These are some of the comments we have heard from Portlanders:
This is exactly the type of local effort needed. David Moser
It is our mission to collaborate with other organizations and use our real estate experience to take action and support the mission of the 3000 challenge. Ty Brown, Owner/Principal Broker, The Millennial Group
Of course we will need a multi-faceted solution for our home-impaired and an extended timeline…but we also need stretch goals and timelines to measure our success,. We will be successful. Roger Warren, Mission committee, Montavilla United Methodist Church
The solution to houselessness is, and always has been, simple: give people housing. Any other too-clever-by-half solution is less effective and wasteful of precious time and resources. We must provide public affordable housing now! Trevor Newhart
The 3000 Challenge is a logical and healthy way for us to move forward with our housing crisis. It is a people centered plan and a huge step in the right direction to get folks housed. AJ McCreary, Executive Director, Equitable Giving Circle
I wasn’t aware of the severity of the housing situation in Portland until I started a school project on affordable housing in the Portland area. We need solutions, and the 3,000 Challenge and associated organizations are doing the work to make housing more affordable and equitable! Thank you for everything you do for the community! Cicely Blackwell
We deserve better as a society ands should be creating a city where EVERYONE is cared for Leila Haile
3000 Challenge Portland is one of the best strategies I’ve seen that will actually help solve our housing and homeless crisis. Who better than those with lived experience and frontline expertise in serving our most vulnerable residents to guide a trauma-informed approach. I’m already partnering with property management companies and nonprofits to support, fund, and increase master leases. And encourage anyone who has access to available rental units to step up and be part of the solution. Lori Stegmann, Multnomah County Commissioner & Vice Chair, Multnomah County
Solutions that are rooted in compassion and in the leadership of those most impacted is how we develop long term solutions. I am thrilled to be a part of a community who are taking action as part of a collective. Yvonne Garcia, Deputy Director, ACLU of Oregon
It is well past time for creative and humane housing solutions for Portland, neither the city nor all who live in it can thrive until the housing crisis is solved. Page Fortna
Housing and community resources need to be available fo everyone regardless of their ability to pay, where they came from, what they look like, and/or regardless of what they identify as. Athene K
Housing is a basic need for all people. Let’s work together to address this issue in the Portland area. Darlene Chirman
This is the help I dreamed about. Ms. Pamela Fouse, BleedingHeartOutreach
With broad participation of landlords across the region, combined with housing assistance from the Metro homeless services fund, this is an achievable goal. Trell Anderson, Executive Director, Northwest Housing Alternatives
The proven solution to homelessness is stable housing. We can do better for our brothers and sisters who are living unsheltered. John F Christensen
Willamette Technical Fabricators recognizes the need for comprehensive solutions to Portland’s housing and homelessness crisis, and we are committed to supporting the 3,000 Challenge to quickly create safe, healing spaces for people that meet their diverse needs and honor their dignity and autonomy. Alicia Chapman, Owner & CEO, Willamette Technical Fabricators
Shift Accounting LLC supports the 3000 Challenge PDX campaign. We believe that housing is a human right and one that should be afforded to all Portlanders without condition. Jenna Goldin, Business Owner, Shift Accounting LLC
We need intelligent and thoughtful solutions to our neighbors sleeping on the street. Mass shelters and sweeps are neither! I love the ideas and energy behind these solutions. Thanks for your work on this! Chris Bonner, Realtor, Hasson Company Realtors
It’s a travesty that as a society we are allowing people to be living on the streets and not providing adequate housing. This situation needs to be a priority to address. Judy Arielle Fiestal
Driving around Portland is heart breaking. I hope some actual help for people suffering homelessness comes of this effort. Susan Evans
ROC supports the 3000 Challenge because we envision an Oregon where everyone has a voice and feels empowered to live in safe, stable, and healthy homes. Reyna Gillet, Lead Organizer, Residents Organizing for Change (ROC)
We believe that housing is a human right, and we know that housing is what solves homelessness. We support 3000 Challenge PDX because it centers the needs and the humanity of those most vulnerable, uses a housing-first approach, and also asks for a collective commitment from our community. Audrey Alverson, Director of Communications & Engagement, Salazar Architect
Housing first, housing for all. Audrey Alverson
Do Good Multnomah is founded on the idea that housing is a human right. The inherent right to a safe and stable place to live and lock one’s own door is essential for anyone’s wellbeing.
We, alongside the rest of Portland, want to see those currently outside to transition to safe, indoor spaces. But we believe in evidence-based practices, which, across various communities, have consistently shown that a Housing First model is the best approach.
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Additionally, we know that we can only do this work in relationship with our unhoused neighbors…where we involve the folks we are serving in the development of programs that best fit their needs and preferences. And in those dialogues, the call is for low barrier housing and alternative shelter options, not paternalistic approaches that strip humans of their agency and dignity.
As a provider of shelter, we know that shelter can only be the first step to finding stability and sustainable housing. Without affordable housing to transition to, shelter can become a trap, keeping people in the experience of houselessness. And shelter without accompanying support services ends up costing Oregon taxpayers more money in emergency room visits, incarceration, hospital stays, police calls, and mental health interventions.
Mass shelter alone is not the answer. We must continue to invest in options that end houselessness, not hide it. Sustainable, affordable, and low-barrier housing and alternative shelter options are what we need.
Bigger shelters cannot fix Portland’s housing crisis. The Metro SHS bond has given us an opportunity to remedy our houselessness epidemic through shelter, services, and affordable permanent housing.
By investing taxpayers money in developing a variety of secure housing options and rent support, we can end the cycle of houselessness for many.
Jess Gibly, Director of Supportive Housing Services, Do Good Multnomah
Yes we need more affordable housing now and in the future, we need to require all development and developers to increase dramatically the percentage of housing and apartments that are considered affordable in all of Oregon! Ian Waite, Dr.
The interventions and solutions being proposed make so much sense – moving activities and resources “upstream” to engage with folks before they lose housing, subsidizing housing costs in the private market for housing that already exists, and bringing resources to those that need the support to stay in their housing. Let’s continue to focus on these common-sense, humane solutions. I believe the analysis that says it will cost everyone a lot less. Heather Kent
The solution to homelessness is affordable housing and wrap-around supportive services to keep folks housed. Mark Morford
Portland Tenants United is excited to endorse the 3000 challenge PDX. Dignified housing is needed now for everyone, and this challenge takes important steps to remove barriers to accessing that housing. We are dismayed that we are at a point where this sort of action is necessary. As long as housing exists mostly as a commodity for profit, we will have large groups of people without access to dignified housing. We must create alternatives that remove much of housing from market forces altogether. But while we work towards that bigger goal, this initiative will go a long way toward securing housing for people. Leeor Schweitzer, Organizing Committee member, Portland Tenants United
The problem is getting worse every year, and this is the most viable solution if our local and federal government won’t step up. Jack Rizzi
Housing is a human right. Making money off of others’ basic needs is not. Housing for all. Michelle Funk
Being homeless does not make a person bad or good, lazy or industrious, smart or stupid, and it does not change a person from wanting to be autonomous. Dictating homeless policy without representation is guaranteed to fail. What adult would eagerly live in a room with 50 strangers with no voice and no privacy or security? Think how you would want to live tomorrow if you were to lose your home today. It is only when seeds feel nurtured by the soil that they begin to grow and only with continued and individualized care do they bloom. Our people are our seeds and together we can make our city a beautiful garden. Rebecca Lange, New Outlets
It is so important to look to paths that align with our community values. If we stray from those to address houselessness in a punitive, disrespectful way we risk losing any progress we have made. We must continue to support the pendulum swing of approaches to our community concerns to remain in the place that approaches people with dignity and and recognizes their strength and hopes. Katherine Moore, MSW
The violence and instability that is currently plaguing Portland will not be healed unless people are given opportunities for stability. The 3000 challenge proposes means of using current resources and community support to create that stability. It’s a far better system that will contribute to social good rather than sweeping and warehousing people in dehumanizing ways. Sally Adelman
There but for the grace of whoever go I. You too Tim Boyle.
I don’t want to be rich so that I can buy a lot of things, I want to be rich so I have more to give to people who need it.
Wendy B.
Why wouldn’t I support the people who 1) prioritize the most marginalized Portlanders, not wealthy business people and 2) actually know what they are doing? Cass Cole, Eviction Defense Attorney
I watched 3 new homes being built across the street from my house. Two have sold for more than 1.6 million dollars each and the third is on the Market. Meanwhile my son and his family with 2 incomes of $30 an hour can barely afford a rental house. This is not the kind of Portland I want to live in. I want diversity (of gender, age, race, income) in my neighborhood and city. Let us work to create the kind of city we want by seeking ways to have affordable housing for everyone who wants a place to live. Short term shelters are a step in the right direction but long term housing is what is really needed. Janet Jump
Ensuring a life of dignity for every human being alive on this planet is the only path to peace and security. If you are concerned about crime in your neighborhood, then work to end poverty and injustice. Wendy Emerson
I am pleased to support this thoughtful and balanced approach with my money and my labor. PDX leadership needs to follow. Keri Morin, NE resident
We have the resources in our community to house everyone, with safety , comfort and dignity. Let’s do it in 2022! Mary King, Professor of Economics Emerita, Portland State University
I endorse the solutions proposed by the 3000 Challenge. Being unhoused is not a crime. We must do better than we have and simply providing camps is not enough. We have the funds to do much of what is suggested. Let’s be the shining city. Let’s do better by all our humans. Abby Farber, Executive Consultant and Founder, FarberWorks
The only solution to homelessness is housing. This is a creative and necessary solution to providing housing for anyone who needs it. Layla Iranshad
Street Roots’ 3000 Challenge is driven by people with lived experience, which is why it makes so much sense. It is incumbent upon each of us to do our part, whether advocating for these solutions or pledging housing units. Stephanie Stephens
Pinehurst believes that stable, safe, affordable housing is an integral part of the long-term success of any community. We are committed to help break the cycle of homelessness and poverty that engulfs low and moderate-income families. Terry Wilson, CEO, Pinehurst Management
Homelessness in Portland is a problem with many solutions. We need to make this a priority now. We must make every effort to connect the unhoused with housing solutions as soon as possible. Rev. Doctor Elizabeth Klein, Grace Memorial Episcopal Church
Finally, some common sense ideas to make a difference in our community. Thank you! Robert Brown
August 2021, I got a 10 Day Termination Notice for Nonpayment of Rent
The building told me to disregard it as a mistake.
Today I found another 10 Day Notice on my door.
It’s dated for 3/14 and says I have until 3/18 – but that isn’t even 10 days.
I have a feeling it’s a mistake…again…or at least I hope so.
It’s just cruel all the way around.
This shouldn’t happen to anybody, whether the notice is “real” or not.
I can’t even communicate with management about it until tomorrow at the earliest so here’s to a guaranteed horrible night…and maybe tomorrow….and tomorrow….depending on when I hear back from anyone…
My life has become a total nightmare.
The threat of eviction has hung over my head every single day.
I’m thankful for assistance programs, but it’s felt like I’m dangling over the side of a cliff with someone holding my hand – they aren’t pulling me up and I’m always terrified one day they’ll just let go without warning.
I used to worry about it with every paycheck, but now I never know if I’m going to be able to keep my home.
I’ve lived in this apartment longer than I’ve lived in any single place my whole life.
I’ve also been isolated for two years because of the pandemic.
I don’t know what to do.
I know life can be better than this – not just for me but for everyone poor, on the brink of eviction, or completely without housing – I just don’t understand how to make it that way.
It feels like there’s been a million good ideas proposed by people from all walks of life – but the ones who can change anything on a higher level just aren’t listening.
Laura Gamari
All people deserve humane, safe housing in our fair city. No children should see, let alone experience, homelessness. Jan Madill
We need to do better and we can. We need systemic system solutions, including wrap around services. Janel Hovde, Associate Pastor, St Johns Church
Getting people off the street into a safe place with services is a foundation of a healthy community. We can’t begin to address systemic behavior issues if basic needs aren’t met. Mary Edmeades, VP/Manager Client Treasury Services, Beneficial State Bank
Because every single Portlander deserves secure housing. Nick Bjork
The 3,000 Challenge is a much needed call that each of us holds responsibility to do something to end homelessness. Put yourself in the shoes of your houseless neighbor, what would you want the community to do to get you housed? Be creative, share, support. Nancy Yuill
As a social worker and a member of this community, I know that we can do so much better at supporting our neighbors in accessing affordable, sustainable housing. Let’s do this, Portland! Laura A
Safe, stable, secure housing is the foundational social determinant of good health. Jim Reuler, MD
Portland is in crisis! We desperately need the kind of deep thinking coming from 3000challenge. David Dawson, Emeritus Professor, OHSU
IT’S WAY PAST TIME FOR THE CITY OF PORTLAND TO WALK THE TALK RE ACTUALLY HOUSING HOUSELESS PORTLANDERS. THEY DESERVE GENUINE SOLUTIONS & NOT SQUALID SHELTERS & A CAMPSITE HERE & THERE. WHEN WILL THE CITY TAKE THIS CRITICAL ISSUE SERIOUSLY & WITH REAL COMMITMENT. SO FAR THE CITY HAS FAILED ABYSMALLY. Jynx Houston
We can join the humane nations of the world in building a society devoid of homelessness. Judy Ringenson, Ph.D.
OPSR is excited to endorse the 3000 Challenge. Accessible and affordable housing is vital to human health. Samantha Hernandez, Climate Justice Organizer, Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility
We need housing now! What about the boarding-house model, where people share a bathroom and kitchen? My house was divided up during the war and used in this way. It seems like the biggest modification was to build a second kitchen on another level of the house and an exterior stairway. Susan Haywood
We need to recognize each other’s basic humanity and needs. George Feldman, M.D.
Everyone deserves a HOME! Subjecting people to homelessness is socially criminal! Mary McGaughey, Mrs, Self
The 3000 challenge is a stand taken by all organizations and individuals who care to say that we as a community, through creativity and hard work can find better, more equitable, more compassionate and sustainable solutions to the homelessness situation in Portland. Jackson Bramhall
As a resident in the Lloyd and Sullivan’s Gulch community and an advocate and friend of Right 2 Dream Too, I enthusiastically endorse this effort. This is the most hopeful plan I have seen to address our humanitarian crisis. Jill Spencer
This seems like a creative solution to a huge problem. Caroline Litzenberger, Caroline J Litzenberger
We applaud this community social justice approach to addressing the lack of affordable housing through the creation of permanent housing options with a continuum of services and supports. We need a range of dignified, non-coercive options addressing racial equity and the diversity of needs houseless individuals and families identify for themselves. Diana Meisenhelter, Action team co-coordinator, Extinction Rebellion PDX
The 3000 Challenge PDX is a sensible approach that I fully endorse. Marcus Ingle, Independent Leadership Consultant (Retired Professor)
We’re gonna do it better. We’re gonna do it kinder. And we’re going to do it with intentionality and the necessary immediacy. Kodee Zarnke, Vendor Program Coordinator, Street Roots
Every individual and family in our community deserves a safe place to call home. And investing in housing is the best and most impactful investment we can make, to ensure that is possible! Emmy Ritter, Executive Director, Raphael House of Portland
I fully endorse the 3000 challenge! Carol Tessitore
We can end homelessness if we have homes for people to live in. Let’s make that happen. Rachael Duke, Executive Director, Community Partners for Affordable Housing
Housing is the best and most impactful investment we can make, to ensure that every individual and family in our community has a safe place to call home. Amanda Ives, Development Director, Raphael House of Portland
Direct resources to pay rents, supportive services, and housing advocates and case workers who can only help house people when there is support to financially move low-income people into subsidized and/or supportive housing. Laura Iversen
Our community needs this type of measurable outcome. Trell Anderson, Executive Director, Northwest Housing Alternatives
Housing first! Allen Zeitlin
I could be evicted
Lose everything
What will you think of me
if you happen to see me one day?
You wouldn’t even know me
to know what to think
I don’t deserve to lose my home
No one does
I’m just poor
Not expendable
volta verse
Shelter should be treated as a human right. Daniel Fuller
The solutions put forward in the 3000 Challenge Pdx will work! In the past decade I have volunteered in many capacities to help people – especially youth – get off the streets and stay safe; I learned a lot about what succeeds and what doesn’t. The organizations that have brought forth this challenge have the unique skills and deep knowledge that is so urgently needed to house everyone. Let’s see the whole city – including its government – get on board. Sue Gemmell, Sue Gemmell Consulting, LLC
Housing and stability is a human right. Community members experiencing chronic homelessness should be offered structural housing. No one should live on the street! Kamelah Adams, Founder/COO, Mimi’s Fresh Tees
As a case manager working at an emergency shelter, I support the 3000 challenge. Shelters are a short term band aid, a housing-first approach is needed Lucas Grzybowski, Case manager, A local non profit
Yes! Let’s unite to house 3,000 neighbors. Marnie Glickman
We must have courageous compassion to invest in real help for our neighbors in crisis. Dave Otte, Owner, Holst
A safe shelter is a human right we all deserve. Caring for vulnerable members of our community will make all of us stronger and better. Eneida Nemecek, MD, MBA, Oregon Health & Science University
Houselessness stems from lack of investment in affordable housing and policies that disadvantage low-income people, especially people of color. The housing crisis can’t be solved overnight, but Portland can make significant progress by investing in affordable housing and smart policies. Nick Sauvie, Executive Directoor, ROSE Community Development
The Community Alliance of Tenants Board endorsed the 3000 Challenge. Kim McCarty, Executive Director, Community Alliance of Tenants
People need to feel safe, inside, before they can address addiction and mental health. I love the idea of using hotels and empty buildings to house the un housed. I support this action! sukey Lupton
Let’s treat this humanitarian crisis like the crisis that it is, lead with empathy, and work for creative solutions that find housing for people in need. Reed Buterbaugh
Housing First! Noah Hatz
We can do better by our neighbors living without housing on our streets and in our shelters by embracing, funding and fast-tracking the strategies outlined by this campaign. These approaches to our crisis center the people experiencing homelessness and model ways we can provide housing – the vaccine to the pandemic that is homelessness – with greater urgency and dignity. Andy Miller, Human Solutions Inc.
Many Arrows in the Quiver. Now it is time to both fire the arrows and hit the targets. I am concerned about housing and homelessness in Portland. As an Architect who works in this space, the genuine concern comes from empathy for these people struggling with a complex problem. I grew up on the streets of Portland, and some of these folks living in tents on the roadside I grew up with and used to play with when I was young. It is personal to me and should be for all of us. Ian Flood, Architect, LEED AP, AIA
Food clothes and shelter are human rights! Bart Gagnon
House the houseless, it’s a human right! The mayor’s office is playing whack- a- mole if they think moving houseless people into big, state-run encampments is going to offer any real, long-term, solutions. We need to get to the root of the problems, and one of those problems is the lack of affordable housing in the Portland metro area and beyond. Chad Dickson, Case Manager, Transition Projects
Everything starts with a safe place to live. Health, opportunity, future. Christina Jaderholm, Community Health Researcher
Fosters4future, a grassroots non profit organization which I am founding, aims to provide services and resources to current and former foster youth. As an individual, I am a former foster youth and low income mother to four children. In my life I experienced extended time periods of homelessness as a child and youth. I know that housing first is a right and a necessity, and as a child I remember I had wished being homeless never was a thing. I don’t have money, but what I do have is heart and motivation. I back this effort of getting 3000 people housed in stable long term housing in 2022. Jennifer Noonan, Skills Trainer, Fosters4future
I love this idea. Let’s get private and public money involved with this and make sure there are services provided, too! Tom Fox-Sellers, Program Manager, Sapient Corp
These recommendations reflect evidence-based best practices in preventing and addressing homelessness. They also uplift and center racial equity and the needs and requests of people experiencing homelessness, which are essential for any approach to be truly effective. I hope others will join me in endorsing and supporting these efforts. Jacen Greene, Assistant Director, PSU Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative
Permanent housing solutions provide safe, stable living accommodations and a safe place to build community. Carol Fenton, community member
The only thing that can address the housing crisis is housing. Joshua Blount, Co-host, Portland from the Left
Housing first! A home is integral to everything, a mailing address, a shower, a warm clean place to sleep, and a place to rest and recover. It’s everything. Kelly Rasmussen
I strongly support a campaign led and informed by those who are closest to the issue of houseless citizens in our city. That means that those citizens and housing advocates are at the forefront of the conversation and planning, instead of business interests. Barbara Ford, citizen
Housing first. No criminalization. No detentions. No involuntary confinement. MK Bretsch
We need 3000 homes now. Kayla Jones, Operations Manager, Street Roots
I was lucky to have survived two years living outside. Many wonderful people helped me stay alive, but what saved me was housing. Will F
I wholeheartedly endorse the 3000 challenge! Lisa Hawash
People need housing, not to be criminalized and warehoused. Using long-term effective solutions will provide better outcomes than short-term solutions to appease wealthy business interests. We all deserve dignity, not just those who are members of home owner associations and business alliances. Samantha O’Reilly, Jewelry Consultant, Brilliant Earth
As our “leaders” throw up their hands and say “we’ve tried nothing and we’re all out of options,” it’s clear that the community needs to intervene to meet the needs of people who the ruling class has abandoned. Jacob Sweet
Housing First works! I’ve seen it be successful first hand. We can do better and the crazy thing is it’s actually more cost effective than sweeps. Carolyn Gleeson
I fully support housing our neighbors, we need real solutions not mass shelters that harm the people in our community that deserve stability, health, and safety. Chris Bleasdell
As a securely housed person I see homeless people everyday in my neighborhood. A tried and successful way to house people in exisiting apartments with wrap around services is more sound way to use public funds than building large shelters. Francie Royce, neighbor
I support a compassionate approach to helping those experiencing houselessness. We have the capabilities and resources to accomplish this, and I am thrilled that this coalition has formed. I’ll do whatever I can to help. huck bales
Finding humane solutions to supporting our community who seek shelter and need support is one of our highest priorities. It requires us all to step up and work together. Todd Diskin, Corporate and Special Events Program Manager, Hands On Greater Portland
Just as literacy helps to end cycles of poverty and inequality, so does permanent housing. We’re proud to join #3000Challenge as partners committed to lasting systemic solutions that advance racial, social and economic justice in the communities we love. Angela Uherbelau, Founder, Oregon Kids Read
Everyone wins when we all have stable housing. Jennifer Starkey, Education Director, Columbia Slough Watershed Council
All Portlanders are my neighbors. Everyone deserves a home – somewhere where they are safe and comfortable. Wheeler’s “plan” is inhumane and folks deserve decency, compassion, and a space to call their own. Jaq Kunz
This is a very important cause! housing is the first defense against crime Kira Duff
I support a substantial tax on all 3-months-plus vacant housing used as investment, with an additional penalty for out of town investors. The penalty would be refunded if tenants are at or under median Portland income. Theresa Mitchell, notorious, barely
We can’t keep leaving sensible, affordable options on the table while people die on the streets. We can’t commit exclusively to expensive shelter options while we wait for affordable housing to be built. We can’t let the Mayor’s office go through with their plans to dangerously and inhumanely warehouse our houseless neighbors. Gabriel Mathews
I endorse this effort to provide housing to impoverished members of our community. We need solutions that show that we care about human life and the quality of life of our neighbors, not “solutions” like those suggested by pedophile Sam Adams and Mayor Ted Teargas Wheeler which oppress, criminalize, and dehumanize our most vulnerable neighbors. Emily Huckabone, Ms.
Let’s do this Portland. If we all work together, we can make this happen. Britton Taylor, PCP, Mult Dems
I’m excited for this collective initiative and campaign for the community to show support & endorse real solutions to our housing issues. The advocates and services providers endorsing this campaign are making a difference for our unhoused neighbors every day, thank you for this work and bringing this campaign to the table! Tania Hoode, Human Being
No one ever grew up with the dream of someday living on the streets. The houseless are our sisters, our brothers, our sons and our daughters. It is our duty as a community to help them. Mary Rarick, Producer, You Can’t Beat Blue
Given the complexity of the situations and challenges faced by our houseless neighbors and the house insecure who are at greater risk of experiencing houselessness, our community must endeavor to work together on solutions, collaborating on creative and humane efforts like the 3000 Challenge. Rick Turoczy, General Manager, PIE
Yes we can! Wendy Lawton, City Councilor, City of Fairview, OR
Housekeys Not Handcuffs ! Jamie Partridge, Organizer, Communities and Postal Workers United
We must house the houseless and work to prevent others from sliding into this abyss. Karen Madden
We know what works to end homelessness and we have the resources to do it: a home for everyone, so that everyone has a safe, private place of their own. Mass sheltering triggers traumas and doesn’t solve homelessness. Let’s affirm the value and dignity of every person and work together to give our neighbors living outside a stable place to stay. Damon Motz-Storey
