Did you know the biggest indicator for adult homelessness is youth homelessness?
There is no doubt that the current houselessness crisis is affecting the entire state (and state of consciousness) of Oregon. When we see a humanitarian crisis unfold, we go through different stages, from sadness when it’s a few faces to disbelief when it’s so many. There is also a sense of helplessness when it seems that the need is greater than the ability to respond.
These feelings can be overwhelming, but we have seen Oregonians respond in various ways. From Sunday collections at congregations to holding our elected leaders accountable for solutions, we must play a part in helping those who are struggling.
I am proud of our staff at Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, who not only provide direct services to those in need, but also bring justice in how we operate. Over the past month, Britt, Cherice, Julia, Kim, Nacia, Olivé, Lorena, Savina and our wonderful volunteers in our public policy and creation justice teams have been advocating in Salem. We witnessed Governor Kotek sign into law House Bill 2001, which includes funding for our work with unaccompanied homeless youth through our Second Home program.
|
|
Photo: Kim Wagner, EMO/JVC Public Policy Advocate (center), and Frank So, EMO President, with Governor Tina Kotek during the signing of House Bill 2001 on March 29. |
|
With nearly 13 years of providing services for unaccompanied homeless youth between the ages of 16-21, EMO's Second Home operates with the generosity of volunteer host home providers who have a room to offer. EMO staff work to ensure the right fit and provide support for a successful relationship for both the student and host home provider in coordination with school personnel.
Since 2010, Second Home has touched the lives of over 650 unaccompanied homeless youth. With a successful high school graduation rate of over 90 percent, we have the technical expertise and experience to take these services to a larger scale. The passage of House Bill 2001 will allow EMO to reach more youth directly. And, more importantly, our advocacy was not for EMO alone but for a coalition of other host home providers and newer organizations in other parts of Oregon to expand services.
What we do matters. How we do it is perhaps what sets us apart from others. We are intentionally advocating for policies that will improve the lives of those in communities throughout the state. In today’s world, we must not only vote, but we must also volunteer, raise funds and, yes, consider sharing our homes to give hope to youth who seek a better life.
I am more than thankful for each of you who have volunteered in some capacity—be it with EMO or elsewhere—to do your part to respond to the housing crisis and help homeless individuals who want a better a life. We have the capacity to help. Let EMO be that vehicle.
Remember, anyone is welcome to join us for Interfaith Advocacy Day on May 10 in Salem (more details below), or volunteer with us to continue to put our love in action!
Let’s keep striving for the social justice we seek,
|
|
PS: For a first-hand perspective on Second Home, read "My Journey: From houseless youth to legislative advocate" by Savina Zuniga, a former Second Home student. Savina is currently contracted with EMO to help houseless youth and service providers learn about and access resources.
|
|
|
EMO Focus: HIV Day Center |
|
Photo: Part of our incredible HIV Services Team includes (from left) Program Manager Taylor Silvey, Jayden O'Quinn, Connor Feliu, and Meghan Lewis. |
|
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon's HIV Day Center is a community center for low income people living with HIV.
The Day Center provides hot breakfasts and lunches four days a week. Staff are available for counseling, information and referral, and help with problem solving. Day Center clients have access to phones, a mail drop, computers with internet access, WiFi, washer and dryer, clothing, a shower and hygiene supplies. The Day Center also provides therapeutic and recreational activities, as well as massage, haircuts, foot care and acupuncture provided by volunteer practitioners.
The HIV Day Center opened in Portland in May 1990 as the first free-standing, community-based program of its kind in the United States. It was created in direct response to needs outlined by a coalition of healthcare providers in 1987. The Day Center is currently located in the Concordia neighborhood in northeast Portland.
Ways you can get involved:
|
|
In the News
Jordan Bowen, a Day Center social work intern, wrote an article about his experience at the Day Center. It was published in the May 2023 Concordia News. Read Jordan's article, "HIV shelter offers respite."
|
|
To learn more about upcoming EMO events and faith community events, visit our Event Calendar. If you would like to submit an event for our website, please fill out an Event Form.
|
|
May 10, 2023
St. Mark Lutheran Church & Oregon State Capitol Building, Salem, Ore.
Interfaith Advocacy Day brings together people of many faith traditions throughout Oregon to advocate for compassionate legislation. Attend issue briefs and workshops, followed by meetings with state legislators. Register now.
|
|
|
May 4, 7 p.m., at Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 N.W. Flanders St., Portland, and virtual option.
A panel will discuss the current information on trends and patterns of antisemitism, its impact on the local Jewish community, social forces driving the increase in attacks, and conflict resolution skills to successfully confront anti-Semitism. Register now.
May 10, 5:30 - 7 p.m. (Zoom)
The Engaging Racial Justice Working Group in the Episcopal Church in Western Oregon invites a ll to attend this upcoming 90-minute panel discussion (virtual on Zoom). Panelists include Rabbi Ariel Stone, Congregation Shir Tikvah; Dr. Beverly Mitchell, professor at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC; and Mr. Robert Horenstein, Director of Community Relations, Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. Register online.
May 13, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., at University of Portland, 5000 N Willamette Blvd., Portland.
|
|
Employment Opportunities at EMO |
|
Join EMO's talented team making a difference in Oregon! EMO offers a generous benefits package. Visit our employment page for more details about the positions below and how to apply.
- SOAR Legal: Legal Assistant/Client Coordinator, Managing Attorney, Staff Attorney, Ukraine Project Coordinator
- SOAR Resettlement: Case Manager
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
