A Charged Battery, A Chance for Change: How Phones Unlock Hope for Portland’s Unhoused

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One missed text or phone call for Portland’s unhoused could potentially leave them adrift while waiting to be contacted for potential employment opportunities, or even a text for space at a shelter so they don’t spend another night on the streets. The need for public spaces that can provide access to power stations have become increasingly critical over time, as phones serve as an anchoring point for unhoused folks’ essential needs. 

A study made by USC states 1 in 3 individuals are forced to go offline monthly because they are unable to pay for the data plan, or they don’t have anywhere to charge their phones. ¹ (source: USC Price School, 2022). Just how many unhoused individuals have access to cell phones? It was found that 94% of unhoused adults own cell phones, and 85% use them daily for essential needs such as picking up meds, searching for jobs, and providing them with the dignity to stay connected with friends and family. Over half (56%) had changed phones, and 55% had changed their phone numbers in the last 3 months. This instant access to connection and personal autonomy is vital for the unhoused. At least 76% used the phones for text messaging, and around 51% used and had access to the internet. This study posits the potential for health and aid-related outreach for unhoused individuals using this platform, but potential barriers such as device turnover and limited connectivity could pose problems getting access to these programs. ²

A charged phone is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline - it could mean the difference between having access to friends and family, a callback from a potential employer, or going dark while waiting for the next charge.

Safe Charge Spots in Portland: Staying Powered Up & Connected


In Portland, there are places available to charge phones and get access to free public Wi-Fi. The Multnomah County Library has several locations all over Portland and provides access to essentials such as phone charging and internet access, helping to remove barriers for tech-based needs. ³  Another public space called The Northwest Glisan Oasis Center, located in Old Town Portland on NW 6th Ave & NW Glisan, is also dedicated to providing access to any individuals - housed or unhoused - a place to charge their phones and use Wi-Fi. They are open daily from 6AM to 10PM and is operated by Urban Alchemy, an outreach group dedicated to finding opportunities and employment for those recently released as a means to provide support and reduce recidivism. This space also harbors other public services such as bathrooms, showers, a pet area, quiet resting places and benches, among others. ⁴ 

⁴  The Northwest Glisan Oasis Center, 599 NW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Every charged phone serves as an anchor to keep someone connected, providing access to needs such as a doctor, a job, and contact with their loved ones. Here in Portland, supporting these small but vital essentials can make a great impact on both unhoused folks as well as the surrounding communities. By providing safe access to a charged phone, it doesn’t just help our unhoused neighbors - it helps our whole community. With each charge, it brings unhoused individuals a step closer towards hope, stability, and a place to call home.


Want to Learn More?

1. Henwood, B., Kuhn, R., Mwine, S., & Painter, G. (2024, August 27). Answering the call: Homelessness researchers get real-time data from mobile phone surveys. USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. https://priceschool.usc.edu/news/answering-the-call-homelessness-researchers-get-real-time-data-from-mobile-phone-surveys/

 2.  Eyrich-Garg, K. M. (2017). No digital divide? Technology use among homeless adults. *Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless, 26*(1), 1–13. 

3. Multnomah County Library. (n.d.)., Services. 

4. City of Portland. (n.d.). NW Glisan Oasis Day Center (NW 6th Ave & NW Glisan). Portland.gov https://www.portland.gov/shelter-services/city-day-centers/nw-glisan-oasis-day-center-nw-6th-ave-nw-glisan

Unhoused homeless Portland PDX #PDX #Portland #Oregon houseless

Location: Portland, OR, USA

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