Supporting the Arbor Lodge Shelter, Arbor Lodge Neighborhood, and Kenton Neighborhood Communities
The Arbor Lodge Shelter Community Advisory Committee (CAC) serves as a collaborative, problem-solving body that maintains strong lines of communication between the Homeless Services Department, Do Good Multnomah (the shelter operator), and the community through the Arbor Lodge Neighborhood Association and Kenton neighbors while ensuring agreement commitments are upheld and fostering transparency. The CAC identifies opportunities for greater collaboration and develops solutions to recurring problems that benefit the shelter, its participants, and the broader community.
Update from February 24, 2026 Community Advisory Committee Meeting
County budget cuts are reducing shelter capacity regionwide. Two additional Do Good Multnomah programs are expected to close by year-end. Neighbors may notice increased foot traffic from individuals seeking shelter. The Arbor Lodge Shelter is currently full.
The bus stop shelter on Lombard has been removed for a six-month trial. Neighbors report zero problems since its removal.
The free little library project will be moving forward and installed near the Denver/Lombard gate. A volunteer has stepped forward and produced the little library and another person will do the installation, paid for with a neighbor's donation.
A community trash pickup is launching in March, organized by Arbor Lodge neighbor Ginger, covering a two- to three-block radius around the shelter. Volunteers needed! The first pick up will occur on Monday March 2, 1:30-2:30pm. The next pick up will be on March 16, 6:30-7:30pm and all following pick up events will occur twice a month on the first and third Monday at 6:30-7:30pm.
A CAC member, Peggy, connected with local business owners near the shelter who expressed stress about declining business and the visual impact of trash in the area. The upcoming cleanup efforts may help address some of these concerns.
The Multnomah County FY2027 budget process is underway, with a $60M+ gap to address. Public hearings are expected in April and early May. The department's requested budget prioritizes keeping currently housed individuals housed. Budget related resources if you would like to learn more:
March 31, 2026
If you would like to contribute donations, you can check the "Give Support" section below for the items the shelter most greatly needs right now. You can drop off donations to the shelter, or contact arbor-lodge-shelter-cac@googlegroups.com to coordinate for a member of the CAC to pick up your items.
The Arbor Lodge Shelter can always use additional support. The CAC will maintain this page with the most current list of most-needed items.
Money donations can be made directly to Do Good Multnomah on their donation page. If you want your donation to go directly to the Arbor Lodge Shelter you indicate that by leaving a comment when donating.
Men's and women's sweatpants (XL, XXL)
Men's/Women's coats
Coffee
Paint pens ( paint markers)
Syrup for pancake Fridays. 🙂
Pancake Mix
A smaller couch 78" in length or less (if anyone wants to donate a couch to our staff breakroom, we had to throw out the old one 🙁).
Q-tips
Small lotions
Bath towels
Incontinence supplies (Large, XL)
Shower shoes (XL, L, M, S)
Backyard bouquets from neighbors' gardens are especially enjoyed by participants and staff. Contact your arbor-lodge-shelter-cac@googlegroups.com for more information.
The shelter is currently getting adult and children book donations from the library, including children's books, and want to share with the community. We have obtained donations of materials and labor for installing a little library. It will be installed along the line of bushes on the west side along Denver.
Manager of the shelter, Sean Rotbergs can be reached at his email address.: Srotbergs@dogoodmultnomah.org
Do you need to report an issue related to the shelter or looking for support from the CAC? You can contact us at arbor-lodge-shelter-cac@googlegroups.com.