Building Trust Through Action: Portland’s Commitment to Neighborhoods Hosting Overnight Shelters

As Portland expands its network of overnight homeless shelters in 2025, the City has launched a Community Engagement Plan that centers neighborhood support, transparency, and safety. Our region is facing a humanitarian crisis, and the City of Portland is responding with a plan rooted in accountability and action.

"Overnight emergency shelters are a pragmatic and proven response to the homelessness crisis," said Mayor Keith Wilson. "We're determined to save lives, restore dignity to those we serve, and improve the safety and livability of our communities. Our neighborhoods are no longer on their own--I am committed to showing up for communities with real resources and support, not just promises."

Portland's overnight shelters will offer a safe place for individuals experiencing homelessness to sleep at night. These shelters will close during the day and are designed to reduce unsanctioned camping in nearby areas while connecting shelter guests with resources to move toward loved one reunification, recovery, and permanent housing. At the same time, the City is implementing a detailed and prescriptive engagement strategy that outlines what neighborhoods can expect in terms of support and services.

Supporting Neighborhoods with Actionable Commitments

Each shelter will include a 1,000-foot engagement area where the City pledges to actively manage livability concerns. This includes:

• Priority Response to Campsites and Trash: City teams will assess and engage with any unsanctioned campsites within 3 business days, with cleanups posted and completed in accordance with Oregon law. Significant trash and graffiti will be removed within 5 business days.
• Shelter Operator Accountability: Operators will complete daily perimeter checks and maintain a public contact number to address shelter-related issues in real time.
• Community Access to City Resources: Neighbors can report issues via a dedicated Shelter Services email or attend virtual bi-weekly Problem-Solver Meetings with the City's Public Environment Management Office (PEMO).
• Coordination with Other Services: If third-party organizations are operating near the shelters, the City of Portland will ensure they comply with permitting laws to minimize impacts on the surrounding area.

"We want the neighborhoods hosting these shelters to know that their concerns are not just heard, they are driving our response," said Hendrik Broekelschen, Program and Partnerships Manager for Portland Solutions. "Every shelter site will be supported with active cleanup, priority response of City resources, and communication pathways that ensure the neighborhood stays livable for everyone."

A Proven Model, Now with More Support

Since 2022, Portland has operated a portfolio of 10 low-barrier, high-service shelters that have helped individuals stabilize and begin the transition to housing. The new overnight shelters build on that model from lessons learned in engaging with nearby communities.This plan expands capacity and commits to action for all neighborhoods hosting an overnight shelter.

"The skepticism we hear is valid," acknowledged Skyler Brocker-Knapp, Director of Portland Solutions. "That's why our plan is detailed, enforceable, and most importantly, it's designed to improve neighborhoods. We will be present, we will be responsive, and we will prioritize the communities stepping up to be part of the solution.You don't have to take our word for it, as we've been administering the engagement plan with our first two overnight shelters with prompt responses and immediate follow-through."

How to Get Involved or Report an Issue

Community members near shelter sites will receive mailed information about the shelter and how to connect with the City and nearby shelter. Whether it is reporting a concern, joining a Problem-Solver meeting, or contacting a shelter directly, neighbors have multiple, direct avenues to make their voices heard and see action taken.

To learn more about the City's Shelter Services or report an issue, visit the Overnight Emergency Shelter webpage or email shelterservices@portlandoregon.gov.

Emergency issues should always be reported to 9-1-1.

A Partnership for Portland's Future

Overnight shelters are not just a service for those experiencing homelessness, they're a step toward healing and safety for the entire city. With a concrete community engagement plan, regular communication, and transparent operations, Portland is committed to earning the trust of its neighborhoods; block by block, shelter by shelter.

Mayor Wilson explains, "We're here for our neighborhoods. They're what make Portland wonderful, but they've taken a hit in recent years. It's time to repair, restore, and revitalize Portland, and emergency overnight shelters are a critical step to this new chapter."