Vulnerable People and Places Blog

Over the years I've had the pleasure of working with many folks in community service organizations both as a client in need of services, as well as a person working to provide others with services. From this lived experience a very brief survey was created that collects data about how each organization can best serve their clients, based on actual questions I have had to answer to receive help. You can find that survey here:  https://forms.gle/trU3Ngt9SfneG2HJ9 Source cited in this post: Bauer  Photo credit :, P. (2022, July 14). Pulse surveys: a quickfire guide for HR professionals . Cezanne HR. https://cezannehr.com/hr-blog/2022/05/what-are-pulse-surveys/

 It's 2024, and not only is the Portland Oregon area experiencing one of the worst winters in recorded history, it's also U.S. primary election season. Without delving too deeply into the political side of Portland Oregon, it's important to note the climates (both literally and figuratively) because I've learned over the years that the resources and services available for some of our most vulnerable populations largely depends on who is in office. I don't mean who our president is, I'm talking about all levels of government because almost anyone who can pick up a mobile device can easily recognize that any Nations "Commander in Chief" is really just a political puppet, sure they're the head puppet but they're a pawn in a rigged game of who has the power. For this reason, I am thankful the United States at least has term limits for the President because it's evident that with enough money and resources, you won't be impeached, or convic...

  Image by: The Grant Halliburton Foundation In the heart of our cities, a silent crisis unfolds - the disproportionately high rates of homelessness among LGBTQ individuals . It is an issue that demands our attention, empathy, and action. Why should you, the reader, care about LGBTQ homelessness? Beyond the moral imperative, it's a matter of social justice and equality.  LGBTQ individuals face unique challenges, including family rejection, discrimination, and heightened rates of mental health issues, pushing them into the perilous cycle of homelessness. This is not just an LGBTQ issue; it's a human issue. Every person, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves the basic human right of a safe and secure place to call home. Consider the stark statistics: LGBTQ youth are significantly overrepresented in homeless populations. They often find themselves on the streets after being rejected by their families due to their sexual orientation or gender ident...

Introduction: The role of landlords in the housing sector has evolved over time, reflecting changes in societal norms, economic factors, and legal regulations. Landlords have played a significant role throughout history, from feudal lords in medieval Europe to property owners in contemporary societies. In the past, they often wielded significant power over their tenants, setting rules and rents unilaterally (britannica.com). Today, with the invention of modern tenancy laws and regulations, the power dynamic has shifted in favor of renters, with tenants enjoying greater protection and rights. The modern landlord faces a myriad of responsibilities and challenges. They are tasked with maintaining properties, addressing tenant concerns, and adhering to legal regulations. With the rise of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, some landlords have embraced the sharing economy, managing multiple properties and meeting the demands of transient guests. This shift toward more active property...

     Homelessness exists across the developed world, and no matter how small, a percentage of any country’s population is homeless. The problem is difficult to remedy, especially in modern democracies where societies are placing a greater emphasis on inclusion. In 2018, people seen sleeping on the streets or seeking shelter are also seen in major cities and economies around the developed world. A strange phenomenon despite the economic prosperity. While countries may differ in how they find, calculate and report on homeless data, one thing is clear. Homelessness exists all over the world. Generic outreach work with the chronic homeless population often fails to achieve its goal. The challenge is to successfully engage and ultimately place clients into appropriate shelter, substance abuse treatment, or permanent housing settings. Premature termination from placement settings, however, may be the norm rather than the exception. If outreach providers and the facilities that ...

For some, the library is a faint childhood memory, having its introduction be our beautiful look into the world of literature for the first time. For many, though, that is the extent of what they know. Outside of fellow scholars or students studying for their degrees, there isn’t much use for public libraries in the public consciousness. However, a city's public liberty is not only the epicenter of learning but positivity and open arms to the community. The public library is the undervalued lifeblood of a city’s information ecosystem. It brings people closer to information and provides them with many extra resources they might not know about in a diverse and equitable sense. A library doesn't say no to its community. Figure 1: Inside the Multnomah Country Library.

For many, the response of Portland, Oregon’s Mayor Ted Wheeler, to the ever-growing houseless issue in Portland is too little too late. After being elected mayor in 2016 and reelected in 2020, it has taken more than a third of his time in office to propose a solution to provide affordable housing and authorized houseless camps in the city, according to  OPB . The belated response comes after years of criticism, public embarrassment, and harassment. Hank Sanders from the local news organization  Willamette Week   interviewed Wheeler about the details of these volatile encounters from angry constituents after receiving a public lashing for his lackluster actions in these crises.  Image Source: KGW8 Please take the time after reading to fill out this short survey! Thank you. https://forms.gle/MrsHML16woC5pkBW6 In defense of Wheeler, the houseless problem has been an issue worldwide before Wheeler’s time in office and has grown exponentially since the COVID-19 crisis. Ma...

Homelessness and Disabilities According to the State of Fair Housing annual report in 2020 , there were over 10,000 complaints of discrimination under the Fair Housing Act. Over half of those complaints were filed on the basis of discrimination against people with disabilities . A disability can be something obvious, like a person in a wheelchair, or less obvious such as a person with autism.  On a national level, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity regulates housing laws against people with disabilities, however statistics like these show there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done.  Fortunately, in Portland Oregon there are several organizations that work with and provide resources to people with disabilities, check out the links below to get involved or learn more. Fair Housing Advocacy Committee : A committee based in Portland to further fair housing oppertunity Project SEARCH –This organization provides employment opportunities for people with developm...