Addressing Challenges with the Warming Shelter: A Community Conversation

Written By Meadowlark Collective PDX

NWCC Advocacy: Bringing Community Voices Together to Address Warming Shelter Impacts

Recently, I had the opportunity to bring together Multnomah County's Director of Emergency Services, Chris Voss, and his team to meet with NWCC's humanitarian team and several Pearl District retailers. Representatives from F-45, YoYo Yoga, Star Pizza, River Pig, and Papi Chulo joined the conversation to discuss the impact of the county's warming shelter on the surrounding area.

The warming shelter, which operated during our recent cold spell, provided crucial refuge for those in need, accommodating up to 114 guests at times. While this temporary shelter played an important role in keeping at-risk people safe from the elements, it also presented several challenges for nearby businesses and the community.

Retailers spoke respectfully yet candidly about their experiences. Concerns were raised about drug use and dealing, human waste, and the overall safety of staff, guests, and customers. One significant issue was the absence of a designated parking area, which made it difficult to manage additional needs — including those of individuals who preferred to remain outside but still required warmth.

The shelter's lease runs through March 31. Unless another cold snap occurs, the site is not expected to reopen this season. The county is actively re-evaluating the use of this location, considering both the positive impact of providing shelter and the challenges it poses to the surrounding community.

Our conversation underscored a shared desire to protect vulnerable individuals from extreme weather while ensuring our neighborhood's safety and well-being.

I'm grateful to the county team and our local businesses for their willingness to engage in thoughtful dialogue, and I look forward to continued collaboration as we seek solutions that work for everyone.

Below are several photos from the meeting and the surrounding area.

Please let me know if you would like to discuss the warming shelter or other issues impacting our neighborhood. I can be reached at Chase@NWCCpdx.org

Read more about our impact on the NWCC News!

NWCC Chase McPherson Homeless Pearl District River Pig

I love working with my humanitarian team! They do a great job for the Pearl and NWCC.

Meadowlark Collective PDX

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