Neighborhood House’s transitional housing program is in the midst of some exciting changes. 

For many years, Neighborhood House has provided unsheltered families with rapid housing and support at a site in Southwest Portland. Now, we are shifting the program to serve at-risk clients in better ways. 

The 24 units in our program are one-bedroom efficiency units and are too small to accommodate the families currently living there. In addition to the mismatch between apartment size and household size we are also taking into account the families needs. Families need to feel empowered to choose housing in areas that work for their personal lives which can include childcare, school and work, to name a few concerns. When we offer housing in one particular place exclusively, we remove the families’ ability to choose what works best for their family.

In order to continue to serve these families as effectively as possible, we are shifting to a scattered site model that allows families to determine their own best housing option. Neighborhood House secured competitive Section 8 Housing Vouchers for several clients who needed longer-term support to remain housed. This means that whether the client is enrolled in Section 8 Vouchers, or transferring to a scattered site, each client is able to choose housing that meets their needs.

As we move toward a more client-led approach, we are listening to the needs of the people we serve and seeking changes in our overall programming to ensure that the best outcomes are realized for each client. 

“When we listen and adapt, we all benefit,” said Linda McNamara, Housing Program Manager. “This shift will allow us to serve the same people in a more effective way.”

Beginning this month, Neighborhood House will open this space for unsheltered and low-income seniors. Newly named Wise Transitions, this site is now partnering with Northwest Pilot Project to provide affordable senior housing, which is a huge need throughout Portland. We look forward to providing a safe place to build community for the seniors in the weeks and months to come.

I started using the Free Food Market. I learned about more programs that could help us. But the biggest change wasn’t the services themselves.

It was how I was treated. 

For the first time in my entire life, I was met with dignity. 

I wasn’t talked down to. I wasn’t made to feel ashamed for needing help. I wasn’t forced to “prove” I deserved to survive. At Neighborhood House, people spoke to me with genuine respect, something I have so often not been given, simply due to my circumstances. That changed everything. Even now, it still brings tears to my eyes. 

When you’re disabled, when you’re parenting alone, when you’re just trying to get through the day without falling apart…asking for help is hard. Being treated with kindness backed by action? It’s life-changing. 

That kindness empowered me. 
I joined the Head Start Policy Council. 
I became involved in statewide advocacy work. 
And eventually, when someone asked if I would consider joining the Neighborhood House Board, I said yes. 

Being on the board fills a need I’ve carried my whole life: the deep need to give back. There is so little any one person can do alone. But when we connect, when we come together as a community, everything becomes possible. 

People sometimes ask me why services like Neighborhood House still matter. 

My answer is simple: 

Because income inequality is growing. 
Because our systems do not prioritize people in poverty. 
Because without places like Neighborhood House, people really would go hungry. Children would go without resources necessary to thrive. Housing insecure families would be turned out into the streets. 
And that is simply not acceptable.

Until we change the systems that create these conditions in the first place, we need community-based organizations that keep people alive, keep families housed, and treat every neighbor with dignity.

And there’s one more thing I want you to know:

No one chooses this. 

Everyone is doing the best they can. 
Sometimes people just need a little boost.

When you donate or volunteer at Neighborhood House, it is truly life changing. You may never meet every person you help—but please know there are so many of us who feel overwhelmed with gratitude because these services exist.

I am one of them.

So today, as we close out the year, I’m asking you to help more neighbors like me.

Here’s how you can help right now: 

  • Make a gift today — your support goes directly to families who need it most.
  • Start a food dr​ive — our Food Security Program is a lifeline and always needs support. 
  • Share my letter with a friend who believes in a more just and caring community.

Thank you for believing in this work.

Thank you for believing in people like me. 

With gratitude,

Love 
Board Member & Program Participant 
Neighborhood House 

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