Do Good Multnomah, a non-profit focused on supporting veterans, has sealed the deal on a former North Portland hotel that's set to be transformed into The Thayer Family Foundation Veterans Shelter, a recovery space aimed at helping veterans who have fallen through the cracks. In collaboration with Multnomah County, the initiative aims to provide 17 beds for vets struggling with homelessness and substance use disorders. According to a county news release, thanks to a loan from Multnomah County, the Kenton Hotel on North Interstate Avenue will see new life as this much-needed sanctuary by late 2025.
There is no shortage of challenges for our veterans trying to claw their way back into society's embrace, and a lack of recovery-focused shelters for them doesn't help the situation. Do Good Multnomah and Multnomah County are taking steps to change that. "There isn't anything like this out there right now," U.S. Navy veteran and a Do Good Multnomah case manager Matthew Harvey detailed in an interview covered by Multnomah County's publication. Harvey, acquainted with homelessness across various states, emphasized the uniqueness and necessity of a community dedicated to veteran recovery.
The plan for The Thayer Family Foundation Veterans Shelter includes round-the-clock operation and services that go beyond mere sheltering. We're talking on-site case management, help with permanent housing, daily meals, clothes, pet supplies, and free transport for all external appointments. Multicare Multnomah ensures that the shelter isn't a temporary fix but a road to long-term stability and community reintegration.
Financial backing is in place too. A $500,000 forgivable loan from the County, courtesy of the Metro Supportive Housing Services Measure, has been crucial in acquiring the property, as stated in the same news announcement. This loan will be forgiven if Do Good Multnomah fulfills its promise to provide these services over the next five years. John Thayer, treasurer of the Thayer Family Foundation, highlighted the space as a testament to the foundation’s dedication, noting that the shelter is "an intentional landing place for veterans to reconnect to community, services, and build a life on their own terms."
It is a grim reality that today's federal efforts often fall short when it comes to supporting our vets. When local entities step up to the plate, as Do Good Multnomah and Multnomah County have, community change becomes possible. By expanding investments in recovery and sober housing, Multnomah County is creating a network of support for those battling substance use disorders, as evidenced by the over 250 new recovery and transitional housing beds established in 2024.
