Yellow Brick Road Street Outreach

NEW ARTICLE ABOUT JANUS YOUTH'S GROUNDBREAKING SHELTER FOR MINOR VICTIMS OF SEX TRAFFICKING!

2012-01-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

As many of you are aware, Janus Youth Programs opened Oregon's very first shelter for children victims of sexual exploitation in December 2011. Please take a moment to read this thoughtful feature about our newest shelter for youth published TODAY in one of our city's weekly tabloids, The Portland Mercury.

YBR of WASHINGTON is NOW ACCEPTING VOLUNTEERS!

2012-01-20T12:54:00.000-08:00

Yellow Brick Road of Washington and The Perch Drop-In Center are now accepting applications for volunteers! We have opportunities to assist our staff engaging with homeless youth in Vancouver, Washington between the hours of 9am-4pm. No experience is necessary but applicants must be over 18 and off the streets for at least one year. For more information and an application, please contact Dennis Lundberg at: dlundberg@janusyouth.org

NO SEVERE WEATHER

2012-01-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

At this time the City of Portland does NOT anticipate a continuation of severe weather conditions for the remainder of the week. Local weather is not forecast to meet the criteria warranting opening of the Red Cross Emergency Warming Center at Imago Dei Church so the Imago Dei Church space will NOT be open tonight.

YBR outreach workers will be on the streets this evening to assist in directing unsheltered people to shelters. We will be stationed outside Imago Dei Church tonight from 8pm-9pm to redirect people to appropriate facilities and provide some emergency cold weather gear such as hats, gloves and hand-warmers.

If you have any questions please call 2-1-1 for more information. Bundle up out there!

SEVERE WEATHER ALERT: JANUARY 16th & 17th!

2012-01-16T15:01:00.001-08:00

Severe Weather Notice is in effect in Portland, Oregon: The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures of 32 degrees and a high likelihood of snow starting at 4am on Tuesday (1/17) and these conditions are expected to persist through Wednesday (1/18) at 10am. Sleeping outdoors in this weather can be dangerous! Anyone seeking shelter information can dial 2-1-1 to receive direction. During this severe weather episode, 211info will be open for phone inquiries daily between 8:00am and midnight. Additionally, shelter information is available 24/7 at www.211info.org. In addition to existing year-round and winter shelter facilities, the following warming center facilities are available:

Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center (only open when a Severe Weather Notice is issued):

Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center at the Imago Dei Church

1302 Ankeny Street, (near 13th Avenue in Inner SE)

This is a walk-in facility. Pets allowed, some space for carts, accessible location

Dates: Monday, January 16th - Tuesday, January 17th

Hours: 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Serves: Families, single adults, and youths

Family Winter Shelter (formerly Family Warming Center):

12505 NE Halsey Street, Portland Oregon (on Halsey near 126th Avenue)

This is a walk-in facility.

Dates: Seven nights a week throughout winter season

Hours: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Serves: Families with children under 18 and women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

Women’s Winter Shelter:

Check in at Transition Projects, 650 NW Irving,

Mon-Fri 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Sat/Sun 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or call 503-280-4700 to check availability.

Dates: Seven nights a week throughout winter season

Hours: 7:30 PM - 7:00 AM

Serves: Single women

Men’s Winter Shelter:

Located at Salvation Army Harbor Light, SW 2nd and Ankeny,

This is a walk-in facility. Call 503-239-1259 for information.

Dates: Seven nights a week throughout winter season

Hours: 8:00 PM - 8:00 AM

Serves: Single men

Union Gospel Mission

15 NW 3rd Avenue, 503-228-0319

This is a walk-in facility.

Dates: Monday, January 16th - Tuesday, January 17th

Hours: 9:30 PM - 6:00 AM

Serves: Families, single adults, and youths

The following expanded day center services are available during the Severe Weather Notice:

Downtown Chapel Roman Catholic Parish

601 W Burnside Street, 503-228-0746

Provides hot beverages, some snacks and movies

Dates: As of 11am on 1/16/12 confirmation has NOT been made that this facility will be available during this weather event.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Serves: Adults

Union Gospel Mission

15 NW 3rd Avenue, 503-228-0319

Provides hot beverages, some snacks and television

Dates: As of 11am on 1/16/12 the Mission Director indicates that they do not have the volunteer capacity to open the day center on 1/16/12. They are working to get volunteers to open up on 1/17/12 and will confirm one way or another later today.

Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Depending on severity of weather may be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Serves: Adults

Please call 211info with questions regarding other shelter and transportation resources.

BRIDGE HOUSE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS!

2012-01-13T14:17:00.001-08:00

A Quarter Century of Positive Youth Development… Sort Of.

by JT (Jerry) Fest

Twenty-five years ago yesterday, January 12th, 1987, the first four of hundreds of future residents moved into Bridge House; at the time one of only seven demonstration projects for federal Transitional Living Programs for older homeless youth. The success of the program contributed to funding for future TLP’s around the nation, and today Bridge House is the only one of the original seven TLP’s still in operation, making it the oldest continuously funded federal TLP in the country.

Bridge House is considered one of the earliest programs to be based on the principles of Positive Youth Development (PYD), but here’s an interesting fact. In 1987, PYD as a codified best practice did not exist. As the principles and practices of PYD were articulated, it became clear that the design of Bridge House incorporated PYD principles and implemented PYD practices. But if PYD was not known at the time that Bridge House was established, then while it may be accurate to say that the program was designed along lines that were compatible with PYD, it cannot be said that Bridge House was based on PYD. That being the case, it may be interesting to some to learn what the program was based on. As I was director of the program at that time, I am able to answer that question for you.

The original grant that we received here in Portland was a demonstration grant and, as such, I wanted to try something new. After all, it’s not as though housing programs didn’t exist for homeless youth in the ‘80’s … but they weren’t demonstrating much success. While I have long since lost the studies from that time, I remember that the success rate for homeless youth going through housing programs was about 30% back then. Equally concerning was that the success rate for youth exiting street life without any program involvement at all was also about 30%, which was leading some to question whether or not programs were really helping. When the Bridge House demonstration showed a 70% successful rate of transition, people began to take notice, and our success contributed to a focus on PYD. But, again, the program preceded what is now known as PYD, so on what was it based?

In looking for a model to demonstrate I exhausted all existing approaches to housing and transitional living for homeless youth. Replicating the 30% success rate was not our goal; we wanted to find the most effective way to work with this population. When I couldn’t find anything new or promising within the existing approaches to homeless youth, I began to explore other fields. It was in the field of education that I found an approach to emulate when I came across a book called “Summerhill: A Radical Approach to Child Rearing” by Alexander Sutherland (A.S.) Neill (originally published in 1960, an expanded and revised version is now available as “ Summerhill School: A New View of Childhood.”).

Summerhill was a radical new concept in education. Instead of teachers as authoritarians and students as passive recipients of knowledge, Summerhill envisioned adults and young people as co-participants in an educational environment, each with responsibilities to that environment. The basic principles were defined in the forward to the book by sociologist and psychoanalyst Erich Fromm: nourish the whole child’s potential to love life intellectually, as well as emotionally; have him educated commensurate with his capacity, sans dogmatic disciplining; allow him to be free, but without encroaching on anyone; have the teachers maintain a transparency; encourage security in the pupil without resorting to submission and domination tactics, or utilizing guilt in one’s methods; and advocate a theology of human freedom, not sinful suppression. Sounds a lot like Positive Youth Development, doesn’t it? But, pre-dating Positive Youth Development, these principles were referred to as “self-government,” which is why Bridge House was not defined as a PYD model based on development, but as a self-government model based on freedom.

Say the word “freedom” in reference to youth programs and watch the blood drain from many adult’s faces as they envision young people running wild in the streets and terrorizing program staff. Freedom, however, is not license; as Neill himself points out in a later work titled, appropriately enough, Freedom -- Not License, which you can read HERE in its entirety (be aware that this was written in the mid 1960's; some of his commentary on social issues makes for an interesting time capsule). Neill describes it this way:

“It is this distinction between freedom and license that many parents cannot grasp. In the disciplined home, the children have no rights. In the spoiled home, they have all the rights. The proper home is one in which children and adults have equal rights.”

What many fail to understand is that there are no rights without responsibilities. A right without a responsibility is not a right at all; it is an entitlement … and people do not grow, learn, and develop from entitlements. In application to a program for homeless youth, I would paraphrase Neill’s statement and say that it is the distinction between freedom and license that many youth programs cannot grasp. In a structured program, young people have responsibilities with few rights. In an enabling program, young people have rights with few responsibilities. The proper program is one in which young people and adults each have rights and responsibilities, and are held accountable to their actions.

At Bridge House the accountability piece is accomplished through an evaluation system, but that is way beyond the scope of this article. Suffice it to say that Bridge House is a living example that freedom, when properly understood and applied, works … and on this occasion I would like to publically thank each and every staff and resident who has helped to prove that over this past quarter century.

So, with appreciation to A.S. Neill for his inspiration, The Youth Networker wishes Bridge House a happy birthday. While it is my hope that someday programs like you are no longer needed, may you remain open until that day.

This article expresses the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the position or view of the InterNetwork for Youth. For more information about the InterNetwork for Youth, contact author and consultant JT Fest HERE.

MEET YBR PORTLAND!

2012-01-12T11:06:00.001-08:00

Here's a photo of Yellow Brick Road Outreach Specialists Neal Sand and Heather Penzel conducting outreach at a camp under a bridge in SE Portland this week. Heather is our most recent addition to the Janus outreach team, joining us about 5 months ago and quickly building solid relationships with young people surviving outdoors. If you are interested in volunteering at either our Portland, Oregon or Vancouver, Washington YBR programs just drop a line to Dennis Lundberg at dlundberg@janusyouth.org for more information. We're ALWAYS looking for dedicated folks over the age of 18 to join our mission to improve the lives of vulnerable young people.

CROSSROADS CHURCH SUPPORTS JANUS YOUTH!

2012-01-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

Pastor Tom Burgess and Janus Youth Associate Director of Homeless Programs Dennis Lundberg

Portland's Crossroads Church has partnered with Janus Youth Programs to support our ongoing mission to improve the lives of young people! Over the past several weeks the congregation has collected a huge inventory of safety and hygiene essentials for kids surviving outdoors such as shampoo, razors, deodorant, journals, tooth brushes and nutrition bars. The photo above only provides a mere glimpse. In total we collected no less than 140 boxes full of supplies and literally hundreds of pre-packed hygiene kits that are already being distributed to young people in need at our homeless youth shelters, newly opened CSEC shelter (for young survivors of commercial sexual exploitation) and on the streets via Yellow Brick Road Street Outreach teams. This is an amazing statement of the Church's passionate commitment to kids in our community who don’t have a safe home tonight. THANK YOU, Crossroads Church!

FREE YBR TRAINING EVENT NOVEMBER 27!

2011-11-19T23:18:00.001-08:00

Yellow Brick Road offers quarterly trainings to all outreach volunteers and program participants. These trainings are FREE and available to anyone over 18 in the community who may wish to learn more about issues related to youth homelessness, street outreach and our program philosophy and methodology. Our training events are also a great opportunity to meet the current volunteer teams, staff and supervisor, learn about important updates regarding our program and homeless youth services, and ask questions. Applications will be on hand for anyone who wishes to join the team! Our next training will take place in downtown Portland on Sunday NOVEMBER 27 from 2pm until 5pm. We hope to see you there!Please R.S.V.P. for location at the email address listed below.

dlundberg@janusyouth.org

RHYTTAC 2011

2011-11-19T22:54:00.001-08:00

This week more than 650 professional social workers and passionate youth advocates descended upon Portland, Oregon for the annual Runaway and Homeless Youth Training and Technical Support Conference (RHYTTAC 2011). It was great to meet so many of you from all over the country who share Janus Youth's mission to improve the lives of young people. We greeted many of you personally as you toured through the downtown Janus Youth facility (more than two hundred people visited us over the course of three days!) and met still more colleagues during the various workshops and training events. It was a real pleasure to share skills, wisdom and laughs with such a diverse group, especially our fantastic youth panel speakers. Yellow Brick Road was also very excited to escort a few enthusiastic out-of-town outreach workers from StreetWorks (Twin Cities, MN) and Synergy Project (Warminster, PA) out on the streets for a glimpse at how we do things here in "Portlandia". Here's Shane Burroughs of Synergy Project becoming acquainted with the interactive pod sculpture on 11th & Burnside. Hope you had a good time, Shane! Get home safely, friends. See you all next year and...keep up the GREAT WORK for young people in your corner of the world.

Photo by YBR volunteer Stella Butler.

National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth

2011-11-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

Wow! This is the first time we've ever blogged about a blog that blogged about our blog. Got that? Yellow Brick Road is honored to have received mention on the National Clearinghouse On Families & Youth website for our innovative use of online resources for outreach. Read the full article here!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY IN VANCOUVER

2011-10-29T01:05:00.000-07:00

Outreach Specialist Robin Alley with the Clark County Altrusa International Foundation

Saturday October 22 was Make a Difference Day and the Clark County Altrusa International Foundation chose to support Yellow Brick Road of Washington's mission to “make a difference” in the lives of homeless youth in Vancouver, Washington! Altrusa International is dedicated to improving economic well-being and quality of life through a commitment to community services and literacy. Our local chapter contacted YBR–Washington to get a "wish list" of items needed for the homeless youth we serve throughout the community and at our daytime drop-in center, The Perch. The project was assisted with generous donations from several Vancouver Fred Meyer stores as well as students and instructors at the Vancouver Jazzercise Fitness Center. Last week Altrusa members delivered 30 handmade and individually packed gift bags, each containing Skull Candy earphones, an aluminum water bottle, socks, playing cards, a crossword or sudoku book, a flashlight and a variety of snacks. Staff at The Perch began distributing the bags almost immediately and they have been a big hit among our youth! The supply drive also generated much needed essentials for our drop-in center such as new dishes and cookware. Thank you to Altrusa, Fred Meyer and the Vancouver Jazzercise Fitness Center. You all have truly made a difference in the lives of homeless youth in Vancouver!

GIRLS ARE NOT FOR SALE!

2011-10-26T07:46:00.001-07:00

A federal judge sentenced 23 year old Portland pimp Jefferson B. Davis to 20 years in prison this week for his role in forcing a 13 year old runaway from Salem, Oregon into commercial sexual exploitation. Hopefully this is just the first step towards protecting Oregon children from sex trafficking. The sentence sends a clear message to predators, both sellers and consumers, that GIRLS ARE NOT FOR SALE! Read more here.

CITY BIBLE CHURCH

2011-10-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

Today we would like to send a simple heartfelt THANK YOU to our supporters at CITY BIBLE CHURCH who kindly prepared hundreds of hygiene kits to be distributed by Yellow Brick Road to young people in need on the streets of Portland. Here's Outreach Specialists Neal and Tiffany delivering the goods to "Bricks" and "Bobby". Thank you for supporting Janus Youth Programs and Yellow Brick Road!

Students on the Streets

2011-10-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

YBR volunteers Sal and Sara with intern Dean, outreaching at R2D2.

GIRLS ARE NOT FOR SALE!

2011-10-07T15:30:00.001-07:00

Three young girls who were being advertised for sex on Backpage.com, have been rescued by police. Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, along with six other Washington mayors, Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna, and fifty other attorney's general have joined forces to combat the advertising that the Seattle Police Department has identified as an accelerant for the sexual exploitation of children. After Backpage indicated to the attorney's general on Sept. 27 that it would not be changing existing policies, McGinn released information on three women recently recovered from SeaTac.

"In light of Backpage.com's response to the 51 attorneys general, I'd like to update you on our efforts to rescue children from being sexually exploited on Backpage.com," said Mayor Mike McGinn. "On Thursday September 22, while Backpage.com was drafting its lengthy rationalization of their practices, our High Risk Victims Unit participated in a task force operation in SeaTac. We recovered three female children who were being advertised for sex on Backpage.com." McGinn says protecting exploited children is a top priority for the Seattle Police Department, but continues, "we can never get ahead of this crime while a company like Backpage.com profits from the sexual exploitation of children and uses their newsrooms to minimize the extent of the issue."

The company has said it would work with police to crack down on predators, but claims shutting down the site would be a violation of the First Amendment.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, REED COLLEGE!

2011-09-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Reed! Yellow Brick Road has enjoyed a wonderful community partnership with Reed College over the years. It is our pleasure to celebrate their first 100 years of excellence in education and community service. Here's to the next 100 years!

Free YBR Training Event!

2011-09-13T15:14:00.001-07:00

September 25, 2011

Sunday

2pm-5pm

Janus Youth Programs and Yellow Brick Road invite YOU to our upcoming community training on Sunday, September 25. This training is free and open to the public but seating is limited so please R.S.V.P. for location. YBR trainings are a great way to meet our entire team of volunteers, outreach specialists and program supervisor to learn more about issues of youth homelessness and the many ways you can get involved and make a difference with Janus Youth Programs. There is absolutely no obligation to volunteer to attend. Our September 25th training will focus on critical funding updates, team safety on the streets and best practices methodology. Vegetarian lunch and coffee will be provided. Hope to see you there!

Please R.S.V.P. for location at

dlundberg@janusyouth.org

The Standard's 2011 Volunteer Expo Fair

2011-09-08T18:48:00.001-07:00

It was a pleasure meeting so many prospective volunteers at The Standard's 2011 Volunteer Expo at Pioneer Square in Portland, Oregon today! Special thanks to Megan at The Standard for her coordination of this fun and important community organizing event and all the folks who provided media coverage and support: KGW, OPB, KINK Radio Stations, Willamette Week, Portland Family and the Portland Business Journal. Thanks to Neal Sand and Heather Penzel, our very own Outreach Specialists, for representing Yellow Brick Road!

NOW HIRING YOUTH!

2011-09-06T17:46:00.001-07:00

Project Metamorphosis is now accepting applications for the Recovery Transition Advocate (RTA) position. We are looking to hire dedicated people who have the demonstrated ability to act as clean & sober peers among 15-24 year old street-dependent youth, providing advocacy, referral, and support. This is a part-time entry-level position. No experience is necessary! Our mission is to engage and encourage youth to exit street life with innovative outreach and customized youth-friendly services integrating treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse as well as mental health support. We encourage diversity!

Qualifications:

1 year clean and sober time (required)

High school diploma or GED

Experience and/or knowledge of the issues of homelessness and drug and alcohol addiction.

A pre-employment drug screening (required)

For an application and more information please visit DePaul Treatment Centers and click 'Metamorphosis Application'.

Applications and resume are due by 5pm Tuesday September 13, 2011.

Janus Youth Access Center

2011-08-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

The Access Center is the entry point to Janus Youth's homeless services and Portland’s nationally recognized inter-agency partnership known as the Homeless Youth Continuum. The program name is a bit of a misnomer as it implies a centralized location or “center”. In fact, the Access Center is a mobile team that serves as the primary gateway to downtown resources. We are also a crisis hotline, a data hub and a county-wide referral resource that aims to meet vulnerable young people “where they are at” just as readily as our Yellow Brick Road Street Outreach teams. The program motto is “no wrong door” to care and our staff makes it their daily business to respond as quickly and compassionately to the needs of young people experiencing crisis. They specialize in listening to young people’s stories- reading between the lines, asking the difficult questions, and verifying accuracy- in an effort to determine the most appropriate interventions. Every day they hear painful stories of frayed families and young lives that have unraveled and every day they provide hope to young people struggling to survive outdoors. When I recently asked our team what the most difficult part of the job is, they unanimously agreed that it was the daunting emotional burden of bearing witness day after day to unthinkable human tragedy. It’s tough work. And they are a remarkably resilient, intimate and devoted bunch. They also unanimously agreed that one of the most rewarding aspects of the job is working together as a tight-knit team that values each other’s individual skills and styles. In many ways, the Access Center beautifully illustrates that unspoken bond that characterizes what some of us have come to refer to as the “Janus Family” values. One of the most inspiring aspects of the Access Center is that, despite being comprised of only three staff and one program supervisor, this modest program boasts more than 30 years of combined experience at Janus Youth Programs! That’s a whole lot of dedication and wisdom for a program that consists of two small downtown offices and one cellular phone. Let’s meet the folks that make it happen every day:

Pete Lewis

This month marks Pete’s 10th year with Janus Youth Programs! Pete began working with homeless youth as an overnight Porchlight Shelter staff in 2001, shortly after immigrating to the US from his homeland of Wales where he taught basic literacy skills to at-risk youth. He is a gifted writer and a passionate advocate for social justice who can also hold his own on both a skateboard and a surfboard. I recently asked Pete what he loves most about his job and he had this to say, “Knowing that we are helping to provide solutions to desperate social problems. Helping a wide variety of young people begin the process of picking their lives up after they think they've reached the end of the road…Sometimes, being the first adult who has treated a young person with the respect and attention they deserve.” What keeps Pete on the frontline day after day? “I like working for an organization that is respected in the community and I like working in a program that has a clear mission statement. My co-workers have decades of experience and it is invaluable knowing you can count on your co-workers when working with such challenging situations. I think that as an agency we have found the balance between offering genuine compassion and concern while maintaining professional boundaries.” Well said! I also asked Pete what song best describes his personality and he replied, “'Disorder' by Joy Division. Check out my approach to paperwork…” All jokes aside, thank you for 10 years of outstanding youth advocacy work, Pete!

Sylvia Spears-Spencer

Sylvia will celebrate her 10th year with Janus in just a few months! Anyone who has the pleasure of meeting Sylvia even once will never forget her direct no-nonsense approach, her unshakable faith, her impeccable appearance and her disarming sense of humor even in the face of despair. Did I mention her nails? “The best part of my job,” she explains, “is meeting people from all walks of life and hearing their stories… Most people look away from the homeless. I do not. I want to make a difference.” Those stories Sylvia mentions are at the crux of the screening function at the Access Center. Our staff is responsible for determining eligibility for services and this frequently puts us in the challenging role of determining levels of vulnerability and making decisions with dwindling community resources that are often outweighed by need. “The most difficult part of my job is hearing why people are on the streets and the people who have caused the situation.” So what keeps her coming back year after year? “I enjoy working with the youth and my co-workers. My supervisor also!” Aw, shucks. No, I did not approve additional PTO for that last remark. What song best describes her personality? ‘Superfly’ by Curtis Mayfield. Don’t forget it. Thank you for nearly 10 years of selfless service to Portland’s most vulnerable youth, Sylvia!

Andy Hallgren

Andy is the most recent addition to the Access Center team but his story is no less inspiring. Andy initially entered the field as an RTA with Project Metamorphosis after completing an internship with Outside In. As an RTA he served as a peer advocate and mentor, gaining practical frontline skills with Yellow Brick Road and quickly demonstrating a natural gift for working with the most street-affected youth. “I've chosen to help homeless youth because I've seen my own struggles in life,” Andy openly reasons, “I see hope in this population and want to do what I can to be a positive part of their lives…The best part of my job is spending time with the youth I've seen grow into competent, happy adults.” That’s no coincidence. The relationships that Andy forges with young people are precisely the kind of caring connections to adults that federal grants increasingly reference and require of grantees. It is certainly no coincidence that many of our “success story” youth who have transitioned off the streets continue to visit Andy at the Access Center for ongoing encouragement, camaraderie and after-care support. “The most difficult part of my job is balancing the bad with the good.” Not every youth will make it and we experience our share of heartache downtown. So what keeps Andy coming back every week with a smile on his face? “I continue to work with Janus because I really enjoy my co-workers and my supervisor. I also feel like I can be myself and that fosters a very comfortable environment for the difficult work we do.” If you think it’s odd that Andy enjoys the company of his supervisor, consider the song that he selected to describe his personality: ‘Born With a Tail’ by the Supersuckers. Thanks for all you do, Andy!

To learn more about the Access Center or if you are a youth under 25 in need of assistance in Portland, Oregon please call us between 8am-6pm every day of the year: (503) 432-3986

YBR meets Pickle Baby

2011-07-22T17:45:00.001-07:00

Left to right: Aubrey Bauer, Sarah Louise Allen (with Pickle Baby), Neal Sand, Adonica Beavers, Lori Rodriguez.

People often ask what an evening of Yellow Brick Road Street Outreach actually looks like. The truth is, the streets can vary greatly from night to night but we do our best to be prepared for just about anything we might find out there (just take a look at Pickle Baby in the photo above, whom our team met at a First Thursday Art Walk event). In an effort to share with people what we mean by "anything"- and to further demysitify the practice of street outreach- we occasionally post random Yellow Brick Road log entries on this blog. The names and identifiers have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the folks we serve but otherwise the following account is edited directly from this month's Yellow Brick Road Outreach Log Book. This log is particularly interesting in that it underscores the kind of misinformation we occasionally encounter and the importance of educated harm reduction dialogue on the streets:

Tonight was a night filled with new contacts! Around 40% of the young people we met said they had not heard about street outreach before and they were very happy to see us...We decided to spice up our route and headed down to the Burnside/Powell stretch, dipping into the south side through O'Bryant Square (aka "Paranoid Park")...We strolled through Pioneer Square where we had some prime harm reduction philosophizing with some rather transcendental travelers after they claimed that it's "cool" not to wear condoms! Sarah astutely pointed out the risks of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, to which he responded with a very sincere, "What you don't know can't hurt you." It was noted that clearly not all proverbs are true and this seemed to leave quite an impression on the young man for further thought...

Next we headed down to Safeway where we had a nice conversation with "Primal" and "Sandy" and their lovely puppy. Then up to the Park Blocks where we encountered "Chance" who is hopefully getting into treatment this week and then planning to move on to Montana where he apparently has a home and a full-time job waiting for him! He was ecstatic to get our of Portland and had strong hopes that he would stay clean for good. We offered him congratulations and good wishes for his future.

After a heartfelt "thank you" from a longtime homeless man for everything Yellow Brick Road has done for him, we hopped on the MAX back to YBR headquarters. It was wonderful night overall.

~Yellow Brick Road Team (July 2011)

Yellow Brick Road Volunteer Awarded!

2011-07-20T17:40:00.001-07:00

Left to right: Multnomah County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury, YBR volunteer Joan Jenkins, Housing Commissioner Nick Fish.

We are honored to announce that Yellow Brick Road volunteer Joan Jenkins was a recipient of the 2011 Coordinating Committee to End Homelessness Achievement Award for her outstanding efforts in reaching out to homeless youth and others experiencing homelessness in the Portland community. Joan has been a Yellow Brick Road volunteer for more than 16 years. She joins the team every Monday night, making critical contacts and building trust with street-dependent youth and connecting them to information and services. Joan’s passion, energy, and laughter are an inspiration to the young people that she meets on the streets, and to all the staff and volunteers who have had the pleasure of working alongside her. She demonstrates humility in serving others and avoids personal recognition, keeping her focus on supporting young people as they transition out of homelessness. Joan truly believes in the potential and futures of young people and is a passionate outreach worker on their behalf. When folks in the community talk about what a great program Yellow Brick Road is, they are talking about Joan Jenkins. Congratulations, Joan! And thank you for all that you do.

Somehwere Under The Rainbow...

2011-06-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

While it is true that as outreach workers we must intentionally expose ourselves to the more painful sides of life in an effort to improve the lives of vulnerable young people, street outreach is certainly not without its profound beauty and unique rewards. On that note we present these inspiring photos taken just last week of Yellow Brick Road on the streets of Portland, Oregon.

Photos courtesy of Yellow Brick Road volunteer Stella Butler, who has been with the program since 2003. Thanks for all you do, Stella!

Meet YBR of Washington!

2011-05-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

YELLOW BRICK ROAD of WASHINGTON

& THE PERCH DROP-IN CENTER

YBR of Washington was established in 2006 with the mission of identifying and meeting the unique needs of street dependent youth in the Southwest Washington region. Modeled closely after Janus Youth’s nationally acclaimed street outreach program based in downtown Portland, the Washington State division has expanded to include a drop-in center known as The Perch which is operated by knowledgeable outreach workers and serves young people 16-24 years old that are experiencing homelessness in Clark County. The program operates Monday through Friday from 9am-3:30pm. Recently Dennis Lundberg joined Director of Washington Services Dr. Tillie Make Peace to provide leadership for YBR of Washington and The Perch. Helen Boylan (pictured) and Scott Conger also assist youth to achieve sustainable independence through the housing assistance programs The NEST and The PATH. Now let’s meet our amazing team of YBR-W Outreach Specialists:

Heather Wilkins: Heather has been with YBR-W and The Perch for more than a year and recently accepted the challenge of assisting Dennis Lundberg with the daily maintenance of the pr0gram in her new role as the Program Coordinator. What does she like most about working with vulnerable street affected youth? “I just really love getting to know all the youth we have the opportunity to meet…they have some amazing strengths, tenacity and life knowledge.” If Heather had to pick a song that would describe her personality to a stranger, she would pick Tangerine by Led Zeppelin. Tangerine is also a favorite color. Why? “It’s a mellow, yet warm color.” Just like Heather’s personality. Thanks for all you do, Heather!

Sean Farrell: Sean moved to Portland a few years ago from California and very quickly applied his passion for volunteering and community organizing to the downtown Homeless Youth Continuum. He began his career as a Recovery Transition Advocate (RTA), working with Project Metamorphosis for a year and launching the successful Youth in the Community service learning project for homeless youth before recently joining the YBR-W/Perch team as a full-time Outreach Specialist. In his personal time Sean is a theatrical musician with roots in punk rock activism. If he had to pick one song that describes his personality to a stranger, he would pick Walk Together, Rock Together by 7 Seconds. Welcome to the team, Sean!

Joseph Bonnell: Joseph was raised in Norman, Oklahoma and joined the YBR-W/Perch team almost exactly one year ago to the day. He brings to the team a deep respect for young people and a gentle and grounded presence. Joseph is also our resident resource expert and he single handedly maintains a meticulously updated resource guide that will soon be shared amongst the entire Washington State Janus Division. His favorite color is green and his favorite thing about working with YBR-W is, “All I get to learn from tough, amazing young people.” Thanks for all you do, Joseph.

Robin Alley: Robin was born and raised in Vancouver, Washington. She loves her city and devotes her time away from her own family to improving the lives of vulnerable young people right in her own hometown. Robin was a generous volunteer with The Perch for the past year and rose to the challenge to help the team hold down the proverbial fort during recent transitions. This month she joined YBR-W as a fulltime Outreach Specialist and brings to the team her motherly compassion and enviable energy (not to mention her delicious cooking). If Robin had to choose an animal that would describe her personality to a stranger, she would choose a dog because she is, “Loyal & friendly & loves to run around.” Welcome to the team, Robin!

To learn more about YBR-W street outreach and The Perch drop-in center, contact us at:

(360) 213-5947

YBR Outreach Specialist Awarded!

2011-04-29T18:21:00.001-07:00

Janus Youth Programs is delighted to announce that our very own Outreach Specialist, Neal Sand, was presented with the 2011 Individual Award of Merit at the Oregon Coalition on Housing and Homelessness' 23rd Annual Conference in Hood River, Oregon last week!

As a professional Outreach Specialist with Janus Youth Programs' Yellow Brick Road Street Outreach Program, Neal packs his bag every week- rain or shine (frequently rain)- and heads out to the streets, bridges, wooded camps, squats, and pretty much anywhere off the beaten path where he might find Portland, Oregon’s most vulnerable young people. He excels at reaching the "hardest to reach" youth wherever they are to be found and he builds meaningful relationships that make a lasting difference.

Neal’s history with Janus Youth Programs goes back to 1998 when he himself began as a volunteer with Yellow Brick Road. Neal far exceeded his minimum 6 month volunteer commitment, remaining on the YBR team for no less than 4 years before he applied and was hired on full-time with Janus Youth’s homeless youth services in 2002. Over the years Neal has honed his skills with young people and left a wake of hilarious epic-length monologues in our staff log books.

Neal is Journalism major (another family tradition) with a gift for wry wit. That’s a nice way of saying he can laugh even in the shadow of life’s darkest ironies. It is a skill that serves him well in our work in downtown Portland where we frequently need both hands to count the folks lost on the streets every year. Neal’s passion for laughter and language is a gift he has shared with youth in the form of creative writing and self-expression workshops.

Neal believes in young people so unrelentingly that, eventually, they tend to believe in themselves. He is a soft-spoken hero on the streets of Portland and he is one of the dedicated youth advocates who have made Janus Youth Programs the acclaimed service providers we are today. We are honored to work with him. So are the youth.

What IS Street Outreach?

2011-03-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

People often ask what an evening of Yellow Brick Road Street Outreach actually looks like. The truth is, the streets can vary greatly from night to night but we do our best to be prepared for just about anything we might find out there. In an effort to share with people what we mean by "anything"- and to further demysitify the practice of street outreach- we occasionally post random Yellow Brick Road log entries on this blog. The names and identifiers have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the folks we serve but otherwise the following account is excerpted directly from last night's Yellow Brick Road Outreach Log Book:

Super solid night! Started out wet and rainy heading to Street Church which was packed. There are two teens who have been frequenting Street Church recently who appear fairly vulnerable. They are engageable yet very resistant to the idea of services...We checked in with [Street Church Supervisor] Jeff Welch and discussed a plan to try to motivate them to go to Harry's Mother [Janus Youth Programs' 24 hour runaway youth safety center].

We then went to Safeway through the South Park Blocks, where we had some good conversations and "card & raps" [i.e. new contacts]. From there we did the Rite Aid/Pioneer Square loop and engaged with a fair amount of young people...After that we headed down toward Waterfront and crossed over to the East Side. Once there we encountered several groups of people. They like us over there and would like to see more of us under the Hawthorne Bridge area. There was a request for wide-eye sewing needles.

At the public meal under the Burnside Bridge we met "Kathy" and "Robin", who were new to Portland from Des Moines and after a "card & rap" about Yellow Brick Road they were interested in having an emergency night at Porchlight Shelter. From the meal we escorted them directly to shelter where we provided a warm handoff to the shelter staff waiting when we arrived. Solid night, solid contact.

~S, S, H & A (Thursday Night Yellow Brick Road Team)

Yellow Brick Road volunteer Axcelle Bell in the YBR office preparing a nightly outreach report with his team. Photos courtesy of YBR volunteer Stella Butler.

YBR Training Opportunity: De-Escalation & Non-Violent Communication

2011-03-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

FREE TRAINING

April 10, 2011

Sunday

2pm-5pm

Janus Youth Programs and Yellow Brick Road invite YOU to our upcoming community training on Sunday, April 10th. This training is free and open to the public but seating is limited so please R.S.V.P. for location. YBR trainings are a great way to meet our team of outreach workers and volunteers to learn more about issues of youth homelessness and the many ways you can get involved and make a difference with Janus Youth Programs. There is absolutely no obligation to volunteer to attend. Our April 10th training will focus on practical De-Escalation skills, from non-verbal preventative interventions to the basic principles of Non-Violent Communication. What is conflict? What is resolution? What is de-escalation? How can we apply these concepts to street outreach to reduce violence and safety issues? Vegetarian lunch and coffee will be provided. Hope to see you there!

Please R.S.V.P. for location at

dlundberg@janusyouth.org

Our Hearts and Best Wishes Go Out To Our Neighbors In Japan

2011-03-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

As we work to empower the lives of vulnerable young people here in the North West of the United States, Yellow Brick Road and Janus Youth Programs send our best wishes to our neighbors in Japan. We wish you all the strength, fortitude and resiliency to heal from the recent tragedies that fell upon Japanese shores. We are with you during these difficult times.

Janus Youth Programs and the Sexual Aassault Resource Center partner to end Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

2011-03-13T16:40:00.000-07:00

KPTV NEWS
Chanel 12
Portland, Oregon

Portland has been in the spotlight as a hub for child sex trafficking, but now efforts are stepping up this week to fight the problem and help the victims. A fund of $285,000 approved by the city in November has been put to use. This week, three new case managers from the Sexual Assault Resource Center will begin work helping victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

“We receive calls on our cell phones all night long,” says Ester Nelson, of SARC, who supervises the advocates. She says they currently manage more than 170 cases and the number of victims doesn’t appear to be getting smaller. “It’s just overwhelming -- the system’s ability to respond,” Nelson says. Nelson says treatment starts by building a respectful relationship with the victims and assuring them that they deserve the services available to them. “It doesn’t take much. You just need a person to believe in you and say, ‘We believe in you,'” she says.

The other portion of the funding will help Janus Youth Programs with shelter staffing. Twelve beds are currently available for at-risk youth. “Over the past two to three months, we have hit capacity,” says program director Kevin Donegan. He says he would rather children sleep in the shelter’s office than go back to the streets. “Most people are not aware of the extent of the problem,” Donegan says. “It’s big.”

Increased awareness is a key component in combating sex trafficking, he says. Advocates agree progress has been made in treating the immediate crisis, but more must be done to find long-term solutions. It’s estimated at least 100,000 children are forced into prostitution in the United States each year, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Homeless Youth Featured on 60 Minutes

2011-03-13T16:30:00.001-07:00

This was a very moving segment on 60 Minutes last night. It might generate some media interest today, locally --

go Minutes

Stand and Be Counted

2011-03-04T14:42:00.001-08:00

Yellow Brick Road, Janus Youth’s downtown Portland street outreach program, recently completed the 2011 Street Count. The Street Count is Multnomah County's federally mandated biennial survey of people sleeping outdoors as well as those folks in temporary or emergency shelters (the Shelter Count is conducted at the same time as the Street Count to create an unduplicated number). This is a huge collective effort by many organizations and volunteers and the information we gather helps us create a "snapshot" of the folks sleeping outdoors in our community on one particular night of the year, typically a cold and wet night that intentionally eliminates those who can scrape together even temporary resources when the going gets real rough. This year that night was Wednesday, January 26th and our dedicated YBR teams put all regular outreach on hold to prioritize the count and make every effort to see that nobody was left uncounted. In 2009, nearly 1,600 people slept outside on the night of our January Street Count while another 820 were in temporary shelter. That number might seem low for a city often cited nationally for our highly visible homeless population but keep in mind that it is only an estimate of our total unsheltered population and we are well aware that a count of this nature fails to reach many highly vulnerable youth, single adults, couples and families that lack stable and safe housing but remain off our collective radar for a variety of reasons. THANKS TO ALL OF OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS and our STREET OUTREACH STAFF who put in extra hours to assure that as many people were counted as possible!

While working on the Street Count this past month I was reminded of our last count back in 2009. Our outreach teams met a spirited young couple while conducting surveys on the streets that year. Let’s call them “Sara” and “Craig”. They were immediately noticeable because they fit the notorious “road warrior” description perfectly: spiked leather jackets, dyed Mohawks, homemade tattoos and scowls that had been perfected over many years of abject failure and disappointment. They were asking passersby for spare change in front of Voodoo Doughnuts downtown with a paper cup suspended from a stick and string so, in effect, they were “fishing” for change. If I remember correctly, their sign even read “gone fishing”. Sara and Craig would soon establish a very close connection with Yellow Brick Road as our teams continued to engage them on the sidewalk outside of Voodoo Doughnuts night after night. Eventually- cautiously- they began joining us at our weekly stationary outreach site, volunteering to clean the space at the end of the day as a small gesture of appreciation for the meals and good company they were provided with by our outstanding staff. As they “came in from the cold” as it were, the full extent of their collective problems began to emerge. There was chronic alcoholism to contend with as well as occasionally alarming anger management and depression issues that were very clearly linked to deeply embedded feelings of low self-worth. Neither of them had much in the way of education or employment experience. And then they found out that Sara was pregnant.

Suffice to say, over the course of many months we worked diligently to connect them with a team of midwives and our colleagues at Janus Youth’s Insights Teen Pregnancy Program. They were soon attending parenting workshops and a sliding-scale martial arts dojo where Craig began to learn healthy risk-taking and healthier outlets for his aggression. We were able to secure a housing grant and a terrific downtown apartment, oddly located not far from where we first met them sitting in the rain with their crooked grins and stick, string and paper cup. Sara and Craig have been indoors for almost one year now and this past August they gave birth to a beautiful and perfectly healthy baby girl. Let’s call her “Hope”. Earlier this week I received a phone message from Craig, now a proud young dad, who sounded excited to realize that he is approaching his one year anniversary indoors. His message was simple and very telling: “Hey Dennis, just calling to let you know that I’ve been off the streets for almost one year and that means I’m almost ready to start volunteering with Yellow Brick Road! Call me back…”

2011 Street Count results coming soon!

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING IN EFFECT FOR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 24 & 25)

2011-02-24T16:38:00.001-08:00

In addition to the resources listed in our earlier post (see below), transportation is available for anyone who needs assistance getting to a warming center during the cold this week:

TRANSPORTATION:

Individuals needing transportation to the Red Cross Severe Weather Warming Center can come to the Union Gospel Mission (3 NW 3rd Ave) between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM for fareless access to TriMet busses on normal routes. Buses will drop riders at E Burnside and SE Sandy (two blocks from warming center site). Fareless access to TriMet buses is available only for those gathering at Union Gospel Mission. Red Cross staff will assist individuals requiring similar transportation assistance from the warming center to downtown Portland the following morning.

For additional 9information please call 211 by dialing 2-1-1 within the Portland metro area.

SEVERE WEATHER THIS WEEK!

2011-02-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

Severe Weather Alert: The National Weather Service predicts temperatures between 34-33° along with winds gusting to 14 miles per hour beginning Tuesday night 2/22 and a snow accumulation of 1 inch by morning 2/23. These conditions are expected to persist with low temperatures around 30° overnight Wednesday 2/23.

Anyone seeking shelter should contact 211info, reached by dialing 2-1-1.

211info will be available to identify available shelter and warming center resources between 8:00am and 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Multnomah County callers may also contact 211info between 6:00pm and 10:00pm Monday to Friday, and between 8:00am and 10:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. In addition to existing year-round and winter shelter facilities, the following warming center facilities are available:

WARMING CENTERS:
Family Winter Warming Center:
12505 NE Halsey Street, Portland Oregon
(on Halsey near 126th Avenue)
This is a walk-in facility.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Any combination of adults with children under 18 or women who are IN THEIR 3RD TRIMESTER OF THEIR PREGNANCY.

Women’s Winter Warming Center:
Call to make reservation 24 hours per day or stop by the Transition Projects office at NW 5th & Glisan Monday - Friday, 8:30am-7:30pm. Call 503-823-4930 to check availability. Only for single women, up to 70 people.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:45 PM - 6:45 AM; 7:30 PM check-in for guests with disabilities
Serves: Only single women

Men’s Expanded Shelter:
Located at Salvation Army Harbor Light, SW 2nd and Ankeny, between 7:30pm and 7:30am. Call 503-239-1259. Provides seating and hot beverages. Only for single men, up 70 people.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:30 PM - 7:30 AM
Serves: Only single men

Portland Rescue Mission:
111 W Burnside St., Portland Oregon
This is a walk-in facility.
Dates: seven nights a week
Hours: 8:30 PM - 5:30 AM, check-in on site
Serves: only single men, up to 136 people

Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center
Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center at the Imago Dei Church
1302 Ankeny Street, (near 13th Avenue in Inner SE), Portland
Dates: evenings 2/22/2011 - 02/23/2011
Hours: 9:00 PM – 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families, single adults, and youths; Pets allowed; some space for carts; accessible location (main floor)

Union Gospel Mission
3 NW 3rd Avenue, 503-274-4483
Dates: evenings 2/22/2010 – 02/26/2011
Hours: 9:30 PM – 6:00 AM
Serves: Up to 50 people

The following expanded day center service is available during the Severe Weather Alert.

St. Francis Dining Hall
330 SE 11th Avenue, 503-234-2028
Adding additional hours to accommodate Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center clients
Dates: 2/22/2010 – evening of 02/23/2011
Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:45 PM
Serves: Men & Women

Please call 211info with questions regarding other shelter and transportation resources.

FREE YBR TRAINING THIS SUNDAY!

2011-02-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

FREE TRAINING

February 20, 2010

Sunday

2pm-5pm

Janus Youth Programs and Yellow Brick Road invite YOU to our upcoming community training this Sunday, February 20th. The training is free and open to the public but seating is limited so please R.S.V.P. for location. YBR trainings are a great way to learn more about issues of youth homelessness in our community and the many ways you can get involved and make a difference with Janus Youth Programs. There is no obligation to volunteer to attend. This week's training will include updates on the 2011 Street Count, Roadmap Home, and our community's response to Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC). We will be viewing the short video 'Making A Girl' and the Dan Rathers special 'Pornland'. Vegetarian lunch and coffee will be provided. Hope to see you there!

Please R.S.V.P. for location at

dlundberg@janusyouth.org

STREET COUNT 2011

2011-01-26T17:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight is STREET COUNT NIGHT here in Portland, Oregon! The Street Count is Portland's biennial count of both unsheltered people along with those in temporary or emergency shelter. This is a huge collective effort by many organiziations and volunteers and the information we gather will help us create a "snapshot" of those folks sleeping outdoors tonight. In 2009, nearly 1,600 people slept outside on the night of our January Street Count while another 820 were in temporary shelter. That number might seem low but keep in mind that it is only an estimate of how many people- both youth, adults and families- lack stable and safe housing right here in our community. Yellow Brick Road has been diligently interviewing people outdoors all week in an effort too gather the most accurate information possible and the results will be releases in a few weeks. THANKS TO OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS and OUTREACH STAFF WHO HAVE BEEN OUT ON THE STREETS ALL WEEK for this important survey! More info coming soon...

City of Portland Street Musician Forum!

2011-01-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

The Street Musician Partnership was created in 1994 in collaboration with local Street Musicians, the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the Portland Business Alliance. The City of Portland would like to hear from YOU on how you think the partnership is working, 15 years later, and what can be done to improve it. The public forum will be held on:

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

4:00 P.M.
Portland Building, Room C
1120 SW 5th Ave
Portland, OR 97204

Contact Sara Hussein in Commissioner Fritz’s office at 503-823-3994 for more information. To help ensure equal access to City services and activities, the City of Portland will reasonably modify services to persons with disabilities. Call 503-823-2036, TTY 503-823-6868 with such requests.

It's COOOOLD!

2011-01-11T19:06:00.000-08:00

The City of Portland has not declared a Severe Weather Alert this evening but please be advised that conditions are expected to be wet and cold through Thursday afternoon (1/13). Anyone seeking shelter should contact 211info, reached by dialing 2-1-1. 211info will be available to identify available shelter and warming center resources between 8:00am and 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Multnomah County callers may also contact 211info between 6:00pm and 10:00pm Monday to Friday, and between 8:00am and 10:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. The following winter warming shelters will be available:

Family Winter Warming Center:
12505 NE Halsey Street, Portland Oregon
(on Halsey near 126th Avenue)
This is a walk-in facility.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Any combination of adults with children under 18 or women who are IN THEIR 3RD TRIMESTER OF THEIR PREGNANCY.

Women’s Winter Warming Center:
Call to make reservation 24 hours per day or stop by the Transition Projects office at NW 5th & Glisan Monday - Friday, 8:30am-7:30pm. Call 503-823-4930 to check availability. Only for single women, up to 70 people.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Serves: Only single women

Men’s Expanded Shelter:
Located at Salvation Army Harbor Light, SW 2nd and Ankeny, between 7:30pm and 7:30am. Call 503-239-1259. Provides seating and hot beverages. Only for single men, up 70 people.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:30 PM - 7:30 AM
Serves: Only single men

SEVERE WEATHER ALERT! 12/30-1/2/2011

2010-12-30T16:52:00.000-08:00

Severe Weather Alert: The National Weather Service predicts temperatures in Portland, Oregon between 24-26° with mostly clear skies and light wind will begin overnight Thursday 12/30 and are expected to persist with low temperatures around 22° overnight Friday 12/31 and Saturday 1/1, through Sunday morning 1/2/2011.

Anyone seeking shelter should contact 211info, reached by dialing 2-1-1. 211info will be available to identify available shelter and warming center resources between 8:00am and 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Multnomah County callers may also contact 211info between 6:00pm and 10:00pm Monday to Friday, and between 8:00am and 10:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. People should call 211info to be directed to shelter locations. In addition to existing year-round and winter shelter facilities, the following warming center facilities are available:

Family Winter Warming Center:
12505 NE Halsey Street, Portland Oregon
(on Halsey near 126th Avenue)
This is a walk-in facility.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Any combination of adults with children under 18 or women who are IN THEIR 3RD TRIMESTER OF THEIR PREGNANCY.

Women’s Winter Warming Center:
Call to make reservation 24 hours per day or stop by the Transition Projects office at NW 5th & Glisan Monday - Friday, 8:30am-7:30pm. Call 503-823-4930 to check availability. Only for single women, up to 70 people.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Serves: Only single women

Men’s Expanded Shelter:
Located at Salvation Army Harbor Light, SW 2nd and Ankeny, between 7:30pm and 7:30am. Call 503-239-1259. Provides seating and hot beverages. Only for single men, up 70 people.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:30 PM - 7:30 AM
Serves: Only single men

Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center:

(only open when a Severe Weather Alert is issued):

Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center at the Imago Dei Church
1302 Ankeny Street, (near 13th Avenue in Inner SE), Portland
Dates: evenings 12/30/2010 - 01/01/2011
Hours: 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families, single adults, and youths; Pets allowed; some space for carts; accessible location (main floor)

Union Gospel Mission
3 NW 3rd Avenue, 503-274-4483
Dates: evenings 12/30/2010 – 01/02/2011
Hours: 9:30 PM – 6:00 AM
Serves: Up to 60 people

The following expanded day center service is available during the Severe Weather Alert.

Salvation Army Harbor Light
SW 2nd and Ankeny, 503-239-1259
Provides seating and hot beverages
Dates: 12/30/2010 – 01/01/2011
Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Serves: Men, up 70 people

St. Francis Dining Hall
330 SE 11th Avenue, 503-234-2028
Adding additional hours to accommodate Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center clients
Dates: 12/30/2010 – evening of 01/01/2011
Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Serves: Men, up 70 people

Please call 211info with questions regarding other shelter and transportation resources.

FREEZING TEMPERATURES HIT PORTLAND!

2010-11-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

Please see our revised updated post below for warm places to go during the current cold front that has hit Portland this week. Bundle up out there! We are expecting more freezing temperatures tonight and Portland has declared another severe weather night.

SEVERE WEATHER ALERT

2010-11-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

The National Weather Service predicts very cold temperatures with accumulating snow will begin the afternoon of Monday November 22, 2010, with predicted snow accumulations of up to an inch or more in the Portland area. Though snow is expected to taper off before midnight, overnight lows may drop to the low-20s. At this time, it appears that severe weather conditions may persist through Tuesday night. YBR will closely monitor forecasts today and tomorrow and provide updates as the week progresses

Anyone seeking shelter should contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1. 211info will be available to identify available shelters and emergency warming center resources between 8:00am and 10:00pm Monday through Friday and between 8:00am and 10:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. In addition to existing year-round and winter shelter facilities, the following warming center facilities become available during severe weather:

Family Winter Warming Center:
12505 NE Halsey Street, Portland Oregon
(on Halsey near 126th Avenue)

This is a walk-in facility
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families with children under 18

Women’s Winter Warming Center:
Check in at Transition Projects, 475 NW Glisan, between 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to reserve a space for the night. Call 503-823-4930 to check availability. Only for single women, up to 70 people.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:45 PM - 6:45 AM
Serves: Single women

Men’s Expanded Shelter:
Located at Salvation Army Harbor Light, SW 2nd and Ankeny, between 7:30pm and 7:30am. Call 503-239-1259. Provides seating and hot beverages. Only for single men, up 70 people.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:30 PM - 7:30 AM
Serves: Single men

Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center
(only open when a Severe Weather Alert is issued):
Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center at the Imago Dei Church
1302 Ankeny Street, (near 13th Avenue in Inner SE), Portland
Dates: November 22 & 23, 2010, open 9pm each day
Hours: 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families, single adults, and youths; Pets allowed; some space for carts; accessible location (main floor)

Union Gospel Mission
15 NW 3rd Avenue, 503-228-0319
Dates: November 22, 2010
Hours: 9:30 PM – 10:00 AM
Serves: Adult Males, up to 60 people

The following expanded day center services are available during the Severe Weather Alert.

Downtown Chapel Roman Catholic Parish
601 W. Burnside Street, 503-228-0746
Provides hot beverages, some snacks and movies
Dates: November 22, 2010
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Serves: Adults, up to 100 people

Union Gospel Mission
15 NW 3rd Avenue, 503-228-0319
Dates: November 22, 2010
Hours: 9:30 PM – 10:00 AM
Serves: Adult Males, up to 60 people

Please call 211 with questions regarding other shelter and transportation resources.

Winter service coordination provided by 211info is made possible by a grant from the Portland Housing Bureau. In partnership with other City departments, Multnomah County and community partners, the Portland Housing Bureau coordinates winter and severe weather shelter and day services for homeless individuals in our community.

For the most up-to-date information on shelter or assistance, contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1 or accessing http://211info.org/. In Multnomah County, the call line is open from 8am and 10pm, Monday through Friday; and between 8am to 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
For additional resources, please click on the link below:
For addresses and hours for Winter Shelter and Day Center locations for Adults, Victims of Domestic Violence, Families and Youth, click here.

FREE YBR TRAINING EVENT!

2010-11-09T11:06:00.001-08:00

FREE TRAINING

November 28, 2010

Sunday

2pm-5pm

Janus Youth Programs and Yellow Brick Road invite YOU to our upcoming community training on November 28th. This training is free and open to the public but seating is limited so please R.S.V.P. for location. Our free YBR trainings are a great way to learn more about issues of youth homelessness in our community and the many ways you can get involved and make a difference with Janus Youth Programs. Vegetarian lunch and coffee will be provided. Hope to see you there!

Please R.S.V.P. for location at

dlundberg@janusyouth.org

NOW HIRING YOUTH!

2010-09-03T15:00:00.001-07:00

Project Metamorphosis is now accepting applications for the Recovery Transition Advocate (RTA) position. We are looking to hire dedicated people who have the demonstrated ability to act as clean & sober peers among 15-24 year old street-dependent youth, providing advocacy, referral, and support. This is a part-time entry-level position. No experience is necessary! Our mission is to engage and encourage youth to exit street life with innovative outreach and customized youth-friendly services integrating treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse as well as mental health support. We encourage diversity!

Qualifications:

Applications and resume are due Friday September 10, 2010.

For an application and more information please contact DePaul Treatment Centers or Brandon Schwanz: brandons@depaultreatmentcenters.org

Youth In The Community

2010-09-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

PROJECT METAMORPHOSIS:
Youth in the Community

Project Metamorphosis is a collaborative mobile partnership of DePaul Youth Treatment Centers that works within the structure of Portland's Homeless Youth Continuum to bring innovative peer support and healthy treatment options to young people surviving on the streets. Project Metamorphosis was initially conceived in 2001 as a partnership project including Janus Youth Programs, Depaul Treatment Centers, New Avenues for Youth, Outside In, and the Native American Youth & Family Association with the mission of addressing the alcohol, drug and mental health needs of young people experiencing homelessness in a supportive and culturally appropriate manner. With funding through grants provided by the Children’s Investment Fund (CHIF) through the City of Portland and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Project Metamorphosis engages and encourages homeless youth to exit street life with peer outreach and highly individualized youth-friendly services integrating treatment with a comprehensive and holistic approach. One of Project Metamorphosis' nationally recognized services is our Recovery Transition Advocates program. Recovery Transition Advocates (or RTA’s as they are known downtown) are young adults serving as peer mentors, providing critical connections to youth at risk and bridging services where they are needed most through the principles of Positive Youth Development. RTA's are entry-level social workers with limited professional experience and limited educational backgrounds who gain critical skills and career-development through a closely supervised work environment. RTA’s have often experienced homelessness, substance abuse and/or mental health issues themselves and bring to the project their own personal experiences of struggle and recovery. RTA's are currently employed within the Janus Youth Shelters (Porchlight and Streetlight), Bridge House and the Janus Youth Street Outreach Programs Yellow Brick Road and O&E.

One of Project Metamorphosis's RTA’s, Sean Farrell, has recently taken a leadership role within the project by launching a clean and sober recreation program called Youth In The Community. Sean has melded his work as an entry level RTA social worker and his personal passion for volunteering to develop a program with Hands On Portland that enlists homeless and formerly homeless young people to engage in volunteer projects throughout Portland that give back and contribute to a healthier and more vibrant community. Sean has envisioned a series of monthly projects that form a curriculum around the general theme of sustainability and self-empowerment. The first project took place on August 20th at Zenger Farm, a certified organic farm located in outer South East Portland. Several youth accompanied Sean and Janus’ Street Outreach Specialist Jani Morton to the farm for an afternoon of weeding and gleaning of healthy produce. Together they learned about the importance of sustainable organic farming and were impressed to learn that even in an urban environment we can grow our own foods and take control of our nutrition and well-being. The project was well-received by the youth who attended and Sean was impressed to see them all sweating alongside each other with the single purpose of giving back to the community. More projects are already lined up for the next several months with youth participants actively steering the direction and scope of the projects. Youth In The Community is just one of the many creative ways Project Metamorphosis is supporting young people through Positive Youth Development to become reintegrated into the broader community and find their own paths to healing.

If you wish to learn more about Project Metamorphosis please feel free to contact us:
Patti Davis: pattid@depaultreatmentcenters.org
Dennis Lundberg: dlundberg@janusyouth.org

2010 Volunteer Expo in Pioneer Square!

2010-09-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

You’re invited to join Yellow Brick Road and The Standard at the 2010 Volunteer Expo in Pioneer Square on Friday September 10, 2010, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Connect with 118 nonprofits to find the perfect match for your skills and interests! Visit The Standard to learn more.

LIFE OF YOUTH

2010-08-30T14:43:00.001-07:00

LIFE OF YOUTH
New videos promoting health & sexual safety screening

at the Portland Art Museum

1219 SW Park Ave.
Tuesday, August 31
6:30pm reception
7:00 pm screening
Free

FREE YBR TRAINING OPPORTUNITY!

2010-08-18T19:00:00.001-07:00

FREE TRAINING

Sunday September 19th
2pm-5pm

Commercial Sexual Exloitation of Children (CSEC)

Janus Youth Programs and Yellow Brick Road invite YOU to our upcoming community training on September 19th. This training is free and open to the public but seating is limited so please R.S.V.P. for location. Elaine Close of Harry’s Mother will be sharing her wealth of knowledge and expertise related to runaway youth and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. She will be explaining the basic concepts and language of CSEC so that we can be better informed as youth advocates and aware citizens. In addition, our new Outreach Coordinator Neal Sand will be updating us on the recent sidewalk ordinances and what all the new regulations mean to folks on the streets. Our free YBR trainings are a great way to learn more about issues of youth homelessness in our community and the many ways you can get involved and make a difference with Janus Youth Programs. Vegetarian lunch and coffee will be provided. Hope to see you there!

Please R.S.V.P. for location at

nsand@janusyouth.org

RESPECT IS A TWO-WAY STREET

2010-07-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

Yellow Brick Road is proud to support the City of Portland's new campaign to promote respectful use of the sidewalks for all our citizens. Our partners at STREET ROOTS have launched the campaign and are distributing posters to downtown service agencies and businesses to be displayed in windows to help encourage kindness and respect among people outside asking for change. Street Roots recognizes that the issue of panhandling is a reality in our community, and one that needs to be met with a more original approach. Street Roots has covered sidewalk issues concerning people experiencing homelessness for more than a decade, and believes that the only way to address the issue is to be proactive and experiment with out of the box projects that will encourage tolerance and respect among both the general public and individuals begging for change. Our hope is that through the poster campaign, we can help educate panhandlers in a way that targets behavior and asks people to have both respect and courtesy on Portland’s sidewalks. Janus Youth Programs proudly displays these posters on our shelter building and encourage all our community partners and stakeholders to consider joining the movement for respectful sidewalks. Contact Street Roots to obtain your FREE posters in either 16" x 20" or 8.5" x 11" sizes.

"THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME..."

2010-06-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

Yellow Brick Road recently had the pleasure of attending a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration conference for Recovery-Oriented Healthy Communities in Arlington, Virgina. The conference was very informative and it was inspiring to learn about all the great treatment & recovery programs developing around the country. Check out the SAMHSA website to learn more about the work being done to help our most vulnerable citizens at local and federal levels. While we were in Arlington we also seized the opportunity to visit some of the amazing monuments and museums in Washington D.C.. Among these was the National Museum of American History and guess what just happened to be on display? That's right. The original ruby slippers worn by a 16 year old Judy Garland for her performance in the 1939 classic Wizard of Oz!

While we marveled at the ruby slippers, now a national treasure, we were reminded that our street outreach program chose its rather unusual name way back in 1984 as a direct reference to this film and the fundamental theme of self-discovery that it explores so memorably in metaphor. As you will recall, the film follows a band of unlikely misfits on their quest along the yellow brick road to find the "wizard" who they hope will grant them the internal attributes they feel they need to reach their full potential and life-goals. The Cowardly Lion needs courage. The Tin Man needs a heart. The Scarecrow needs a brain. And Dorothy and Toto just want to go home. Not entirely coincidentally, their adventures take them through a dangerous field of poppies, where they are momentarily distracted from their path and nearly lulled into an eternal sleep of oblivion. Could there possibly be a more fitting analogy for addiction? Ultimately they arrive at the wizard's castle in Emerald City and soon realize that he is a complete farce. A sham. He's no wizard at all, just a regular guy behind a curtain. But far from being disappointed, the characters soon realize their quest's purpose and learn that they've actually possessed what they needed to succeed all along. It was already inside them, just waiting to blossom. Isn't that a perfect metaphor for youth and for the journey we all must take toward self-realization and wholeness? In fact it is a perfect metaphor for Positive Youth Development, one of the key principles upon which Yellow Brick Road Street Outreach was founded. We gave our program this name to always remind our outreach teams and the young people we meet that the streets are not the end of the road. This weekend we encourage you to revisit The Wizard of Oz and watch it through the lens of youth homelessness. You may see the film in a way you never quite expected. "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain..."

"There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home..."

YBR BENEFIT AT EMBERS MAY 20th!

2010-05-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful allies at the Portland Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have organized another amazing event on behalf of Yellow Brick Road Street Outreach! We hope to see you all there on Thursday May 20th at 8pm!

Positive Youth Development Training May 9th!

2010-04-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

FREE TRAINING!

Sunday May 9th
2pm-5pm

POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Please join us for our upcoming Yellow Brick Road Training just in time for Mother's Day! This training is free and open to the public but seating is limited so please R.S.V.P. soon. We’ll be learning about Positive Youth Development from YBR founder and nationally renowned youth advocacy expert Jerry Fest. What is PYD? What are "risk factors"? What are "protective factors"? What are "developmental assets"? What does "resiliency" look like for youth and how can we foster resiliency in our daily interactions with young people? Jerry Fest will answer all these questions and more in this introduction to the basics of Positive Youth Development, a federally recognized best practice for youth service providers. Vegetarian lunch and coffee will be provided. Hope to see you all there!

Please R.S.V.P. for location at
dlundberg@janusyouth.org

UP THE PUNKS!

2010-04-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to SarahJane of Lunar NightLife Promotions & Distro for organizing the PUNK ROCK CLOTHING SWAP at Plan B last night! We collected an entire van full of clothing that has already been distributed to the Janus Youth Shelters and the Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center (SMYRC). Thanks for supporting Janus Youth Programs, SarahJane! UP THE PUNX!

Yellow Brick Road BENEFIT at Plan B April 12th!!!!

2010-03-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

Friends of Janus Youth Programs have organized this amazing CLOTHING SWAP and SUPPLY DRIVE to benefit Yellow Brick Road Street Outreach to homeless young people living outdoors in Portland. Come to Plan B on April 12th and support this awesome event!

Views From The Streets

2010-02-16T16:32:00.001-08:00

PDX O&E Outreach Team hits the streets daily!

These are some images from today's outreach with your friendly O&E Team Dennis, Neal and Jani!

Amazing art!

Rose City Resource Guides and Outreach cards!

METAL!!!

Valentine's and cave camps!

Outreach Specialists Neal and Jani

Dennis

Views From The Streets!

2010-02-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of the streets courtesy of our Friday night Yellow Brick Road team!

Photos by Stella Butler.

JUST OUT

2010-02-10T15:12:00.001-08:00

This week's issue of Portland's Just Out features an article about the Homeless Youth Continuum's Youth HIV Survey. Check it out!

Close to Home:
For the first time in a decade, homeless youth are surveyed about HIV prevalence and risk

By Amanda Waldroupe

A young woman in her early twenties going by the name “Sabrina” for this story was hopeful and surprised at the support she received from her mother and stepfather when she came out to them as a lesbian last summer. But as Sabrina shared with her mother more about her sexuality, her mother began to think “it was all right for me to have friends in the GLBT community, but not be a part of it,” Sabrina says.

Sitting in a conference room in New Avenues for Youth, a homeless-youth agency, Sabrina’s clasped hands begin to clench. Her eyes almost water as she continues thinking back to her parents’ reactions to her sexual orientation and the fact that she was dating another girl.

Unbeknownst to her stepfather, Sabrina’s partner was living with them that summer. Sabrina has never liked her stepfather and never confided personal information to him. She was in her room one night when, through a shared vent, she heard her mother and stepfather talking in their room.

“‘I just want you to know that [Sabrina’s partner] is staying here,’” Sabrina remembers her saying.

Then Sabrina heard the sounds of her stepfather “stomping” down the hall, where he yelled from the top of the stairs:

“You need to find a different place to live. Pack your stuff up in 15 minutes.”

Sabrina and her partner found themselves in a situation faced by an alarming number of youth who come out to their families as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender: homeless.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force refers to gay youth homelessness as an “epidemic,” and estimates that 20 to 40 percent of homeless youth identify as GLBT. Portland has a disproportionately high number of gay youth, with 40 percent of the 2,000 homeless youth in Portland identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. “That’s quite large,” says Kathy Oliver, executive director of Outside In, an agency serving homeless youth.

Favor Ellis, program director of the Sexual Minorities Youth Resource Center, says that 30 to 50 percent of the youth SMYRC serves are homeless.

Sabrina and her partner found themselves sleeping in the fields and underneath the bridges of the Willamette Valley town they lived in before coming to Portland. She recalls being rained on twice, and having her possessions stolen.

After one month, Sabrina and her partner came to Portland, where there were more services, and more accepting of the gay community. They spent one night on Portland’s streets. The next day they were admitted into a shelter operated by Janus Youth, another homeless youth agency.

While she was on the street, Sabrina says that she sometimes had “mean things” said to her by others who knew she was a lesbian.

“If you’re different, you tend to be targeted” on the streets, says Dennis Lundberg, an associate director at Janus Youth. “GLBTQ youth are in that really tricky dynamic.”

“I was broken anyway for being criticized for being gay and coming out,” says Sabrina, who felt like a “smashed piece of glass” during that time. “But I’m not going to change the way I am. I chose to be gay, because I’m happy.”

To be homeless and gay and young in Portland, say the sources and youth interviewed for this story, is to live through a triple whammy of emotionally trying experiences that test a youth’s indefinite sense of self. It is also to live a life more likely involving being targeted, exploited, discriminated against, and exposed to experiences and behaviors threatening one’s health and safety.

Serving a population difficult to reach out to and engage, homeless and sexual-minority agencies in Portland are currently working to survey homeless youth and gather an unprecedented amount of information to better understand and assist that community.

The project is called the Homeless Youth HIV Prevalence and Risk Behavior Study. Cascade Aids Project (CAP) and Outside In are partnering with consultation from Dr. Todd Korthuis, the research director of Oregon Health & Science University’s HIV Clinic, to administer a survey to homeless youth about their sexual activity and knowledge of HIV/AIDS, as well as administer rapid HIV tests.

It is the first time in 10 years that such information has been gathered about Portland’s homeless youth. Data collection began on January 11 and will continue for six weeks, with results tentatively scheduled to be released in March.

“The question we have not been able to answer is how many people in the homeless youth population are HIV positive or at risk of becoming HIV positive,” says Kristin Kane, CAP’s director of support services. “No agency knows about the HIV component of homeless youth in our metropolitan area.”

Homeless youth, according to Kane and others, are perhaps the population in Portland at the highest risk of becoming infected with HIV.

The reason, says New Avenues for Youth Associate Director Sean Suib, is that “they’re engaging in a lot of survival behaviors that put them at risk of lots of different health-related issues.”

Those high-risk behaviors include alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, teen pregnancy, unsafe sex, and sex with multiple partners, as well as problems associated with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

High-risk behavior is something fairly common among homeless youth, “[but] sexual and gender minority youth are at higher risk for all at-risk behaviors,” says SMYRC’s Ellis.

“Adolescence is a really difficult time for any youth,” Lundberg says. “If your emerging sense of gender orientation is such that it is alienating you from your peer group and society, and you’re being fed a message of non-acceptance, [and] of self-loathing, you start to see really high-risk behavior.

“There’s a lot of internalized self hatred that manifests itself in self-harming, self-cutting, [and] suicide idealization,” he continues.

Ellis and others stop short of saying the main reason homeless gay youth more readily engage in high-risk behaviors is simply because they are gay.

“I think when you’re homeless, you do a lot of things to forget about why you’re homeless,” Kane says.

But being a gay homeless youth is different from simply being young and homeless. Gay youth not only face the challenges of being on the street, but also feel the added emotional weight of exploring and determining their sexual and gender identities. Homelessness compounds the difficulty of those experiences.

“When you’re homeless, you have to be constantly thinking about your survival needs,” Ellis says. “You can’t spend it figuring out your identity or what’s happening with your body.”

But they find a way.

“Am I a lesbian?” Sabrina asks. She wonders this often. “Am I bi? Do I feel comfortable being bio-female? It sounds like a soap opera.”

Sitting on a couch watching cartoons at Janus Youth’s day center on a Wednesday afternoon, 24-year-old Christopher Bolland, who has been homeless on-and-off for seven years, says he considers himself “bi-curious”—not bisexual, but simply curious about same-sex relationships. “I try not to put a label on it, to tell you the truth,” he says.

Bolland is lounging in a bright, airy room much like a living room. Windows along one wall reveal painted murals done in the past by homeless youth. Washing machines and dryers hum in one corner. Boxes of tampons, razors, toothbrushes, hotel-issued looking soap and shampoo sit at the check-in desk. By the end of the day, it will all be taken. Some youth sit at round tables at the far end of the room eating lunch, while others chill out on a couch and watch The Princess Bride.

Every Wednesday afternoon, Janus Youth opens as a day space for youth to drop in. Twenty people signed up that day to take the HIV survey. “We thought five would have been successful,” Lundberg shares. Many of those 20 were motivated to take the survey not necessarily because they thought it was important, but because of the $10 gift card to Safeway or Fred Meyer they would receive for doing so.

The five youth Just Out spoke to at Janus Youth all said they were not worried about being HIV-positive. “I pretty much practice abstinence,” says Jessie, 24.

Jessie says he knows many gay homeless youth, and has not observed discrimination. As he folds his dried laundry into his backpack, he explains that homeless people are more tolerant than many think. “If you’re homeless, you’re pretty damn well used to other lifestyles,” he says.

CAP’s Kane expects to find a large number of youth engaging in high-risk behaviors surrounding drug use, needle exchanging and unprotected sex. Korthuis says he will be “surprised” if no youth unexpectedly find out they are HIV-positive.

CAP and the other agencies involved in the survey will use the information to tailor education and prevention services and create programs to serve particular needs of homeless youth not already being met. “A second goal that is no less important is identifying youth who are HIV-positive and engaging them in treatment,” Korthuis says. “That’s critical.”

NOW HIRING YOUTH!

2010-02-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

Project Metamorphosis is now accepting applications for the Recovery Transition Advocate (RTA) and Recovery Mentor positions. We are looking to hire dedicated people who have the demonstrated ability to act as clean & sober peers among 16-24 year old street-dependent youth, providing advocacy, referral, and support. This is a part-time entry-level position. No experience is necessary! Our mission is to engage and encourage youth to exit street life with innovative outreach and customized youth-friendly services integrating alcohol/drug and mental health treatment. We encourage diversity!

Qualifications:

Applications are due February 12, 2010.

For an application and more information please contact Brandon Schwanz: brandons@depaultreatmentcenters.org

SEVERE WEATHER TONIGHT!

2010-01-06T15:06:00.001-08:00

The City of Portland is declaring a Severe Weather Alert for Wednesday January 6th. Temperatures are expected to drop to 32°F with winds of 15 mph in the early morning (4am). No precipitation is expected, but wind chills will be hazardous. This means no one seeking shelter will be turned away tonight. TB cards will be waived due to expected freezing conditions. Please note location of Red Cross Severe Weather Warming Center below. The Winter Shelter Hotline is also available to help you during severe weather. The hotline is available Monday-Friday 8am to 10pm & weekends 10am to 10pm.

211 Winter Shelter Hotline: (503) 721-1500

RED CROSS EMERGENCY WARMING CENTER

Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center
Portland Foursquare Church
1302 Ankeny Street, (near 13th Avenue in Inner SE), Portland
Hours: 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families, single adults, and youths; Pets allowed; some space for carts; accessible location (main floor)
TriMet Routes: One block south of 13th and Sandy, served by the #12, 19, and 20 bus routes

FOR YOUTH UNDER 24

Janus Youth Programs operates both crisis and short-term shelter year-round. There is often room in the crisis shelter so please refer male, female and transgender youth who are under 24 to the Access Center to determine eligibility. The Access Center is available everyday of the year from 8:30am until 6:30pm: (503)432-3986. After 8:30pm, youth can contact the Janus shelters directly at (503) 222-5933. Janus Youth Shelters are located at located at 1635 SW Alder, Portland. Youth and Young Adults, age 18 and older, are also welcome at the Adult Shelters, including the Severe Weather Shelter Sites for Adults (see below).

FOR FAMILIES

FAMILY WINTER WARMING CENTER:
1435 NE 81st Street (behind the former Elmers restaurant at NE 82nd and Halsey, just off of the NE 82nd Max Line stop). Available seven nights a week throughout winter season 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM, check-in on site. For families with children under 18.).

ADULT WARMING CENTER

WOMEN ONLY:

Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter (SAFES)
Ankeny Entry at Harbor Light Site (2nd and Burnside) (503) 731-3942. Space for 12 additional single women via mats on the floor in the day space during severe weather. Day space open 7am to 11pm daily. Shelter open 7:45pm to 7:00 am daily. No pets or carts. Not disability accessible due to steep stairs.

MEN ONLY:

City Team Ministries
526 SE Grand Avenue (503) 231-9334. Space for 10 additional single men via mats on the floor in the main room during severe weather. May also be open during the days during severe weather. Typically there is a $ 4 per night charge, which includes sleeping space and a meal. No pets, and limited space for belongings. Accessible location

Portland Rescue Mission
111 W. Burnside (503) 227-0859. Space for 70 additional single men via mats on the floor in the lobby, may also be open during the days during severe weather. No pets, and limited space for belongings. Accessible location.

In addition to the above overnight shelter resources, the below providers will open day center space on Sunday, December 6th for individuals.

DayWatch
522 SW 13th, Portland, 503-916-4009
Provides coffee, snacks
Hours: 6:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Serves: Adults

Salvation Army Harbor Light
SW 2nd and Ankeny, 503-239-1259
Provides seating and hot beverages
Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Serves: Men, up 70 people

Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter (SAFES)
11 NW 5th, 503-227-0810
Basic services.
Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Serves: Women

Thanks Produce Row!

2009-12-30T14:18:00.001-08:00

We'd like to send a warm New Year's THANK YOU to our friends at Produce Row Cafe! For the past three years Produce Row has generously prepared two HUGE 24" sandwiches for Janus Youth's Outreach & Engagement stationary outreach program. Every week these delicious sandwiches are served to as many as 50 young people experiencing homelessness here in Portland. Most weeks the food is devoured by our hungry and very appreciative drop-in guests within thirty minutes! On behalf of our outreach workers and the young people who visit our program, we wish to say THANK YOU to everyone at Produce Row Cafe! Your consistent food contributions make a huge difference in the lives of young people. Please drop by Produce Row Cafe and enjoy a meal (and a pint!) at their cozy inner-southeast location near the train tracks. Tell them Yellow Brick Road sent you!

Produce Row Cafe
204 SE Oak St
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 232-8355

YBR SOCK DRIVE AT WHITE EAGLE TONIGHT!

2009-12-22T18:14:00.001-08:00

Please join us TONIGHT December 22 at McMenamin's White Eagle for a very special musical event and SOCK DRIVE for Yellow Brick Road Street Outreach! Beyond contributing to a great cause, you'll enjoy an evening of great earth fusion hip-hop hosted by Marv Ellis and his band the Platform, Unkle Nancy, NRG and other local artists. This will be a very special event full of art, music, raffles, friendly people, good food and the White Eagle's special atmosphere (and incredible heating system and outdoor fire pit!). Please bring new socks to donate. We hear Goodwill is selling NEW winter socks for only $1.30 per pair!

Tuesday December 22
8:30pm
McMenamin's White Eagle
836 N. Russell St.
Portland, OR 97227
(503) 282-6810

BRING SOCKS!

Annual Homeless Memorial in Portland TONIGHT!

2009-12-21T13:54:00.000-08:00

Please join us this evening as we remember those lost to the streets this year. We will gather for a candlelight vigil at Outside In's courtyard from 4pm-6p. The shortest day of the year is a wonderful time to gather together and herald the light of HOPE.

Empowering Our Homeless Citizens To Stay Safe and Warm This Winter

2009-12-17T17:51:00.000-08:00

Winter brings unique challenges to those who sleep outdoors. In addition to the emotional and psychological trauma of homelessness, the change in climate and precipitation creates immediate medical hazards for our most vulnerable citizens. Janus Youth Programs has responded to these challenges by working closely with the City of Portland and Multnomah County to develop and implement a strategic multi-agency response to inclement weather. In the past 4 years, Yellow Brick Road and PDX: Outreach & Engagement have become instrumental components of the City’s Winter Season & Severe Weather safety planning for the homeless.

Every night our amazing YBR volunteers, Project Metamorphosis staff and O&E Outreach Specialists are on the streets disseminating critical information and resources to the people who need them most. Our outreach teams are often the first point of contact for homeless folks who, for various reasons, may be hesitant to access services and other outlets for important weather information. The Yellow Brick Road blog is also a great community resource that volunteers, concerned citizens and people experiencing homelessness can access for free online. The blog maintains accurate and up-to-date information regarding resources during Severe Weather. Additionally, Janus operates transportation for people experiencing difficulty getting to a warm safe space during severe weather. This service can often be dispatched from the streets by Yellow Brick Road and O&E outreach teams who encounter people in need.

An excellent example of the fluidity of this safety planning occurred just this past week when the City of Portland declared 7 consecutive nights of Severe Weather due to temperatures below 22 degrees and expected freezing rain conditions. The Friday night Yellow Brick Road team encountered two young boys under the Burnside Bridge at 9:15pm. By that time the temperature was hovering just above 24 degrees. The boys, 16 and 17 years old, were buried under layers of blankets and huddled closely together to stay warm. They were dirty, cold and tired. Through a coordinated effort we were able to dialogue with Harry’s Mother, Janus Youth Programs' 24 hour Runaway Youth Services, about their options. Within twenty minutes the team had consulted with an outreach supervisor who was able to arrive at the scene with the Yellow Brick Road van and transport the boys to a Warming Center. They were able to leave behind the dozens of rain-soaked blankets that had been providing some tiny modicum of warmth as the temperature began to drop that night. The following morning Janus coordinated with the boys via information shared through the outreach teams and it was determined that they were indeed eligible for full Homeless Youth Continuum services! Both boys are warm and safe tonight as a direct result of Janus' Street Outreach Program’s dedication and preparedness. The boys will be provided with a broad array of services tailored to their developmental needs and it is our hope that they will soon bid farewell to the cold, wet streets forever.

In October 2008 Yellow Brick Road and PDX: O&E helped conduct Portland’s first Vulnerability Index Survey to assess the medical vulnerability of our street-affected population. For a city with relatively mild seasons and a generally friendly atmosphere, the findings were disturbing in several critical areas:

• Portland has a 12% higher rate of tri-morbidity than other larger cities that conducted the same survey, most notably New York, New Orleans and Los Angeles. Tri-morbidity is defined as a chronic medical condition in combination with mental health disorder and substance abuse.

• Portland’s overall “medically vulnerable” population is 5% higher than other cities that conducted the same survey. Remember, the other cities include New York, New Orleans and Los Angeles’ notorious “Skid Row”.

• 30 people under the age of 25 fit the definition of “medically vulnerable” (much higher per capita than other cities).

• Portland has a 10% higher rate of violent attacks on homeless individuals than other cities that conducted the same survey.

• 29% of the homeless people surveyed said they had foster care involvement at some point during their lives, a much higher rate than the other cities that conducted the same survey (most other cities were around 9%).

• 45% of the Native American population fell under the vulnerable definition (a markedly disproportionate rate when compared to other races & ethnicities).

As we bundle up this holiday season and gather with friends and family, I urge you to consider the lives of young people experiencing homelessness in our own neighborhoods and communities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING WINTER SHELTER AND SEVERE WEATHER RESOURCES PLEASE CONTACT 211info WINTER SHELTER HOTLINE:
(503) 721-1500

The hotline available Monday through Friday 8am-10pm
Saturday & Sunday 10am-10pm

WARMING CENTERS NOW CLOSED!

2009-12-13T16:31:00.001-08:00

The City of Portland has ended the Severe Weather Alert as of 7am Sunday morning December 13th. That means ALL EMERGENCY WARMING CENTERS ARE NOW CLOSED. This does not impact the regular Winter Shelters. For more information about available shelters please contact 211 Winter Shelter Line (503) 721-1500 Monday-Friday between 8:00AM and 10:00PM and Saturday & Sunday 10am-10pm.

Severe Weather in affect for Saturday 12/12!

2009-12-12T14:04:00.001-08:00

Just to reiterate: The City of Portland has extended the Severe Weather Alert through Saturday night, 12/12. The National Weather Service still predicts possible snow and/or freezing rain for Saturday evening. Anyone seeking shelter should contact the 211 Winter Shelter Line (503) 721-1500 for information about available shelter and warming center resources. The hotline will be available between 8:00AM and 10:00PM. The Red Cross Emergency Warming Center will be open again tonight at the Foursquare Church and please note the opening of an additional Warming Center in Gresham.

Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center @ Portland Foursquare Church
1302 Ankeny Street, (near 13th Avenue in Inner SE), Portland
Hours: 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families, single adults, and youths; Pets allowed; some space for carts; accessible location (main floor) TriMet Routes: One block south of 13th and Sandy, served by the #12, 19, and 20 bus routes.

City of Gresham Emergency Warming Center
1st Baptist Church
224 W. Powell
Gresham OR 97030
Grshaam Warming Center has opened for the nights of Monday December 7th, Tuesday December 8th and Wednesday December 9th.
Hours: 8pm to 8am, check in on site
Serves: Adult individuals.

Severe Weather extended through Saturday night 12/12

2009-12-11T22:38:00.000-08:00

The City of Portland has extended the Severe Weather Alert through Saturday night, 12/12. The National Weather Service predicts a possible 2-4 inches of snow and/or freezing rain Friday night into Saturday evening. Anyone seeking shelter should contact the 211 Winter Shelter Line (503) 721-1500 for information about available shelter and warming center resources. The hotline will be available between 8:00AM and 10:00PM. The Red Cross Emergency Warming Center will be open again tonight at the Foursquare Church and please note the opening of an additional Warming Center in Gresham.

Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center @ Portland Foursquare Church
1302 Ankeny Street, (near 13th Avenue in Inner SE), Portland
Hours: 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families, single adults, and youths; Pets allowed; some space for carts; accessible location (main floor) TriMet Routes: One block south of 13th and Sandy, served by the #12, 19, and 20 bus routes.

City of Gresham Emergency Warming Center
1st Baptist Church
224 W. Powell
Gresham OR 97030
Grshaam Warming Center has opened for the nights of Monday December 7th, Tuesday December 8th and Wednesday December 9th.
Hours: 8pm to 8am, check in on site
Serves: Adult individuals.

Severe Weather extended through Wednesday 12/9!

2009-12-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

The City of Portland has extended the Severe Weather Alert through Wednesday night, 12/9/09. The National Weather Service predicts some slight warming after Wednesday night so the warming centers will likely close on Thursday morning. Anyone seeking shelter should contact the 211 Winter Shelter Line (503) 721-1500 for information about available shelter and warming center resources. The hotline will be available between 8:00AM and 10:00PM. The Red Cross Emergency Warming Center will be open again tonight at the Foursquare Church and please note the opening of an additional Warming Center in Gresham.

Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center @ Portland Foursquare Church
1302 Ankeny Street, (near 13th Avenue in Inner SE), Portland
Hours: 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families, single adults, and youths; Pets allowed; some space for carts; accessible location (main floor) TriMet Routes: One block south of 13th and Sandy, served by the #12, 19, and 20 bus routes.

City of Gresham Emergency Warming Center
1st Baptist Church
224 W. Powell
Gresham OR 97030
Grshaam Warming Center has opened for the nights of Monday December 7th, Tuesday December 8th and Wednesday December 9th.
Hours: 8pm to 8am, check in on site
Serves: Adult individuals.

Severe Weather Alert extended for Monday December 7th!

2009-12-07T12:34:00.001-08:00

The City of Portland has extended the weekend's Severe Weather Alert through Monday night, 12/7/09. The National Weather Service predicts temperatures on Monday evening to drop to 20°F to 24°F with winds of 14-17 mph. Little precipitation is expected, but wind chills will be hazardous. Anyone seeking shelter should contact the 211 Winter Shelter Line (503) 721-1500 for information about available shelter and warming center resources. The hotline will be available between 8:00AM and 10:00PM. The Red Cross Emergency Warming Center will be open again tonight at the Foursquare Church and please note the opening of an additional Warming Center in Gresham.

Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center @ Portland Foursquare Church
1302 Ankeny Street, (near 13th Avenue in Inner SE), Portland
Hours: 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families, single adults, and youths; Pets allowed; some space for carts; accessible location (main floor) TriMet Routes: One block south of 13th and Sandy, served by the #12, 19, and 20 bus routes.

City of Gresham Emergency Warming Center
1st Baptist Church
224 W. Powell
Gresham OR 97030
Grshaam Warming Center has opened for the nights of Monday December 7th, Tuesday December 8th and Wednesday December 9th.
Hours: 8pm to 8am, check in on site
Serves: Adult individuals.

Severe Weather called for December 5th & 6th!

2009-12-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

The City of Portland is declaring a Severe Weather Alert for the following nights: Saturday and Sunday December 5th-6thth. This means no one seeking shelter will be turned away this weekend. TB cards will be waived due to expected freezing conditions. Please note location of Red Cross Severe Weather Warming Center below. The location of the Red Cross Warming Center will be different on Saturday night versus Sunday night. If you are homeless, we hope this info will help you navigate these services a bit easier. If you are not homeless, we hope you will consider contacting one of these agencies to offer volunteer support. Many of these severe weather shelters are made possible by Red Cross volunteers and other support from the community. The Winter Shelter Hotline is also available to help you during severe weather. The hotline is available Monday-Friday 8am to 10pm & weekends 10am to 10pm.

211 Winter Shelter Hotline: (503) 721-1500

FOR YOUTH UNDER 24

FOR FAMILIES

ADULT WARMING CENTER:

Check in at Transition Projects, 475 NW Glisan, between 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to reserve a space for the night.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 8:00 PM - 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Single men, single women, couples without children, separate sleeping areas for men and women

For the night of SATURDAY, December 5th only:
Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center
Lents Seventh Day Adventist Church
8835 SE Woodstock, (near SE 88th and Foster)
Hours: 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families, single adults, and youths; Pets allowed; some space for carts; accessible location (main floor)

TriMet Routes: Four blocks west of the Lents/SE Foster stop on the Max Green Line; 1 block west of the SE Foster & 89th stop for the #14 bus

For the night of SUNDAY, December 6th only:
Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center
Portland Foursquare Church
1302 Ankeny Street, (near 13th Avenue in Inner SE), Portland
Hours: 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families, single adults, and youths; Pets allowed; some space for carts; accessible location (main floor)

TriMet Routes: One block south of 13th and Sandy, served by the #12, 19, and 20 bus routes

WOMEN ONLY:

MEN ONLY:

Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter (SAFES)
11 NW 5th, 503-227-0810
Basic services.
Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Serves: Women

SUPPORT STREET ROOTS!

2009-11-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

Street Roots newspaper has long supported Janus Youth Programs' work to improve the lives of homeless and high-risk young people. They provide a media voice for the voiceless and boldly advocate for our city's most marginalized citizens. Unfortunately the economic slump has impacted their services and it's time to show your support! Now is a great time to consider making a donation to Street Roots through Willamette Week's annual Give! Guide site. Just click here and look for Street Roots under the 'community' listing. While you're there, check out all the other great agencies that could benefit from your support. It only takes $10 to make a difference. And you might even be elligible for some really great incentives!

YBR TRAINING EVENT NEXT SUNDAY!

2009-11-14T14:19:00.001-08:00

FREE TRAINING!
Sunday November 22
2pm-6pm

PORTLAND YOUTH GANGS & GANG INTERVENTION!

Join us for our upcoming Yellow Brick Road Training! The training is free and open to the public but seating is limited. We’ll be learning about Winter Shelter Services that recently opened in Portland and discussing the culture of youth gangs! Discussion will include a brief history of local gangs, how they recruit, why they are so attractive to young people, and how we might better understand the gang “lifestyle” so as to become more effective youth advocates. We’ll have a guest Gang Outreach Specialist with us and the training will be followed by a screening of CRIPS & BLOODS: MADE IN AMERICA, a powerful new documentary that explores the history of two of the largest and most notorious African-American gangs in the U.S.. Vegetarian lunch and coffee will be provided. Hope to see you all there!

Please R.S.V.P. for location at dlundberg@janusyouth.org

Yellow Brick Road on National Public Radio!

2009-11-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

Oregon Public Broadcast's Think Out Loud has been covering issues of homelessness recently and tomorrow morning's show will focus on youth homelessness in the Northwest. They will be interviewing young people who are experiencing homelessness and Yellow Brick Road Supervisor Dennis Lundberg will be on air to address youth homelessness from an outreach perspective. Think Out Loud is the "radio show that listens" so call in and voice your own opinion! Your voice can make a difference!

Think Out Loud
91.5fm
Tuesday November 10
9am-10am
Call In: 888-665-5TOL (or 665-5865)

YBR BENEFIT!

2009-10-27T13:19:00.003-07:00

The leaves are falling and the smell of woodsmoke is in the air. Autumn is well upon us and winter is soon on the way. For people living outdoors this means it's time to hunker down and try to stay warm with sparse possessions. And YOU can help! Our friends at New Seasons have organized a night of special entertainment to raise awareness of homelessness & poverty in the community. The event takes place Saturday November 7th at Liberty Hall (near Emmanual Hospital in North Portland) and they're asking everyone to bring warm gear to be distributed to the homeless by Yellow Brick Road Street Outreach Teams. We are in need of warm hats, gloves, scarves, and wool socks to help clothe the homeless this cold season. Adult sizes and dark colors are preferred. We invite you to join us for this great event and enjoy the mind-expanding sounds of El and special guests! You can make a difference in the lives of people living outdoors this winter.

Saturday November 7
6pm
Liberty Hall
311 N. Ivy St.

Bring warm hats & gloves for the homeless!

Animal Health Clinic!

2009-09-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars! On Sunday October 18th from 1pm-4pm, the great folks at Portland Animal Welfare will be providing their next Animal Health Clinic for animals living with people experiencing or transitioning from homelessness. Services provided include basic exams, vaccinations, de-worming and flea treatment. This event is first-come-first-served and will take place at Outside In's Tattoo Removal Clinic located at 311 NW Broadway.

P.A.W. Animal Health Clinic
Sunday October 18th
1pm-4pm
311 NW Broadway

ANOTHER AWESOME YBR EVENT THIS FRIDAY!

2009-08-17T12:37:00.001-07:00

The Portland Artist Network is proud to present a sock and hygiene supply drive in celebration of Yellow Brick Road’s 25th anniversary! Please join us THIS FRIDAY August 21 at the Ella Street Social Club for what promises to be a very fun evening featuring MC Jeffrey Darling of Sissy Boy, music by The Juan Prophet Organization and DJ Manic, visual art by Petr and Rose Sorfa, spoken word performances by Tommy Gaffney and Davey Mac, film by Alchemystical Workshop and "Random Wonderfulness" with deaf interpretation provided by DHOR through Equal Access ASL. This event also celebrates the 4th anniversary of Portland's Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a 501(C)3 public charitable organization dedicated to the support, education, and development of the GLBT community.

Friday August 21
8pm
Ella Street Social Club (714 SW 20th Place)

$8 at the door or
$5 for those who bring donations for Yellow Brick Road!

YBR event at Holocene THIS WEDNESDAY!

2009-08-10T14:20:00.003-07:00

We cordially invite you to attend what promises to be a very exciting evening at Holocene this Wednesday, August 12! Local musician (and all around nice guy) Brian Mumford is guest curating a wonderful muti-media gathering with all proceeds going directly to Yellow Brick Road in honor of our 25 years of service to homeless youth here in Portland! There will be visual art, music, local crafts, independent record labels, and Yellow Brick Road will even be on hand with outreach bags at the ready! Please come by and say, "Hello" this Wednesday at Holocene.

Wednesday August 12
Holocene
1001 SE Morrison
7pm
$6
(all proceeds go to Yellow Brick Road!)

YBR TRAINING OPPORTUNITY!

2009-08-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

FREE TRAINING!
Sunday August 23
2pm-5pm

ASSERTIVE ENGAGEMENT! It is my pleasure to welcome Yellow Brick Road founder and Homeless Youth Continuum training consultant Jerry Fest back to YBR for a special Summer Training. Jerry has been instrumental in launching a recent redesign of Portland's Homeless Youth Continuum and he will join us on August 23rd to explain the new conceptual framework for the Assertive Engagement model. Janus Youth Programs and our partners in the Homeless Youth Continuum are the first interagency youth system in the nation to provide this progressive approach to working with street-dependent youth so this is a very exciting time for all of us. Vegetarian food & coffee will be provided!

Please R.S.V.P. for location at dlundberg@janusyouth.org

YBR CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF STREET OUTREACH!

2009-07-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

That's right! August 2009 heralds the Silver Anniversary for Yellow Brick Road, one of the first volunteer-based street outreach programs in the nation! This is a very exciting time for all of us at Janus Youth Programs and we invite YOU to join us in celebrating 25 years of service to Portland’s street-dependent youth & young adults. Since our inception in 1984 Yellow Brick Road has provided eye-to-eye advocacy to young people experiencing homelessness every night of the year. Our trained volunteer teams are on the streets of downtown Portland every night from 5pm until 10pm bringing critical information, service referrals, and crisis intervention directly to homeless youth. Our teams distribute basic medical and hygiene supplies in an effort to reduce harm and engage young people in their own recovery and transition. As the “frontline” for the Homeless Youth Continuum, Yellow Brick Road often serves as the first point-of-contact for runaways and street entrenched youth. Our outreach teams also work to end sexual exploitation of young people by developing consistent supportive relationships on the streets, building trust between service providers and youth. And we need your help!

Every year Yellow Brick Road distributes an average of 2,500 pairs of socks, 8,000 band aids, 10,000 Q-tips, 1,000 toothbrushes, 1,000 travel-size tubes of toothpaste, 200 rolls of dental floss, 3,000 safety pins, 1,000 travel-size deodorants, 2,500 packs of triple antibiotic ointment, 4,000 wound wipes, 300 stretch gauze bandages, and hundreds of other essential items such as warm hats & gloves and sunscreen. Students, churches, small business owners, musicians and artists all across Portland have devoted their time and energy to raising awareness as well as supplies that will be distributed directly to the young people in our community who need them most. Anyone can organize a sock drive or hygiene supply drive. It’s easy and fun! And we'd be glad to help you get started. We are also available to come out and speak to your agency or organziation about youth homelessness and how Janus Youth Programs is working every day of the year to improve the lives of young people. Keep watching this blog in the coming weeks for upcoming trainings, benefit events and YBR birthday celebrations! And thank you for your continued support!
All the best,
~Dennis

Dennis Lundberg
Associate Director/Willamette BRIDGE Programs
Janus Youth Programs
dlundberg@janusyouth.org

Notable Survivors

2009-06-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a fascinating (and by no means complete) list of famous survivors of child abuse, sexual abuse, spousal/dating abuse, and rape taken from the abuse resource site As Waters Passing By.

Alexander Pushkin (poet) abuse, info courtesy of AEST
Alice Walker (author/activist) abuse
Andrea Dworkin (author/activist) rape
Angela Rose (activist) sexual assault (visit Angela's site here )
Angela Shelton (actress/model/director/actvist) incest
Angie Dickenson (actress, etc) emotional abuse
Anne Heche (actress) incest
Anne Sexton (poet) child sexual abuse, info courteousy of AEST
Antwone Fisher (author) emotional abuse/child sexual abuse
Axl Rose (musician) child sexual abuse (according to IMDB.com)
Baby Lyssa Chapman (famous bounty hunter/daughter of Dog) statutory rape
Beethoven (composer) unspecified child abuse
Beth Chapman (famous bail bondswoman/wife of Dog) domestic violence
Bill Clinton (former U.S. President) secondary domestic violence
Billie Holliday (singer) childhood rape
Billy Connoly (comedian) incest
Brett Butler (actress) domestic violence
Carlos Santana (musician) child sexual abuse
Carrie Otis (model) rape
Chester Bennington (musician) child sexual abuse
Christina Aguilera (singer) unspecified child abuse/secondary domestic violence
Christina Applegate (actress) dating violence
Christina Crawford (author) emotional abuse
Cindy Williams (actress) emotional abuse
Clara Bow (actress) incest
Connie Francis (singer) rape
Dave Mustaine (musician) child physical abuse/secondary domestic violence
Dave Pelzer (author) multiple forms of abuse
Derek Luke (actor) child sexual abuse
Desi Arnaz, Jr. (actor) emotional abuse
Dog the Bounty Hunter (famous bounty hunter/reality TV stars) child physical abuse
Dorie VanStone (author) multiple forms of abuse
Drew Barrymore (actress) unspecified child abuse
Eleanor Roosevelt (former First Lady) unspecified child abuse
Elizabeth I (Queen of England) teenage sexual assault, info courteousy of AEST
Elizabeth Barrett Browning (poet) abuse, info courteousy of AEST
Elizabeth Loftus (psychologist) child sexual abuse
Ella Fitzgerald (singer) abuse
Emme (model) emotional abuse
Erin Gray (actress) unspecified child abuse
Eve Ensler (playwright/actress) incest
Fantasia (singer) teenage rape
Farrah Faucett (actress) domestic violence
Fiona Apple (musician) childhood rape
Florence Holway (artist/activist) rape
Fran Drescher (actress) rape
Gabrielle Union (actress) rape
Gavin DeBecker (violent crime expert) psychological abuse
George Orwell (author) unspecified child abuse
Greg Luganis (athlete) abuse
Halle Berry (actress, model) domestic violence
Henry Miller (writer) abuse, info courtesy of AEST
Henry Rollins (musician) child sexual abuse
Janice Dickenson (model) child physical & emotional abuse
Janice Mirikitani (poet) incest, Janice's story is featured on a DVD sold at RAINN's site
Johannes Brahms (composer) child sexual abuse, info courteousy of AEST
Jonathan Davis (musician) child sexual abuse
Joyce Meyer (evangelist, author) child physical abuse & incest
Kirk Hammett (musician) child physical & sexual abuse
Laveraneus Coles (athlete) child sexual abuse
Leslie Triber (author/poet) abuse
Lorena Bobbit - marital rape
Lynn C. Tolson (author) incest/domestic violence/sexual assault
Marie Waldrep (poet/activist) incest/domestic violence
Marilyn Manson (musician) child sexual abuse
Marilyn Monroe (actress) child physical & sexual abuse/childhood attempted rape (according to IMDB.com)/domestic violence
Marilyn VanDerber Atler (former Miss America) incest
Mary J. Blige (singer) emotional abuse/childhood rape/secondary domestic violence
Mary Wollestonecraft (author) child physical abuse
Mata Hari (famous spy) domestic violence
Maya Angelou (author, poet) childhood rape
Maynard James Keenan (musician) child sexual abuse
Meat Loaf (musician) peer abuse/parental physical abuse (?)
Mike Patton (musician) neglect/child sexual abuse
Missy Elliot (rapper, producer) child sexual abuse/secondary domestic violence
Nicole Brown Simpson - domestic violence (very likely murdered by OJ)
Oprah Winfrey (talk show host) child sexual abuse
Ozzy Osbourne (musician) emotional abuse
Pamela Anderson (actress) rape/domestic violence
Patricia Weaver Francisco (author) rape
Patsy Cline (singer) domestic violence
Patty Duke (actress, etc.) multiple forms of abuse, info courtesy of AEST
Paula White (evangelist, author) child sexual abuse
Queen Latifah (rapper/actress/model) child sexual abuse
Rain Pryor (actress) child physical abuse/teenage sexual abuse
Richard Nixon (former U.S. President) unspecified child abuse
Rita Hayworth (actress) incest
Robert Blake (actor) multiple forms of abuse, info courtesy of AEST
Rosanne Arnold (actress) child sexual abuse
Rose McGowan (actress) religious related (SRA?) abuse
Rosie Perez (actress) child sexual abuse
Rudyard Kipling (author) unspecified child abuse
Sandra Dee (actress) incest
Sinead O'Connor (musician) multiple forms of abuse, info courteousy of AEST
Stasi Eldredge (author) rape
Suzanne Somers (actress) emotional abuse
Teri Hatcher (actress) incest
Tina Turner (singer) domestic violence
Tom Arnold (actor, etc) abuse, info courtesy of AEST
Toni Childs (musician) abuse, info courteousy of AEST
Tori Amos (musician) rape
Virginia Woolf (author) incest
Viva (actress) child sexual abuse

* Note about sources - these sources generally come from print/internet interviews, documentaries, biographies and the like. Details available upon request at www.aswaterspassingby.org

* The term "secondary domestic violence" denotes that the well known person grew up in a home where one or both parents were the victim of domestic violence. The term "domestic violence" when applied to the persons denotes that they are the survivor of domestic violence where they were the primary victim.

ROSE CITY RESOURCES!

2009-05-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

The Rose City Resource Guide is now available online!
ROSE CITY RESOURCE GUIDE ONLINE

Thanks!

2009-05-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU to everyone who applied for the Outreach Specialist and RTA positions. The response was overwhelming and both positions are now closed. We are ALWAYS recruiting dependable volunteers for Yellow Brick Road Street Outreach so please drop a line if you are interested in joining the team:

dlundberg@janusyouth.org

NOW HIRING!

2009-05-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

Street Outreach Specialist needed for Janus Youth Programs' Outreach & Engagement to engage and develop trusting relationships with street-entrenched youth, 25 and younger who traditionally do not access services, in order to introduce them to employment or educational opportunities and assist in transitioning them from the streets into safe, stable housing. This position involves making regular, outdoor contact with homeless and street-dependent youth in a wide geographic area within abandoned buildings, schools, service agencies, and other areas where youth camp. Bachelor's degree in counseling or related field is preferred. Requires experience with street youth and/or youth involved in sex work, substance abuse, and multi-diagnosis and experience in counseling/case managing youth who are reluctant to engage in services. Driving is required. Beginning salary is $12.00/hour; excellent benefits.

Submit resume and cover letter to Dennis Lundberg, c/o Janus Youth Programs, Inc., 707 NE Couch Street, Portland, OR 97232
or e-mail to him at dlundberg@janusyouth.org

This position closes Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS!

2009-05-05T01:21:00.000-07:00

Yellow Brick Road Street Outreach Program is currently seeking dedicated, energetic, and dependable volunteers! Our mission is to engage street-dependent youth through non-judgemental outreach on the streets of downtown Portland, meeting basic needs while offering referral information and community resources. Outreach shifts are once a week from 5-10pm. Volunteers are asked to make a six month commitment. No experience is necessary and professional Outreach Specialists will provide safety and engagement training.

Please contact Dennis Lundberg at (503)789-4011 or dlundberg@janusyouth.org

NOW HIRING YOUTH!

2009-05-01T14:14:00.001-07:00

Project Metamorphosis is currently accepting applications for the Recovery Transition Advocate (RTA) position. This is a part-time entry-level position. No experience is necessary! Our mission is to engage and encourage youth to exit street life with innovative outreach and customized youth-friendly services integrating alcohol/drug and mental health treatment. As an RTA you will be expected to act as a clean & sober peer role-model for 16-24 year old homeless and street dependent youth, providing support, referrals, and crisis intervention through the Homeless Youth Continuum. We encourage diversity!

Qualifications:

Applications are due May 13, 2009.

For an application and more information please contact Brandon Schwanz: brandons@depaultreatmentcenters.org
(503) 535-1181.

Food Front

2009-04-24T16:11:00.001-07:00

Yellow Brick Road has once again been selected for participation in Food Front's generous Bean Bag program! Food Front is one of Portland's longest-running cooperatively owned grocery stores and their Bean Bag program allows customers to donate 5 cents to various local non-profit organizations every time they shop with their own bags. Next time you shop at Food Front, we hope you'll bring your own recycled shopping bag and consider donating 5 cents to Yellow Brick Road. Those nickels really add up and make a difference!

Food Front Cooperative Grocery
2375 NW Thurman Street
Portland, Oregon
(503) 222-5658

Yellow Brick Road & Reed College: Reaching Out

2009-04-19T20:26:00.001-07:00

One of the great characteristics of Yellow Brick Road is our ability to go into the community and educate potential allies, stakeholders, and concerned citizens on issues related to youth homelessness. This form of outreach is every bit as critical as the kind we provide on the streets directly to the most vulnerable youth. Just in the past 6 months Yellow Brick Road has provided free trainings and presentations to Milwaukee Lutheran Church, Riverdale High School, In Other Words Books, Palisades Elementary School, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, and Reed College. Through our rigorous engagement with the community Yellow Brick Road has fostered a particularly rewarding relationship with Reed College that has culminated in our recent partnership as a Federal Work Study (FWS) site.

The Reed FWS is an off-campus internship opportunity that allows students on financial aid to earn their required work study by volunteering with non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies. In August 2007 Yellow Brick Road became a partner organization, actively recruiting Reed students to join our nightly YBR teams in downtown Portland. Since that time YBR has trained nearly 20 Reed students, approximately 5 students per semester, to conduct outreach among homeless young people who are quite often their own age. Currently, Reed students account for nearly half of our nightly volunteer outreach volunteers! At least two of these students have been so impassioned by their work with YBR that they’ve redirected their course of study toward community services. Two other Reed volunteers have since been hired on as substitute workers in the Janus Youth shelter programs, Streetlight and Porchlight. Reed’s Students for Education, Empowerment and Direct Service (S.E.E.D.S.) program has been instrumental in this linkage and coordinate closely with YBR to recruit and support their students in our often difficult but always rewarding work on the streets of downtown Portland.

Beyond financial aid, many of the Reed students who spend time with YBR have stated that their service has empowered them to become meaningfully engaged with the local community and become more broadly educated about "real world" issues. They have also stated that their service with YBR has proven to be a strong community-building influence on campus that also allows them the opportunity to get out of the Reed “bubble” to enjoy positive, educational, and healthy recreation. YBR wishes to thank all of the Reed students who have joined the fold since 2007 and we look forward to a lasting relationship with Reed College in the future. For more information about Reed College’s S.E.E.D.S program visit them online here!

Dennis Lundberg
Associate Director/Willamette Bridge Programs

2009 Street Count results have been released

2009-04-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

The results of this year's Street Count survey have been released today by the Portland Bureau of Housing & Community Development. To read the extensive report visit Portland Online. Thank you to everyone who participated in this important survey!

meet the press

2009-04-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

Meet Yellow Brick Road supervisor Dennis Lundberg and some of our allies in the struggle against homelessness and poverty at Ultimate Northwest magazine's recent feature on people making a difference in our community!

To Ride, Shoot Straight, & Meet 'Em Where They're At!

2009-04-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

2009 marks the 25th Anniversary of Yellow Brick Road! As we gear up to celebrate this milestone it seems like a great opportunity to highlight one of the many folks who make Janus Youth’s Street Outreach Programs so remarkable. Neal Sand is a professional Outreach Specialist with Janus Youth's Outreach & Engagement. "O&E", as it is popularly known on the streets, was conceived nearly 5 years ago as a critical offshoot of our volunteer-based outreach program with the mission of delivering intensive mobile services directly to the young people who need them most but are often the least likely to seek them out on their own. Since he joined the O&E team in 2006 Neal has packed his bag every week and headed out to the streets, bridges, wooded camps, squats, and pretty much anywhere off the beaten path where he might find Portland’s most vulnerable young people. He excels at meeting the “hardest to reach” youth where they’re at and he builds meaningful relationships that make a lasting difference.

Neal’s history with Janus Youth Programs goes back to 1998 when he began as a volunteer with Yellow Brick Road. The amazing part of his story is that Neal stepped into YBR to fill his sister’s shift on the team. His sister had in fact stepped into YBR to fill her then-boyfriend now-husband’s shift. You can safely say that serving the community is a family tradition. Neal far exceeded his minimum 6 month volunteer commitment, remaining on the YBR team for no less than 4 years before he applied and was hired as a substitute line staff for the Willamette Bridge Programs. He was soon hired on full-time, serving the front lines at Bridgehouse, Streetlight, and Porchlight Crisis Shelter before assuming his role as an Intake Worker for both the Access Center and the Road Warrior late night drop-in program. Over the years Neal has honed his skills with young people and left a wake of hilarious epic-length monologues in our staff log books.

Neal is a Journalism major with a gift for wry wit. That’s a nice way of saying he can laugh even in the shadow of life’s darkest ironies. It’s a skill that serves him well in our work downtown where we’ve needed both hands to count the folks we've lost on the streets in the past 8 months. Neal’s passion for laughter and language is a gift he has shared with youth in the form of creative writing and self-expression workshops. I’ve watched him make words come alive for young people with dub reggae and colorful beatnik poetry. I vividly recall the proud smile of a particularly hardened ex-convict after he finished reading his journal aloud to a group of equally hardened peers and beamed, “I never knew poetry doesn’t have to rhyme!” Neal believes in young people so unrelentingly that, eventually, they tend to believe in themselves.

Anyone who spends time with Neal soon comes to appreciate his love for cinema, which is a wonderful coincidence considering he got his start at a program that takes its name from a 1939 musical. Neal doesn’t just casually enjoy movies. He is a walking encyclopedia of obscure film trivia and his enthusiasm is downright contagious. One of his favorites is Django, an old “spaghetti western” that tells the tale of a brooding anti-hero who drags a coffin filled with ammunition through muddy frontier camps meting out justice and classic one-liners. I like to imagine Neal riding into the sunset on outreach like a badlands bandito. Of course, instead of a coffin full of guns he totes an outreach bag full of socks, cough drops, triple antibiotic, and resource guides. Like Django, he chooses his words carefully and delivers one-liners with a twinkle in his eye. Neal is a soft-spoken hero on the streets of Portland and he is one of the dedicated youth advocates who have made the Janus Youth Outreach Programs the acclaimed models they are today. I’m glad to know him. So are the youth.
~Dennis Lundberg

“Neal is an excellent outreach worker. He is very observant out in the field and has the ability to explain what steps people can take to improve their situation without being judgmental." ~Devin Dinihanian (RTA)

“Neal is kind, compassionate, and reliable…but those words always sound so cliché. I guess what I’m saying is I appreciate somebody who can handle any crisis but can also talk about Motorhead and bad zombie movies.” ~Jasmine Pettet (Outside In)

“Neal is so cool, he doesn’t even realize how cool he is!” ~ “Leyla” (Youth)

YBR Training Opportunity!

2009-02-13T12:58:00.000-08:00

FREE TRAINING!
Sunday February 22nd
2pm-5pm

UPPERS, DOWNERS, ALL-AROUNDERS! At our last Yellow Brick Road training in November, several of our volunteers suggested that it would be helpful to receive information about street drugs and their effects on behavior and the brain. That seemed like a great idea so I’ve invited Patti Davis of DePaul Youth Treatment Centers and Andrew Gadbois of Outside In to share their expertise in the Alcohol & Drug field. This interactive training will cover the basics of the most prevalent street drugs with a special emphasis on identification, effects, and local treatment options that should prove helpful on outreach. Please feel free to come prepared with questions as Patti & Andrew have a wealth of knowledge to share. As always, lunch & coffee will be provided. Hope to see YOU February 22nd!

Please R.S.V.P. for location at dlundberg@janusyouth.org

Great New Resource For Teens!

2009-02-09T12:53:00.000-08:00

We just learned of a great new internet resource for young teens to discuss the dynamics of relationships, dating, and networking online. Sponsored and co-created by the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the Office of Violence Against Women and the Ad Council; this new website is designed to provide a safe place for teens to talk about relationships and decide what's "not cool" for them. This site is geared towards younger teens aged 13-15 that may face unique problems such as cyber bullying, breaking into emails, abusive text messages and other "Digital Infractions." Take a look and share with teens who may benefit from this information:

That's Not Cool

Off The Beaten Path

2009-02-02T19:58:00.000-08:00

The following photos were taken last week while Janus Youth Outreach Specialists were in the field conducting the 2009 Multnomah Street Count. The results from this year's Street Count will be published here as soon as the data is collected and made available.

These photos were taken with kind permission from people who live there, with the understanding that Janus Youth outreach workers would not disclose exact locations or identities. It is generally disrespectful and unsafe to photograph camps without prior relationships and permission.

2009 STREET COUNT

2009-01-26T14:20:00.001-08:00

STAND & BE COUNTED! Janus Youth Programs is partnering with other local agencies again this year to conduct Multnomah County's bi-annual HOMELESS STREET COUNT! The Street Count collects critical and confidential data about people living on the streets, in abandoned buildings, in vehicles, urban camps, and doorways. The information we collect provides the most accurate impression of the people living outdoors in our community and enables service providers and funders to meet the needs of these people more effectively. Outreach Specialists and trained volunteers with Yellow Brick Road and Portland Outreach & Engagement will be out in the field night and day from January 25th through January 31st, surveying people experiencing homelessness where they live. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the Street Count. We also invite you to take a photo-tour of some of the sites and locations we visited while conducting the 2007 Street Count:

homes under bridges
homes in the woods
homes near rivers

Who coordinates the Homeless Street Count?

The Homeless Street Count is coordinated by the City of Portland’s Bureau of Housing and Community Development (BHCD). Planning for the count is led by the Outreach and Engagement Workgroup, which includes outreach workers from Janus Youth Programs, staff from other local agencies that provide homeless services, members of the Police Department, and staff from BHCD and Multnomah County.

Why does Portland conduct a Homeless Street Count?

Communities that receive funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for homeless services are required to conduct a biannual homeless street count. The data collected from the count enables Portland to qualify for federal funding for local programs, and it also helps the City and its nonprofit partners to plan for the funding and services needed to meet the needs of homeless persons in our community.

What geographic areas does the Homeless Street Count cover?

The count covers Multnomah County, including the cities of Portland and Gresham.

What is the difference between the Homeless Street Count and the One Night Shelter Count?

The Homeless Street Count, which is coordinated by the City of Portland, focuses on people who are sleeping outside (on the street, in cars, or in abandoned buildings). The One Night Shelter Count (ONSC), which is coordinated by Multnomah County, focuses on people who are sleeping in emergency shelters and in transitional housing or who are turned away from those facilities. Both counts will occur on Wednesday, January 28, and efforts are being made to maximize coordination.

What is the definition of homelessness used for the Homeless Street Count?

The Homeless Street Count focuses on people who are unsheltered and sleeping in a place that is not intended for human habitation. This includes streets, sidewalks, parks, alleys, transportation depots or other parts of transportation systems, all-night commercial establishments (e.g. movie theaters, laundromats, restaurants), abandoned buildings, farm outbuildings, caves, campgrounds, vehicles, and other similar places. (Note: The Homeless Street Count by definition only focuses on the sub-set of the homeless population that is unsheltered. It does not include people who are in shelter or transitional housing or who are “couch surfing” or doubled up with family or friends.)

Why is the count held in late January?

Both the Homeless Street Count and the One Night Shelter Count occur at the end of January as mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD requires homeless counts to happen during the last ten days of January in order to capture data when shelter use peaks due to weather. It requires the counts to happen at the end of the month because that is when those who cycle on and off the streets are most likely to be homeless, having depleted their monthly income or benefits.

How does the count avoid duplication of data?

The Homeless Street Count survey form collects basic identifying information for each individual who is counted (first 3 letters of last name, first letter of first name, age, and gender.) This information is used to eliminate any duplication across the surveys. If identifying information is not available, or if outreach workers do not wish to disturb a campsite or someone who is sleeping, an alternative form can be used to collect information on the location and approximate number of people sleeping at that location. Because this data can not be unduplicated, it is included in an appendix to the Street Count report, but not in the official Street Count number.

What about people who are couch surfing or doubled up?

The Homeless Street Count only captures a portion of the individuals and families experiencing homelessness in a given night in our community. Those in shelter or transitional housing are captured by the One Night Shelter Count. Neither count captures people who are doubled up with friends or “couch surfing.” Unfortunately, there are no good methodologies available to collect accurate data on the number of people in that situation. But we know that they represent an important segment of the overall population of people experiencing homelessness in Portland.

For more information visit the Street Count Online
here.

NO WARMING CENTERS TONIGHT!

2009-01-25T12:04:00.001-08:00

There is snow on the ground in Portland again! The City of Portland has assessed the wind-chill factor and precipitation and will NOT declare a Severe Weather Alert for Sunday January 25th. That means the Warming Centers will NOT be available this evening. However, a few additional beds will be available at the Rescue Mission, City Team Ministries, and Transition Projects (TPI) on a first-come-first-served basis. If you need shelter tonight it is suggested you check in at one of these locations as early as possible. Youth and young adults under 21 are encouraged to check-in at Porchlight Shelter.

For more information please call 211 Info by dialing 2-1-1 from landlines or (503) 721-1500 from cell phones. Bundle up out there!

LAST NIGHT OF SEVERE WEATHER!

2008-12-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

Friday December 26th is the last night for emergency warming centers in Portland! The Four Square Church and Estate will no longer be open as warming centers beginning Saturday December 27th. Please plan accordingly and spread the word! For updated information please continue to call 211 Info by dialing 2-1-1 from landlines or (503) 721-1500 from cell phones. The hotline hours have been extended this year so you can reach someone until 10pm.

The Following Shelters Will Remain Available:

Family-Focused Seasonal Warming Center
Available for families with children under 18 only!
1435 NE 81st Avenue, Portland
(Behind the former Elmers restaurant at NE 82nd and Halsey, just off of the NE 82nd Max Line stop)
seven nights a week throughout winter season
7:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Transition Projects Warming Center
475 NW Glisan (directly behind the Greyhound Station at the corner of NW 5th and Glisan). (503) 823-4934 (24-hours).
The Transition Projects warming center will be open seven nights a week regardless of weather conditions from Thursday December 18th through March 31 2009! To access the warming center: Sign up daily at Transition Projects starting at 7:00PM. The actual warming cenbter is a short walk from Transition Projects. A light snack and hot drinks will be available. The Warming Center will be open 8PM to 7AM daily. The Warming Center is open to adults, including couples. (There are separate sleeping areas for men and women with a common area for socializing.) Please note: There are stairs and no elevator available, no smoke breaks or smoking in the center, no animals allowed, and no carts!

For more information please contact 211 Info:
(503) 721-1500 or dial 2-1-1 from landlines
Monday through Friday 8am-10pm
& Saturday and Sunday 10am-10pm.

SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE!

2008-12-17T18:34:00.001-08:00

It's cold out there! Severe Weather conditions are expected to continue through the weekend and the City of Portland has announced that warming centers will remain open at least through Monday morning December 22. The easiest way to figure out what is available is by calling 211 Info by dialing 2-1-1 from landlines or (503) 721-1500 from cell phones. The hotline hours have been extended this year so you can reach someone until 10pm.

WARMING CENTERS:

In addition to year-round shelters and winter shelters, the City of Portland now offers Severe Weather Warming Centers organized by volunteers of the Red Cross. Warming Centers only provide a mat on the floor and a blanket. No food, coffee, or other services are provided provided. The expectation for couples is that they will sleep close to each other on mats but not together.

Family-Focused Seasonal Warming Center
Available for families with children under 18 only!
1435 NE 81st Avenue, Portland
(Behind the former Elmers restaurant at NE 82nd and Halsey, just off of the NE 82nd Max Line stop)
seven nights a week throughout winter season
7:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Red Cross Warming Center at the Portland Foursquare Church
1302 Ankeny St. (near 13th in Inner SE), Portland
Available during Severe Weather only!
9:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Serves: Families, couples, single adults, and youth; Pets allowed; some space for carts; disability accessible location (main floor).

Red Cross Warming Center at Central City Concern's Estate Hotel
225 NW Couch
Available during Severe Weather only!
9:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Serves: Families, couples, single adults, and youth. Pets allowed; some space for carts; disability accessible location (elevator).

Transition Projects Warming Center
475 NW Glisan (directly behind the Greyhound Station at the corner of NW 5th and Glisan). (503) 823-4934 (24-hours).
The Transition Projects warming center will be open seven nights a week regardless of weather conditions from Thursday December 18th through March 31 2009! To access the warming center: Sign up daily at Transition Projects starting at 7:00PM. The actual warming cenbter is a short walk from Transition Projects. A light snack and hot drinks will be available. The Warming Center will be open 8PM to 7AM daily. The Warming Center is open to adults, including couples. (There are separate sleeping areas for men and women with a common area for socializing.) Please note: There are stairs and no elevator available, no smoke breaks or smoking in the center, no animals allowed, and no carts!

YOUTH UNDER 21:

PORCHLIGHT CRISIS SHELTER
Porchlight Crisis Shelter is the city's only emergency youth shelter for young people under 21 years of age. During severe weather, Porchlight has the capacity to provide a few additional beds on a first-come-first-served basis (6 extra beds for a total of 36 guests). Youth with BLA’s from shelter should be encouraged to speak to shelter supervisor (Ken Kerr) during hazardous weather conditions. There may be instances in which non-violent BLA’s can be waived for safety on a case-by-case basis. Please note that Porchlight staff will not waive BLA’s, youth must speak with Ken Kerr directly. Porchlight staff prioritizes safety and will only accommodate additional youth when doing so does not create an unsafe environment. Porchlight does not have the ability to accommodate pets.

WOMEN ONLY

Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter (S.A.F.E.)
1136 SW 11th
(503) 227-8681
Space for 12 additional single women via mats on the floor in the day space during severe weather. Day space open 7am to 11pm daily. Shelter open 7:45pm to 7:00 am daily. No pets or carts. Not disability accessible due to steep stairs.

DAY SERVICES:

Expanded severe weather Day Shelter may also be available at Portland Rescue Mission or Salvation Army, depending on weather severity and as staffing permits. Contact sites directly to inquire about Day Time Access. St. Francis, Julia West/Daywatch, and S.A.F.E. Shelter all operate Day Service for adults year round. New Avenues for Youth & Outside In offer Day Services for youth under 21 year round.

TRANSPORTATION:

Yellow Brick Road and Can We Help often provide Severe Weather Transportation in an effort to get as many people indoors as possible. Transportation is generally available during severe weather from 6pm-10pm but always call 211 first to confirm availability!

For more information please contact 211 Info:
(503) 721-1500 or dial 2-1-1 from landlines
Monday through Friday 8am-10pm
& Saturday and Sunday 10am-10pm.

SEVERE WEATHER EXPECTED THROUGH THE WEEKEND!

2008-12-12T12:01:00.001-08:00

Severe Weather conditions are expected to begin in the Portland area on the night of Saturday December 13 and are likely to continue until the morning of Wednesday December 17. The easiest way to figure out what is available during severe weather is by calling 211 Info by dialing 2-1-1 from landlines or (503) 721-1500 from cell phones. The hotline hours have been extended this year (see below).

WARMING CENTERS:

YOUTH UNDER 21:

WOMEN ONLY

DAY SERVICES:

TRANSPORTATION:

For more information please contact 211 Info:
(503) 721-1500 or dial 2-1-1 from landlines
Monday through Friday 8am-10pm
& Saturday and Sunday 10am-10pm.

DICENTRA

2008-12-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

Dicentra is a Portland-based radical collective actively engaged in creating communities of care, networks of support, and movements of positive change based on relationship building. This week Dicentra hosts Harm Reduction and Intervention, a workshop and panel discussion that brings together practitioners and organizers to explore the dynamic practical and conceptual landscape of harm reduction. Speakers from Rose City Copwatch, Cahoots/White Bird Clinic, Yellow Brick Road/Janus Youth Programs, Dicentra Collective, and others will examine the role of harm reduction in addressing domestic and interpersonal violence, police brutality, substance abuse and mental illness, dispute resolution and street facilitation. Please join Yellow Brick Road this Thursday for what will undoubtedly be a thought provoking evening.

Thursday December 11 @ 6pm
In Other Words Women’s Books and Resources
8 NE Killingsworth Street
Portland, Oregon

For more information visit the online Dicentra Collective here.

Food Front Supports Yellow Brick Road!

2008-12-01T16:56:00.000-08:00

Food Front Cooperative Grocery
2375 NW Thurman Street
Portland, Oregon
(503) 222-5658

Happy Thanksgiving From Yellow Brick Road!

2008-11-26T15:45:00.000-08:00

Organize Against Transphobia

2008-11-20T18:00:00.001-08:00

Silverton, Oregon recently elected the first ever openly transgender Mayor, Stu Rasmussen! Unsurprisingly the Westboro Baptist Church, founded by extreme homophobic preacher Fred Phelps of www.godhatesfags.com infamy, is coming to Oregon this week to protest the election. Queers and allies throughout Oregon are preparing to organize in support of Stu Rasmussen in an effort to counter the hate directed at the GLBTQ community. Portland is observing Transgender Remembrance Day this week so it seems an especially critical time to rally in support of the first openly elected transgendered official. Westboro Baptist Church has announced plans to protest throughout Portland this week and they plan to visit Silverton on Monday, Nov. 24th. In response, a meeting has been announced to brainstorm ways to support the queer community and raise awareness of the hate directed at our citizens. If you are interested in being involved please consider attending a planning meeting on Friday, Nov. 21st at 7pm at Outside In. If you have ideas or questions or want to support but can't attend the meeting feel free to email the organizers at: dmm1976@gmail.com or climberfag@gmail.com.

Friday November 21
7pm
Outside In
1132 SW 13th Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
(between Jefferson and Main on 13th.)

Cat Food Bank December 7th

2008-11-19T17:39:00.000-08:00

Cat Food Bank
Sunday December 7

The Cat Adoption Team's Cat Food Bank will be open on Sunday December 7 to provide cat/kitten food to homeless cat owners and cat owners with financial need. Some kitty litter may be available as supplies last. Remember, this is NOT A PET CLINIC. They will only have cat food. Just come to the address below between noon and 2:30pm on Sunday December 7th! CAT’s Cat Food Bank has provided 3,039.15 pounds of kitten and cat food to local cat owners to feed 316 cats/kittens since its inception in June (approximately 53 cats/kittens each month). CAT is also seeking donations of unopened, unexpired cat or kitten food as well as clumping cat litter to keep the Cat Food Bank shelves full.

14175 SW Galbreath Drive ~ Sherwood OR 97140 ~ (503) 925-8903
www.catadoptionteam.org