PPL’s Library Safety Team Visits Portland’s New Homeless Shelter

Members of PPL’s Library Safety Team were honored to be invited to the recent grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Homeless Services Center, located at 654 Riverside Street, where they had an opportunity to tour the beautiful new space.

Kathleen Cleary, PPL Library Safety Manager, found the event to be filled with hope:

“There was so much positive energy generated by Portland’s community partners coming together to support our unsheltered population and celebrate this much-needed new facility.” -Kathleen

“I am very excited to see what this new shelter can provide and the impact it will have on the community!” – Kaylena

The shelter contains 208 beds, multiple showers, a laundry room, a food service and cafeteria area, a day room, a healing garden, and much more.

As a City of Portland partner, PPL is grateful for the direct access residents will have to onsite providers who will facilitate mental health services, substance use support, and medical and dental care. A passenger shuttle will run continuously between the shelter and downtown Portland from 8 am to 7 pm, allowing residents to easily access the library and other resources.

Reflecting on the day, PPL staff were equally moved by the speakers present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Anya, a former Oxford Street Shelter occupant, spoke in response to seeing the facility:

The shelter is expected to transform how the city and its partners, including PPL, respond to those needing services.