Mayor Wheeler Announces Opening of Tenth City Shelter: New North Portland Road Site to Aid Portlanders in RVs and Vehicles

The City of Portland proudly announces the opening of its latest alternative shelter sitelocated at 10505 N Portland Road. This marks the tenth low barrier city-operated shelterto open under the City's shelter program, with the initial Safe Rest Village opening in June 2022. With 90 tiny home pods and 70 RV parking spaces for individuals living in their RV/camper, the total number of sleeping units managed by the City of Portland has now reached 868.

"In just over two years, the City of Portland has not only established but significantly expanded a comprehensive shelter network, now offering 868 shelter beds across the city," said Mayor Ted Wheeler. "The new North Portland Road site reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting every Portlander, providing not just a place to stay, but a pathway to stability and housing."

The N. Portland Road location increases our capacity by 160 spaces. It is designed to both serve individuals living unsheltered and in RVs. This shelter marks the first combined RV and outdoor alternative shelter within the City of Portland. For those transitioning to the site with an RV, our goal is to help them move into housing.

"The North Portland Road Shelter site is an opportunity to replicate the successes we've had at our other shelters and offer even more people the life changing experience of moving off the streets and into a safe, supportive setting," said Brandy Westerman, Humanitarian Director for the City of Portland. "For many of our guests, a referral into a temporary shelter site is their first step toward a better life. Seeing people transition from a place of trauma and isolation into a space of community and hope - that is why we do this work. We are thrilled to announce the start of that work at this new site."

Urban Alchemy,a nonprofit managing several City Shelter Sites, will oversee this location as well. All City Shelters provide case management and wrap around services, including access to mental, physical, and behavioral health support. Entry is by referral only, typically through an outreach team. Pets and couples are welcome. For more information on all City shelters, click here.

"Our team understands that people living in their vehicles have very different needs, challenges and circumstances and need support that is focused on meeting their specific needs," said Kirkpatrick Tyler, Urban Alchemy's Chief of Community and Government Relations. "Urban Alchemy Practitioners have worked with individuals living in their vehicles and we are excited to help find housing for more members of the Portland community, and like at all the sites we operate, we're committed to building strong relationships with the surrounding community."

Since opening in 2022, over 2200 people have been served for all city shelters combined. According to recent data, 35% of those served in city shelters move onto permanent housing.

The Street Services Coordination Centercoordinates RV and vehicle removals with the Impact Reduction Program, the Portland Police Bureau, and the Portland Bureau of Transportation. Resource intensive and costly, RV and vehicle camping reports have surged in recent years. Many vehicles, often outdated or in disrepair, create significant disposal challenges. Owners frequently sell them cheaply or, worse, resort to illegal disposal methods, which negatively impact our environment. The City's Office of Government Relations is actively exploring solutions to address this issue ahead of the state legislature's next session.