Vulnerable People and Places Blog

  "Bridging the Digital Divide: Examining Cell Phone Service Providers for Homeless Populations in Portland" Imagine navigating the complexities of modern life without a phone. For Portland's homeless population, this is not just a hypothetical scenario—it is a daily struggle. Access to communication is essential for securing jobs, housing, and staying in touch with loved ones. Fortunately, there are programs in Portland offering free cell phones and service, bridging the digital divide, and providing a lifeline to those in need. Programs such as Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered by providers like Assurance Wireless and Life Wireless are giving eligible individuals access to free cell phones and service. These services are not just conveniences; they are essential tools for survival and advancement. Why Should You Care? Addressing this issue is not just about compassion; it is about practicality and future-proofing our society. Providing ...

"Lost Innocence: The Intersection of Teen Homelessness and Sex Trafficking" When homelessness and human trafficking collide, it creates a whole mess of problems for people and communities. Homeless youth and young adults are at a higher risk of being trafficked, and survivors of trafficking often end up homeless. Marginalized groups are hit the hardest, dealing with money problems and homelessness, which just keeps the cycle of exploitation going (ALL IN: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, 2022, p. 68). In Portland, sex trafficking is a major issue, with the city having the highest rate of juvenile sex trafficking in the whole country. So, why is sex trafficking on the rise in Portland? Well, for one, its location along the I-5 corridor makes it a convenient stop for traffickers moving between major cities. The presence of an international airport also contributes to the high rates of trafficking in the city.  On top of that, the large population o...

How Music Therapy Helps Homeless Individuals In the hustle and bustle of city life, music therapy emerges as a quiet hero for those facing homelessness. Despite the challenges they endure, music offers a powerful tool for healing and resilience. Imagine a session where trained therapists lead homeless individuals in creating music together. They might play instruments, sing, or simply listen. Through these activities, people find a sense of belonging and expression, even when words fail them. Music therapy isn't just about feeling good in the moment—it has real, lasting benefits for mental health. Studies show that it can help reduce anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms, which are all too common among the homeless population. But it's not just about individual healing. Music therapy also fosters a sense of community and connection. In group sessions, participants support each other and build relationships through their shared love of music. By integrating music therapy ...

  People experiencing homelessness have frequently reported higher rates of issues involving sexual and reproductive health than their non-homeless counterparts. Sexual and reproductive health is something explored often through healthcare; however, what happens when people do not have the support of those resources? Researchers have conducted many qualitative studies on the reproductive health of homeless populations, and some main themes have appeared.  Both adult and adolescent people experiencing homelessness reported experience with unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, as well as sexual exploitation. Adult women experiencing homelessness also reported higher levels of reproductive health-related trauma compared to women not experiencing homelessness. Many women have also reported experience with self-administered abortions, which open up the door to many health issues.  Why Should We Care Through an intersectional lens, housing, and reproductive ...

    Growing Up Without a Safe Place to Sleep: The Startling Reality of Youth Homelessness                                                                                                             (Best, 2022)    The prevalence of homelessness is a serious issue affecting millions worldwide, carrying long-term negative physical, mental, and social consequences.  For children and youth under 18, the experience of housing insecurity and homelessness exposes youth to difficulties with learning, emotional regulation, cognition, and social skills (Grattan et al., 2022).  Further, homeless youth suffer an increased risk of victimization, as...

  Portland And Dangerous Places -May 25, 2024 The issue Although Portland is an amazing city, it does not shy away from also having a dangerous location.  Some of the most dangerous spots in Portland are Sunderland, Lloyd district, and many more. Especially in the dead of night, these locations are places that most people should stay away from. According to NeighborhoodScout, Portland has a property crime rate of 1 and 15 and has one of the highest vehicle crime rates in the nation. The problem is, this is where we call home. Most of us live here and this is where we want to feel safe. On top of this, homeless people are subject to outside forces, especially come night time in which they are more prone to being exposed to crime. Violent crime rates are also one of the highest in the nation as according to FBI-reported crime data, an individual has a 1 and 134 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.  Why we should care Some may think why should I care? I haven't...

  We interviewed six people around Portland State University, asking them questions about homelessness and what they feel are other factors that contribute to the housing crisis. In an effort to better understand the general public’s knowledge and awareness of this topic we asked them the following questions: “Have you ever experienced any hurdles or discrimination when trying to find housing?” “How do the changing economic class and social divisions affect someone's ability to get housing?” “Do you ever see yourself  being able to live the American Dream?” We received a lot of interesting responses to these questions, and invite you to watch and listen to them. Be sure to look for Part 1 of our interview series if you missed it, there we asked even more questions!  Here are some links to resources that help address the housing crisis, as well as other common issues encountered while living in Portland. Do you know of any others? Please share them in the comments below! T...

Housing insecurity affects an estimated 24,000 people with developmental disabilities in Oregon and southwest Washington , underscoring the critical need for focused interventions and assistance ( ECONorthwest ). Intellectual and developmental disabilities encompass a wide range of conditions that include autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other cognitive impairments, which can significantly impact daily living and require various levels of support. ​It's vital that we explore this group's present housing situation and highlight relevant reasons and possible solutions. People who have developmental disabilities have particular difficulties that raise their chance of being homeless without proper interventions and support. In addition to the Pacific Northwest region's overall affordability crisis and the lack of adequate government assistance, this population is perhaps most significantly impacted by the passing or incapacity of elderly caretakers such as parents ( O...

      Sense of Community      Directed and narrated by Cornelius Swart, Priced Out  is a documentary about Albina, in North Portland which has gone through many changes over the past two decades. It has gone through and housing crisis, gentrification, and revitalization. A quote from a resident of Albina from the documentary, "It's not just that it's all white. It's a different kind of white. Back in the day, at least people would look you in the eye. Now it's this 'I'm afraid to look at you, talk at you' kind of white. I joke that I feel like Moses when I walk down the Mississippi, because the water seem to part," expresses her distaste for the changes happening in the community. New Portland     This documentary doesn't just follow the gentrification of North Portland but shows the evolution of "New Portland". One of the residents who left the community states, "I wanted to see people give a damn about the community, not to pus...

  We interviewed six people around Portland State University, asking them questions about homelessness and what they feel are other factors that contribute to the housing crisis. In an effort to better understand the general public’s knowledge and awareness of this topic we asked them the following questions: “Do you believe there is an ongoing housing crisis?” “What do you feel is the extent of the housing crisis?” “Are you aware of any programs or resources to help with housing?” “Have you ever looked for housing yourself? Did it seem affordable?” We received a lot of interesting responses to these questions, and invite you to watch and listen to them. Be sure to look for Part 2 of our interview series, where we ask even more questions!

                                Understanding NIMBY-ism: How It Exacerbates Homelessness NIMBY-ism, or "Not In My Backyard," is a term that encapsulates the resistance or opposition of local residents to new developments or initiatives in their communities, particularly when these developments are perceived to bring negative impacts. While NIMBY-ism can manifest in various contexts, one area where its consequences are particularly stark is in the realm of homelessness. The NIMBY Mentality At its core, NIMBY-ism often stems from a desire to protect one's own interests and property values. Residents may fear that the presence of homeless shelters, affordable housing developments, or support services in their neighborhoods will decrease property values, increase crime rates, or bring about other undesirable consequences. As a result, they may mobilize to oppose or obstruct efforts to address home...

I moved out at 18 in 2021 and got married a year later. As I embarked on my journey of adulthood, leaving the comfort of my family home and venturing into the world on my own, I was struck by the harsh realities of the cost of living. It became evident to me that being an adult comes with an overwhelming financial burden. From basic necessities like groceries and rent to healthcare expenses, the financial strain was palpable. This realization led me to contemplate the circumstances that many individuals face, particularly those who experience homelessness. Reflecting on my own privileged upbringing, where I had the support of my family and the opportunity to pursue education and employment, I couldn't help but consider the different paths that others might have taken. I began to contemplate the root causes of homelessness and the factors that contribute to this complex and pervasive issue. One of the primary factors that can lead to homelessness is the cycle of poverty. Growing up ...

I remember when I was in high school my dad always referred to the homeless people in our town as “transients”. He made it very clear he was not happy to have them around. That they only cause trouble, that all they do is drugs and leave the paraphernalia in parks for kids to find. I remember him telling me a story about one of the homeless people who had been in our town for quite some time, Mark. He told me that he actually makes a lot of money begging and that he chooses to be homeless. He believed that it is really easy to get a job and that if homeless people just got off drugs and started working, the problem would be fixed. Now, I will give my dad the benefit of the doubt. He is a police officer for the town, and I know he sees the worst of it. However, I think it would go a long way for him to see that what he deals with, is not always the case. And unfortunately, this is the mindset of a lot of the people who live in this small town. If you are anything like me, homelessness c...