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Why Does Portland Need Rose Haven?
Oregon has the 2nd highest rate of unsheltered homeless people in the country, and Rose Haven is the only day shelter and community center in Multnomah County supporting those who are women, children and marginalized genders. We know the greatest contributors to homelessness for women in Oregon include domestic and sexual violence, unaffordable housing, wage inequity, and mental and physical disabilities. We also know that each person’s experience is unique and layered, and that those impacted need a helping hand to navigate the complexities of their worlds.
How We Show Up
Rose Haven is a low-barrier agency that exists not to just meet basic needs, but to nurture souls and improve the emotional, mental and physical well-being of our guests and our community as a whole. We understand our agency exists within larger systems of oppression, and we seek to disrupt those structures through radical hospitality, advocacy on an individual and community level, and meaningful connections to resources. Recognizing the isolation and loneliness that homelessness can create, we work to hold a space where all guests can connect, have voice and be empowered.
History of Rose Haven
In 1997, Sr. Cathleen Boerboom and colleagues conducted a survey and collected personal stories to identify the unique needs of a very vulnerable population, and to determine the most effective way to help meet those needs. Rose Haven, the only community of its kind in Portland, was born from those stories, and its services are specifically designed to meet the many complex needs of the women and children it serves.
Services Offered
The staff and volunteers at Rose Haven are committed to providing a safe community that supports empowerment, self-sufficiency and reintegration into the community. Guests can access needed services, get support, and regain self-confidence in a safe, respectful environment. We provide immediate triage and assistance.
A safe haven from the street
Advocacy services from social workers
Compassionate listening
Referral services or housing, legal, medical, and mental health support
Fresh and nutritional meals
Clothing - on both emergency basis and as monthly shopping visit
Showers, restrooms, handwashing, and personal hygiene
Mailing addresses for over 500 guests
Financial assistance for identification, prescriptions, utilities, rental applications and more
Bloom Program: Educational classes and support including budgeting, resume assistance, as well as fun and creative groups
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