The site offers:

• A safe, managed place for Portlanders experiencing vehicular homelessness to sleep and park their vehicles on their paths to permanent housing. 
• Support addressing basic needs, including hygiene services, case management and housing navigation.
• Access to treatment for unmet behavioral health needs, including help accessing treatment for mental health challenges and substance use disorders.
• Reduced impact for neighbors currently experiencing unsanctioned vehicular camping in their community.
• 24/7 staffing with security fencing ensuring the safety and security of the village and community. Only participants and their registered guests are allowed to enter the village.
• Locations for communal gathering, a kitchenette, and yet-to-be-determined site amenities (e.g., raised bed gardens or mini-libraries).
• Opportunities for participants to build community with the surrounding neighborhood.

The site is NOT:

• A place for unsanctioned camping.
• A site for individuals living in RVs.
• A permanent housing location. This village is an alternative shelter and supports the transition to permanent housing or permanent supportive housing programs.
• A self-managed site. This village is managed by nonprofit provider Straightway Services. Participants have the opportunity to directly shape and guide the community they build together.

Participants with substance use disorders at the Oak Street Village receive dedicated support from Straightway Services. Straightway Services has a proven track record of success in aiding community members to overcome substance use disorders.

We are in a crisis that requires creating urgent new options that help people leave the streets for safer and more humane location where they can access shelter and services that will support them as they work to return to housing and stability. 

Alternative shelters like this reflect what we have learned throughout our emergency response to homelessness. Congregate shelters work well and provide services and stability for many people, but not every unsheltered person is willing or able to live in a congregate shelter environment.

The Homeless Services Department believes our shelter system should offer a range of models so we can offer the best options for as many people as possible. This community village model provides individuals experiencing homelessness with safety and stability on a short-term basis while working to access permanent housing.

This site also will meet a need for people who have mobility issues and wheelchair accessibility. (See the response above on the site design, which details planned accessibility enhancements for parking spaces, individual sleeping shelters, hygiene spaces and community buildings.)

And, in general, having alternative shelter sites in neighborhoods across the county helps ensure those options fit the needs of as many people experiencing homelessness as possible.

We hold our operators to high standards and support them to ensure their success. The Homeless Services Department has opened dozens of shelters since 2016, in neighborhoods ranging from the Pearl District to Mill Park, including motels, villages and traditional congregate shelters. 

While it’s common for neighboring businesses and residents to be hesitant about a new shelter opening in their neighborhood, many celebrate and support the shelter sites once they are operational.

The Homeless Services Department believes that just because someone has lost their housing, they shouldn’t have to lose their community, too. We’re grateful for the neighbors who welcome shelter participants into their communities.

Ensuring the safety of both participants and neighbors is a top priority for Oak Street Village. Here’s how safety concerns are comprehensively addressed:

• The site is staffed 24/7 and include security fencing.
• Only participants are allowed to enter the village.
• Strategic lighting to enhance visibility.

As responsible stewards of the community, and good neighbors, the Homeless Services Department recognizes the importance of safe and effective property management. The commitment to safe practices ensures not only the safety of village residents but also fosters a secure coexistence with the broader community. The Homeless Services Department remains committed to the success of the program for both residents and the community at large. Learn more about our commitments in the Oak Street Village Good Neighbor Agreement.