For more than 7,000 residents who live on Portland’s streets, in its parks and under its bridges, a shelter bed might be the only option for a safe, dry place to sleep. But not all shelters are created the same.
Portland area shelters are operated by independent providers contracting with local government agencies. Services available at each vary. The lists below summarize the typical services offered at the various types of shelter.
Overnight-only shelters
- A set entry time – usually 9 p.m. – and departure time – usually 6 a.m.
- An evening snack
- A morning breakfast item to go
- Bathrooms
- A cot or sleeping mat
- Pet crates
- The ability to reserve a bed for the following night
- Trauma-informed staff
- City outreach workers available outside each morning
24-hour shelters
- Meals – frequency and volume vary
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Laundry facilities
- Free second-hand clothing
- Common areas to socialize or plug in phones
- A dedicated bed
- Lockers for personal belongings
- Pet lodging
- Onsite support services, like help finding housing or addiction recovery services
Additional resources available at some 24-hour shelters
- Medical care
- Job skills training
- Free transportation to various services
- Set-aside spaces for families or couples
- Parking
- Village style shelters offer private sleeping pods with a locking door and temperature controls.
Still reading? Here’s a little context on the two types of shelter and why Portland is now rapidly adding overnight-only beds:…