Vulnerable People and Places Blog

                    A huge barrier to many people who are homeless getting off the streets is having a criminal record. Having a felony record can lead to losing the right to vote which means they can’t vote on any laws that might make things better for the homeless population or people with a record. They lose their voice and the ones speaking for them become people who have no idea what it is like to be in their shoes. They can also be denied professional licenses simply for having a record, making getting a job even harder. Those with records also don’t qualify for federally assisted housing a majority of the time. Top that off with the criminalization of homelessness adding to the problem and making it even more impossible to get off the streets and an endless cycle is created. In Portland in 2017, 52% of arrests were from the homeless population mostly for being on other people’s property (The Oregonian/OregonLive, 2018)....

Breaking the Cycle for Women F or too long, society’s view of homelessness has been shaped by judgment rather than understanding. The complexities of homelessness are often oversimplified, and those living on the streets are frequently blamed for their situation. But the factors leading to homelessness are varied and connected, with domestic violence being one of the most significant contributors for women. The link between violence, poverty, and housing instability creates a vicious cycle that’s hard to break. Understanding the role domestic violence plays in this crisis is crucial in finding solutions and supporting those affected. The Extent of Domestic Violence Among Homeless Women Women experiencing homelessness are often leaving abusive situations, and for many, this abuse is the very reason they find themselves on the streets. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 3 in 10 women in the US have experienced rape, physical violence. Coming from the Raphael House in ...

  What Happened? Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 28, 2025 freezing all federal grants and loans. In Oregon, federal funds offer support to crucial programs, meaning the potential fallout is alarming for everyone but especially the most vulnerable residents. Already federal portals used for funding healthcare, education, and social services have become inaccessible, as noted by Governor Tina Kotek. This makes it difficult for Oregon to claim funds needed for the essential services. In a statement by Attorney General Dan Rayfield, he announced that Oregon would join 22 other states and the District of Colombia in a lawsuit. But lawsuits take time, which is something that many vulnerable Oregonians don’t have. What Does This Mean for Portland? Portland relies on federal funds to maintain programs that assist children, families with low-income, and people experiencing homelessness. Head Start , the federally funded early childhood education program, stands to ...