In a significant step toward addressing homelessness among Native American families in the tri-county region, Clackamas County recently celebrated the opening of Khwat Yaka Haws, or "Auntie's Place." This shelter, backed by $1.96 million in funding through the Metro supportive housing services (SHS) program, will offer critical support to families experiencing homelessness. According to Clackamas County, the program aims to assist at least 56 families each year.
With a blend of cultural activities and murals that resonate with the local Native American community, the shelter is not just a place to stay but an environment that promotes unity and healing. Reporting the sentiments of local officials during the opening, Clackamas County Vice Chair Ben West said, "Clackamas County isn't just managing homelessness, we are ending homelessness by supporting the whole person". The shelter reflects a growing consensus that specialized housing services make a real difference for marginalized communities, especially when they are in offices designed with cultural sensitivity, as cited by Clackamas County.
Metro Councilor Christine Lewis highlighted the stark reality facing communities of color, stating, as per Clackamas County, "We know that in addition to experiencing higher rates of homelessness than the general population, many people of color also experience discrimination within the very system they turn to for help". This recognition underscores the necessity of culturally responsive services, which providers like the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), operating Khwat Yaka Haws, are poised to deliver.
Since its inception in 2020, the Metro SHS fund has made considerable strides in tackling homelessness with about 7,800 individuals housed, nearly 22,000 evictions prevented, and 1,425 shelter beds created or sustained, through the narrative of statistics that emerge from the supportive program. NAYA’s Director of Housing and Stabilization Services, Erika Silver, was impressed by the significance of the new shelter, noting, as per Clackamas County, "Our family shelter represents a significant step towards providing a supportive environment where Native families can reclaim self-sovereignty."
Looking beyond merely providing a roof over one's head, Khwat Yaka Haws is committed to the greater objective of facilitating the transition of families into permanent housing. Integral to this process are services such as employment support, mental and physical health services, and rental assistance tailored to ensure that families do not just leave the shelter, but move forward with tools for sustained independence and stability.
