Nonprofits Gather in Portland to Support Unsheltered Residents During Rainy Winter

Portland homeless services nonprofits united on Wednesday at El Jardin, a drop-in recovery center located in Southeast Portland, to provide assistance to unsheltered individuals. The gathering aimed to help vulnerable residents prepare for an exceptionally rainy winter driven by an El Niño weather pattern, particularly as the region deals with approximately 1,000 fewer shelter beds and a reduction in public funding.

During the event, organizations offered hot food, showers, haircuts, and distributed donated clothing and shoes. Diana Aleman, development director for El Jardin, emphasized the collaborative effort, stating, "We're doing stuff like this to try to get connected. That's how we get around this." Public funding for homeless services in Portland and Multnomah County dropped significantly this fall, leading to fewer open hours at day centers for the estimated 8,000 people living outdoors.

El Jardin operates with a focus on Latino culture, offering peer support and connections in Spanish, though its services are open to everyone. Roberto Paredes, director of recovery services, noted that the cultural approach helps individuals feel more comfortable. "In Latino culture, we believe the dirty laundry stays at home," Paredes explained, adding that it is "a lot easier to open up and talk when they understand the nuances."

A wide range of Portland-based organizations participated in the event. Cultivate Initiatives provided a shower truck and donated clothing, while other groups such as Central City Concern, AfroVillage, and Transcending Hope set up informational tables. Additionally, Empyre Barbers provided free haircuts and hair care services to attendees who otherwise could not afford them.

Lydia Hickox, co-owner of Empyre Barbers, shared her motivation for participating after achieving sobriety two decades ago. "Once we started growing into a new way of living, I thought it was really important to give back to the community where I have run havoc," Hickox said. Her team and other participating nonprofits coordinated their efforts to ensure residents could easily navigate the available resources.

The community event provided tangible relief to attendees, including families experiencing homelessness. For many, the gathering offered not only immediate physical necessities like food and warm clothing, but also a supportive environment during a challenging season for the region's unhoused population.