p:ear — Building a Future for Portland's Unhoused Youth

 

For a young person experiencing homelessness, the path to stability is filled with obstacles that go far beyond the immediate need for shelter. What prevents them from finding and keeping a home and a job? Often, it’s a lack of consistent relationships, the absence of practical job skills, and a deficit in necessary creative and educational opportunities. In Portland, one organization has been tackling these core challenges for over two decades: p:ear.

Founded on the principles of building community and fostering growth, p:ear offers a unique and essential space for homeless and unstably housed youth ages 15 to 25; a safe environment where young people are treated with respect and given the tools to build their own futures. Their approach directly answers the question of what it takes to break the cycle of homelessness by providing three key elements: education, job training, and a supportive community.

The programs at p:ear are designed to meet youth where they are. The “p:ear works” program, for example, is a collection of social enterprises including a coffee shop, bike mechanic shop, and an art gallery. More than just jobs, these are hands-on training grounds where youth learn practical, transferable skills, from customer service and cash handling to bicycle repair and inventory management. This experience builds a resume, provides a reference, and, most importantly, provides them with the tools needed to find long-term sustainable employment after they leave p:ear.

p;ear art gallery

Beyond job training, p:ear’s classrooms offer individualized support for youth to pursue their GEDs or other educational goals, while its kitchen provides nutritious meals and lessons in food preparation. The vibrant art and music programs offer a space for creative expression, a critical outlet for processing trauma and discovering a sense of self-worth that is often eroded by the harsh realities of life on the streets.  Additionally, p:ear provides support for new parents and pregnant individuals through weekly group meetings and mentoring programs.  

bike works by p:ear

The youth served by p:ear are not a separate part of our community, they are our community. Supporting p:ear and the people they serve is an investment in the future of Portland. When a young person gains the skills and stability to move from the streets into a self-sustaining life, we all benefit by building a more robust workforce, reducing the long-term social and economic costs of homelessness, and creating a city where every young person has the chance to thrive.

-Max Menikoff

p:ear offers a wide variety of ways to support the organization, from volunteer opportunities, supply donation, the sale of youth artwork, and a variety of other fundraising opportunities. 

To learn more, visit: www.pearmentor.org/get-involved/

p:ear is located at: 33 NW 6^th Ave, Portland OR, 97209

Their onsite hours are Tuesdays-Thursdays from 9am -2pm.

For more information visit www.pearmentor.org

Or, visit bikeworkspdx.org for information on the p:ear-run bike shop.