Do Good Multnomah

Do you or a Veteran you know have questions about your Veteran status and services available to you?

One of the best first steps is to attend weekly SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) Screenings! With today's opening of the new VA Community Resource and Referral Center, there is another place in Portland for these events: every Wednesday at 10a.m. at 1919 SE Belmont Street, Portland, OR 97214.

The weekly events, also known as "Veteran Orientations" are jointly hosted by Transition Projects and typically have representatives from Do Good and other support organizations to answer questions about eligibility for benefits, referrals to shelters, setting up mailing addresses and more.

Weekly screenings also continue Tuesdays from 9a.m. to 1p.m. at 1115 SW 11th Ave in Portland. The Mt. Scott Office at 7916 SE Foster Rd (Unit 104) also provides regular walk-in consultations Tuesdays thru Fridays between 10a.m. and 2p.m.

Call 503-808-1256 to learn more or schedule a visit and please spread the word!

At the core of our region's houselessness crisis is one major issue: affordability.

This is Esteletta, commonly known as "Mrs. E." At 72, she fell into houselessness for the first time in her life when a dangerous situation with new neighbors forced her to move out of her apartment of 13 years. What she learned was that her monthly social security and disability pay no longer came close to helping her afford a one-bedroom apartment, or even a studio.

Mrs. E — a feisty self-advocate and former teen mother who raised 2 successful children here in Portland — was in shock to realize she'd been priced out of her simple life in the only city she's ever called home.

"I didn't know anything, I didn't know how any of the systems worked and I didn't know where to go," she said.

After brief stints living outside, with family, and staying at City overnight shelters last year, Mrs. E got connected to long-term shelter at Do Good's Arbor Lodge Shelter, and then her own room at the Stark Street Motel Shelter. Thankfully, she's now on track for a new studio apartment after spending several months on waitlists — a frustrating pattern that's been very common for many of our elderly participants.

Mrs. E's story is one we're seeing more and more in our shelters: elderly people on fixed incomes being left behind.

This year, houselessness rates in Multnomah County reached all-time highs, all while our region has lost millions of dollars to combat this trend. It’s in moments like these when we look to our community. We’re inviting you — at the link in our bio — to join the ranks in tackling Do Good’s ambitious, radical goal: to flip the script and put an end to Veteran houselessness.

On November 12th, we’re gathering for a night of reflection, a celebration of our successes so far, and to lay out a vision for what’s next. Come prepared to be inspired by the people behind this incredible work, dig in to an incredible meal, and to offer your enthusiasm and courage in a time of intense challenge.

Tickets include a farm-to-table dinner, local drinks, and chances to bid on dozens of unique experiences and travel packages. Discounted tickets are available through October 31st, so get them quick!

Reserve your seat here: https://bit.ly/3T6iDac

Solving homelessness won’t happen overnight. But every donation we receive on November 12th goes toward supporting somebody in your community who needs a hand.

Our role as advocates at Permanent Supportive Housing sites can require a "Swiss Army Knife-like" approach. Some folks need help navigating complicated VA paperwork, others need help scheduling their appointments, and some folks just need someone to talk to. That type of flexible advocacy can be essential to helping formerly housleess Veterans and civilians alike readjust to having housing and making sure they keep it.

Do Good staffers like Grant are perfect examples of how our role as advocates can help alleviate barriers folks might continue to face once they find housing.

Northeast Portland's most famous smile just got bigger! Last week, the Paul and Geneva Knauls Commons got a new custom-made mural — adorning a Do Good Permanent Supportive Housing program with some of the historic Albina neighborhood's most famous faces.

Local artist Sadé Dubois worked Sharita Towne and the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art and our staff to put up a mural to honor the "Mayor of Albina" Paul Knauls, his wife Geneva, and several local icons of color — Charles Jordan, Avel Gordly, Dr. Matthew Prophet, Rev. Dr. W. G. Hardy Jr., Luther Strong Jr. — who have helped shape one of Portland's historically Black neighborhoods.

"To all the residents, past, present, and future of The Knauls Building — may this mural, an act of deep care from so many, warm all your days on NE Alberta Street. I dedicate this work to you with all my heart." — Sharita Towne

Read a great article about Mr. Knauls, who celebrated his 95th birthday this year, in Street Roots here: https://www.streetroots.org/news-stories/2026/02/25/celebrating-paul-knauls-sr-at-95/.

Last week, our friends at helped James — a recently-housed Do Good participant — select his new furniture.

James' calm and persistence helped him overcome prolonged battles with addiction and houselessness. Do Good's Roseway Shelter team worked with James to get all the necessary documents to find a stable job, access recovery services, and make time for rewarding hobbies like gardening and taking care of his new cat.

"It’s a competitive world out there and I’m getting to be 57 years old. Nobody ever said, 'When you get out, you’re done here.' They’re helping me keep going and keep on building. I just want to live now. It’s out there for anybody who wants it. It’s not just to stay the night and go back out with the same problems. The opportunities are here, and they’re offered."

Community Warehouse is a valued collaborator for Do Good, as they empower individuals like James to make the transition to housing with real support — a bed, recliner, dresser, and more — rather than an empty apartment. It's an exciting moment and a time to celebrate a job well done. Congrats, James!

Our friends, Courtney Place Veteran Housing in Salem, OR, are hosting a night of celebrating the power of shared purpose, Esprit De Corps, in the work of housing Veterans. This work takes community to make housing journeys easier and more available. We're excited for the impact they have been making for Veterans in Salem and across the state! Their fundraising event takes place on September 11 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Good food and even better community will be in attendance.

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/courtneyplaceauction/ #

A few months ago we talked about how Do Good staff at our Arbor Lodge Shelter go above and beyond to serve thousands of meals each month on just a few hundred dollars...what we didn't show was just how incredibly delicious so many of these meals turn out to be!

Chef Mike and his kitchen team regularly put out big breakfasts (featuring his signature chicken and waffles) and prioritize hearty, warm meals that help our participants find the energy they need. We're extremely proud to be able to put out plates like this for folks who need it most. Thanks, Arbor staff!

The North Portland Drop-In Center is set to close and end its services on August 31st.

We've been putting together lists of maps of resources for things like hygiene services, public showers, clothing closets, mail and identification assistance services and more to help folks continue to receive the help they need during the day.

Multnomah County's Homeless Services Department has put together an FAQ about the impending closure, the reasons behind it, what the program was able to accomplish in its year of operation, and additional resources folks can seek going forward. Do Good is proud of how the Drop-In was able to serve hundreds of people in need and we are hopeful that a similar program will return in the future to continue filling this need for St. Johns and North Portland's growing houseless population.

Please share with your community members in North Portland as we wind down this program in the coming weeks. Click the link in our bio to access the FAQ.