On Veterans Day, a new beacon of hope shined for Portland's veterans in need as community leaders gathered to preview the soon-to-open Thayer Family Foundation Veterans Shelter. Aimed at aiding vets grappling with homelessness and substance use disorders, the shelter is set to open doors this winter with 17 beds and a mission to foster housing and stability, Multnomah County reported.
While celebrating Veterans Day, organizers from Multnomah County, Do Good Multnomah, Metro, and the Thayer Family Foundation, as tallied by the county, showed the community a glimpse of this new haven designed for and by veterans. The shelter steps in to fill a safe space void for those in recovery, an echo of the needs voiced by Do Good Multnomah participants. Daniel Hovanas, CEO of Do Good Multnomah, shared in the celebration, saying, "It is different from other high-barrier shelters in that sobriety is not a 'have to' to receive services; instead it's a 'get to' –– an intentional choice that the participants are making as they build camaraderie and shape the program for themselves," according to an interview with Multnomah County.
Amidst rising numbers, with 6% of Multnomah County's homeless population being veterans according to August 2025 data, the shelter is a much-needed support system. Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson emphasized the community's commitment to veterans, stating, "We are committed to providing the highest level of service to help address the particular needs of veterans experiencing homelessness. This is a place for recovery that represents safety, stability, sobriety, and hope for the participants it will serve." Her statement reflects the sentiment that the shelter is not just a roof, but a cornerstone in the recovery journey of those who've served, as stated by the Multnomah County.
Arming those in need with more than just shelter, Do Good Multnomah will also offer case management, housing application assistance, daily meals, and free transportation to appointments. A Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, along with Certified Peer Specialist and Recovery Mentors, will be readily available, demonstrating a holistic approach to welcome participants 24/7. Funding for these initiatives stems from the voter-approved Metro Supportive Housing Services measure, with Do Good Multnomah receiving a $500,000 loan to aid with the building's purchase and an additional $720,785 for services and staffing, as documented Multnomah County.
The new shelter is an investment in recovery services and shows the community’s support for veterans, especially as federal funding cuts threaten vital programs. Metro Councilor Ashton Simpson said the shelter will offer help when it’s needed most. The Thayer Family Foundation, led by President Tommy Thayer, is also supporting the project and remains committed to helping veterans find stability and community. The Thayer Family Foundation Veterans Shelter will join the city’s network of low-barrier shelters, adding to the 250 recovery and transitional housing beds funded by the County in recent years, as per the Multnomah County.
