St. Johns neighborhood in North Portland gears up to welcome a new resource for its homeless community: the upcoming North Portland Drop-In Center, slated to open mid-July 2025. As reported by Multnomah County, the facility will offer a daytime haven with access to showers, case management, meals, and other critical services, aiming to substantively address the needs of the unhoused population.
Operated by Do Good Multnomah and supported by Multnomah County alongside Metro Supportive Housing Services funding, the site isn't an overnight shelter but aims to be a transformative space for those needing assistance or referrals to more permanent solutions, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said amid the ribbon-cutting event on June 25, she elaborated on the importance of such facilities until a more permanent housing solution can be secured for everyone in need.
The drop-in center, co-located with the North Portland Health Center at 9000 N. Lombard St., results from intense community advocacy for easily accessible resources for those with and without homes. Program Manager Rae Fender from Do Good Multnomah conveyed excitement over the center's opening, highlighting the work of engaging direct street outreach and fostering trust within the community, according to Multnomah County.
The center plans to operate weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, with services including case management handled by peer support specialists, providing support from housing documentation to benefit connections, mental health resources, and those essential, even hopeful, moments like receiving a piece of mail or securing housing nod Commissioner Shannon Singleton who has experience as a service provider acknowledged the potential impact of this space for those who step through its doors, in a statement provided by Multnomah County.
