Tiny homes, big impact

By Alina Fagan, ‘24

Image Source: https://www.cascadiaclusters.org/

Portland, Oregon, has been dealing with a housing crisis since 2015 when Mayor Charlie Hales declared it a city-wide emergency. Since then many volunteer opportunities including Beacon Village  have come out to shine hoping to engage the Portland community in ending the housing crisis.    

 As of 2015, over 3,800 houseless people were living on the streets in West Portland’s Multnomah County. Now amidst COVID-19, this crisis has become even more exigent. 

 Rent has continued to rise to around $1,400  a month for single bedroom apartments, according to survey data collected by Multifamily NW from Fall 2021. This acute rise in housing is forcing many families onto the streets. On top of that, around 21,000 people living in Multnomah County are currently relying on federal checks. 

 It is believed that Old Town, located near Chinatown, is the current epicenter of the crisis. Throughout the neighborhood, entire blocks have been lined with tents as well as littered with trash. 

 Access to water, health, food, sanitation, and security of person are some of the many standard human rights that people living on the streets often don’t receive.

 Current Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan has been focusing on funding more city-sanctioned “safe rest villages” as well as pushing for $20 million to create and manage the villages. By providing more houseless villages, the hope is that it would decrease the unsanctioned urban campsites found in many downtown areas.  

 As this housing crisis continues to escalate, organizations and fundraising efforts combating houselessness have been brought into the limelight. 

 One organization, in particular, Beacon Village, is innovating support of houseless people through the creation of tiny homes. They also provide food and gear for a group of 50-70 houseless neighbors in SE Portland. 

 Former Catlin Gabel School (CGS) Lower School teacher John Mayer is the program director of Beacon Village.  

 ”We forged a partnership with Bridgeport United Church of Christ to build and run a village and day center on their property.  We now have ten tiny homes standing and occupied by formerly houseless Portlanders that we've known for a long time, ” Mayer explained.

 Not only do they build tiny homes, but they also build a relationship and support system for the transition from a tent to indoor living. This can include anything from creative art sessions to support for trauma and addiction. 

 But how can our own community help? 

 When asked about any words of advice on how others can help Portland as a whole, Mayer replied,“If there is a person you see every day asking for change or struggling at the bus stop or collecting cans in your neighborhood, you can say hello. Introduce yourself.  Offer a kind greeting. These things go a long way.” 

 While Portland has struggled for a while with the housing crisis more organizations have been stepping up and providing essential resources and services to the vulnerable houseless population. See how you can help by visiting: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/toolkit/69886.