depends on donations to help students stay active. If you are interested in supporting Play Grow Learn, or want to know more email Anthony Bradley or Germaine Flentroy

PSU secures STEP Grant

Portland State University is the first four-year institution in the nation to receive a grant from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Training and Education Program, to help students who qualify for federal food benefits. The $277,000 award will allow the university to offer:

A new, full-time case manager to work with students to develop individual progress plans and to connect vulnerable students to additional resources.
A new, half-time administrative assistant to assist with enrollment and reporting.
Reimbursements for students to attend career and technical programs at PSU (includes tuition and fees, books, clothing and tools, childcare and transportation.) Read more

Nov. 18

National Hunger and Homlessness Awareness Week at PSU: Activities 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. starting with Free Food Market & Resource Fair, followed by forum on queer and trans perspectives (12-2 p.m.), cooking demonstration (1 p.m.), and renters' rights (2 p.m.). The event is led by the Committee for Improving Student Food Security.

Nov. 23

“Homelessness in Downtown Portland: Seeking Understanding and Solutions:" Free educational forum open to anyone who lives, works or studies downtown, features panel discussion with Center Director Marisa Zapata, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23.

Jan. 4

TEDxSalem 2020 featuring Center Director Marisa Zapata: Eleven speakers, entertainment, break-out sessions, and lunch, $45 for students, $60 for general admission in advance, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, Salem Convention Center.

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