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.
This is our first monthly update! The Community Advisory Committee has had two monthly meetings so far. At the meetings, representatives from the shelter, Kenton and Arbor Lodge neighborhoods, Do Good Multnomah, and the County's HSD ( Homeless Services Department) meet over Zoom to discuss how things are going, good or bad, and discuss ideas for improvement.
Updates on the shelter:
Currently housing about 100 participants, and things are maintaining
Student nurses are volunteering from the University of Portland to gain practical experience
Due to budget cuts, the shelter has had to cut back on meal service, so they are now only serving two meals per day: breakfast and dinner, and snacks around lunchtime
We are happy to report that neighbors have been contributing various items and donations, and if you would like to contribute, 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.
Food Items
All items must be within their best use date and must be sealed.
Packaged snacks , any amount
Bulk packaged food, enough to feed 100
Sugar
Teas
Coffee beans
A new food processor for the kitchen (definitely not a high priority)
Clothing and Hygiene Items
Hygiene items must be new. Clothing items can be new or used, but should be clean and in good condition.
Men's underwear (all sizes)
Men's and women’s sweatshirts and long sleeves (all sizes)
Gloves
Socks
Winter Hats
Blankets
Pillows
Facial Tissue
Deodorant
Nail clippers
Q-tips
Backyard bouquets from neighbors' gardens are especially enjoyed by participants and staff. Contact your CAC representative 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. If anyone would like to help build a free library outside of the shelter, please contact the manager, Sean Rotbergs 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.