As the sun rose yesterday over Old Town Portland, the Behavioral Health Resource Center flung its doors wide open after a temporary shutdown. For those struggling with homeless and behavioral health issues, these doors are more than an entryway, they're a lifeline.
The center, which includes both a Day Center and a Shelter Program, had been closed since May 6 for a series of essential upgrades, including fire protection improvements. Additionally, the closure provided time for the staff to complete the required annual certification training, Multnomah County officials said. According to a news release by Multnomah County, the center rolled out the welcome mat to 25 individuals at a time, distributing entry tickets for three-hour access to basic amenities and peer services.
Facilities such as showers, laundry services, and computers are available to clients thanks to the stewardship of the Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon and Do Good Multnomah. The Shelter Program at the center wasted no time getting back up to speed, ushering in a rapid referral and acceptance process to reconnect displaced participants with the services they so critically need, said Multnomah County officials.
During the shutdown, the building received several other enhancements — including signage, landscaping, and a thorough inside scrub-down, to ensure everything was in tip-top shape. Comprehensive maintenance efforts and tests also took place to ensure safety systems were up to par, effectively avoiding a longer disruption of services that could have stretched for over five weeks, the county reported.
Staff members at the center took advantage of the closure by attending the annual Peerpocalypse training. "Staff were able to attend many different trainings and get the CEUs required to renew their certifications. We are excited and ready to open the day center doors Monday morning," said John Karp-Evans, the Senior Program and Operations Director of the Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon, in a statement obtained by Multnomah County.
Since its opening in December 2022, statistics illustrate that the center has played a crucial role in the community. According to Multnomah County data, the resource center has aided 3,750 people, provided over 7,724 referrals, and facilitated thousands of showers and laundry cycles—a testament to the daily reliance placed on the center's services.
Interim Behavioral Health Director, Heather Mirasol expressed gratitude towards everyone's patience and extended special thanks to partners for hosting the center's participants during its closure. "This support was critical to us being able to continue our strong programming in the least disruptive way," Mirasol conveyed through Multnomah County's announcement.
The success of the center is further underscored by the statistics of the Shelter and Bridge Housing programs operated by Do Good Multnomah. Since initiation, these programs have served 257 individuals, with the majority finding positive exits and clinical engagement — an encouraging figure for a city grappling with the challenges of homelessness and mental health.
