The Oregon Department of Human Services Midtown Child Welfare office is set for a significant homecoming. After a 31-year journey that took its services across various locations, the agency's staff is preparing to relocate back to the original premises at 815 N.E. Davis Street in the Lloyd District, also referred to as Midtown. This transition, to take effect from August 4 when the office opens its doors to the public, was necessitated after structural concerns at their former location at 1425 N.E. Irving Street pushed operations to the Portland State Office Building temporarily.
As the 90-person staff ready themselves for a move scheduled between August 1 – 3, District Manager Marisa Moon reveals, "Staff are excited about moving into the remodeled building," citing benefits like increased space, a dedicated visitation hub for clients, and ample area for community engagement. The retrofit building comes with a promise of a trauma-informed design ethos, a principle that aims for healing and well-being through elements like natural light, calming color palettes, and comfortable furnishings; these details strive to instill a sense of safety and dignity not just among the workforce, but markedly for the children and families they serve with spaces tailored for privacy in sensitive discussions.
The return to the historic address at 815 N.E. Davis Street also signals a commitment to the Lloyd District community, reinforcing the DHS's dedication to ongoing partnerships that bolster family support. Marisa Moon told the publication that the updated facility will be an asset for community partners to utilize for various functions and maintain close alliances that benefit families in need. This is particularly relevant as it keeps the office in proximity to the Alberta Branch, which continues to extend services such as the Self-Sufficiency Program and the Oregon Eligibility Partnership, vital for the local populace.
Looking ahead, Moon accentuates the DHS's aspiration that, through this building, its staff can effectively contribute to the community's fabric for many more years to come, thus underscoring the inherent longevity in offering assistance and services within this renewed space. For those seeking to reach out or connect with the ODHS Child Welfare office, contact details have been provided, with the office number being 971-673-1800, and the email stands at [email protected]; ensuring an open line of communication remains pivotal for the department's operations.
