In the heart of Milwaukie, the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYFA) along with Clackamas County celebrated the opening of Khwat yaka haws or "Auntie’s Place" on June 25, 2024, a new shelter program serving Native families in need. The name Khwat yaka haws, meaning “Auntie’s Place” in Chinook, was proposed by Oregon State Representative Tawna Sanchez, who also serves as NAYA's director of Family Services, and reflects the shelter's dedication to provide a nurturing environment, reminiscent of the supportive role aunties play in Indigenous communities.
According to Oregon Metro, funding for this initiative comes from Metro’s voter-approved supportive housing services fund, which has been instrumental in the development and sustainment of over 1,400 shelter beds across counties, connecting almost 8,000 individuals to stable housing, and averting nearly 22,000 evictions since the inception of the fund three years ago.
Positioned alongside the Walsh Commons affordable housing community on Northwest Housing Alternatives' Milwaukie campus, Khwat yaka haws offers eight private accommodations for homeless Native American families. Each family is provided with living spaces equipped with bunk beds to accommodate up to seven members, a kitchenette, and a bathroom. The facility also includes community spaces designed for collective use, such as a kitchen, reading nook, and a play area for children.
The program promises a plethora of services including employment and educational support, substance abuse counseling, peer support, mental healthcare and help in navigating housing and social services. These provisions aim to facilitate the residents' transition toward stable living conditions, with the anticipated stay hovering around 45 days. Molly Washington, NAYA board president, spoke on the historical struggles of Native Americans citing systemic barriers stemming from centuries of racist policies. Washington told Oregon Metro, "It’s harder for us because the systems were designed against us. They were designed not to include us. They’re also designed to oppress, and really to eliminate us. And those are the barriers we face in every single aspect of everything we do."
The shelter takes a unique stance in greater Portland, focusing on culturally responsive programming for Native individuals. The space is adorned with Native American art and murals depicting symbols of cultural importance, aiming to create an environment infused with the ethos of heritage and belonging. Residents will also be provided access to traditional medicinal practices and foods.
During the jubilant opening ceremony, NAYA's interim CEO Oscar Arana expressed the hope that the shelter would become a sanctuary for Native families in dire need, ensuring they receive care from understanding and empathetic staff. The event also featured a blessing from community elders Darlene Foster and Suzie Kuerschner, and concluded with ceremonial drumming and a shared meal from Indigenous pop-up and catering company, Javalina.
