Community Engagement Opportunities – Summer Fairs and Festivals

Summer is just around the corner, and that means fairs, farmers markets, summer concerts and other community events are beginning to fill up the calendar. At these events, the IBR team will be out talking with the community, sharing information and answering questions about the efforts to replace the aging Interstate Bridge.   The program’s first tabling event of the season took place June 1 when we attended the Latino Community Resource Group’s Multicultural Resource. More than 50 people stopped by our booth to learn more and to provide feedback. If you’re out and about this summer, stop by our booth, say hello, and check out the latest updates.   Here are a couple of the places you can expect to see us this month:   Vancouver Juneteenth Freedom Celebration — Saturday, June 15, Esther Short Park NE Cully Sunday Parkways — Sunday, June 16, Fernhill Park

What’s Been Happening

Equity Roundtable — Pathways to active transportation: Strategies and solutions

The IBR program hosted its eighth equity roundtable discussion on May 21 exploring the topic of active transportation. Active transportation is any human-powered means of travel, such as walking, biking, running, skating, and using a wheelchair or stroller. The IBR program plans to include a shared use path as part of the structure that will replace the I-5 bridges across the Columbia River to improve the substandard and unsafe conditions for those who use active transportation to travel over the bridge currently. During the equity roundtable, Program Administrator Greg Johnson was joined by IBR Principal Climate Officer Mara Krinke, IBR Active Transportation Design Lead Natalie Owen, The Street Trust Executive Director Sarah Iannarone, and Disability Rights Washington’s Director of Disability Mobility Initiative Anna Zivarts. The group participated in a conversation moderated by TriMet Community Affairs Manager Coral Egnew that touched on everything from how the design of active transportation has evolved over the years to strategies to build safe and inviting active transportation facilities that encourage use. “We have an urban design team that is looking very closely at active transportation access to, in and around transit facilities, looking at where bus stops are located, how to get people from both sides of Hayden Island to the transit station, and really looking at ways to activate those spaces and connect them to existing facilities,” Natalie Owen said. Sarah Iannarone commended the IBR team for its commitment to equity and for putting out “world-class” public and active transportation designs. She said that, once IBR’s investments are made, the region must continue to expand options for public and active transportation to ensure the widest number of people possible have easy access to these new facilities across the Columbia River. “I do think the IBR team has done a really nice job developing the equity framework, and I want to give the team some real props on the robustness of that,” Iannarone said. You can watch the full conversation here.

Construction opportunities and resources webpage

The IBR program has created a new webpage to host information regarding the proposed packaging and delivery of investments. The new page contains the preliminary information shared with attendees at the May 6 Construction Industry Event including a map of the conceptual packaging sequence and a list of the 28 proposed packages with a short description of the work, estimated cost range, duration, delivery agency and potential procurement methods. These are initial proposals that can change as the program advances toward construction. The program will continue to seek feedback from contractors and other industry representatives, as well as look for opportunities to create smaller contract packages that encourage participation by small businesses and those owned by women and minorities.

Recent Meeting Summaries

Community Advisory Group (CAG) — May 9
The Community Advisory Group received an update on recent activities and a presentation on tolling for IBR including assumptions for what tolling will look like, an overview of the roles and responsibilities of different agencies involved in setting and implementing toll rates and policies, and an overview of the traffic and revenue studies analyzing potential toll rate scenarios. They were then presented with a breakdown of recent community engagement efforts and an overview of the work underway in the Community Benefits Advisory Group. Equity Advisory Group (EAG) — May 20
The Equity Advisory Group received a program update and listened to a presentation from the IBR Urban Design team regarding the design of transit stations. They learned about the program’s equity objectives guiding this design work and how those principles are applied to locations such as the Vancouver Waterfront and Hayden Island Transit Stations. Members also heard an update on tolling for IBR including assumptions for what tolling will look like, an overview of the roles and responsibilities of different agencies involved in setting and implementing toll rates and policies, and an overview of the traffic and revenue studies analyzing potential toll rate scenarios.   Community Benefits Advisory Group (CBAG) — May 23
The Community Benefits Advisory Group heard a program update before receiving a brief presentation on potential community benefits including access to visual aids to promote education of overall program design, development of affordable housing, opportunities for community centers and repurposing existing retail areas for community development. These topics were discussed in small groups before reporting back to the full group for larger discussion.

Myth vs. Fact

Myth: The IBR program’s proposal for a replacement bridge will be too steep for pedestrians and cyclists to use comfortably.

Fact: The program is currently working to implement designs for a shared use path that meets or exceeds the safety and ability standards laid out within the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This will connect the shared use path on the replacement bridge to the regional network of shared use paths on either side of the river by utilizing ramps of 3-4% grade with landings of approximately 1% grade that would bring users up to bridge profile height. Once the ramps on either side of the river connect with bridge profile height, the shared use path on the bridge itself will not exceed 4.5% grade across its apex; the maximum slope standard identified by the ADA is 5%.

On the Horizon

Upcoming Advisory Group Meetings & Events

Bi-State Legislative Committee
Monday, June 10 — 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Community Advisory Group
Thursday, June 13 — 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Equity Advisory Group
Monday, June 17 — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bi-state Tolling Subcommittee
Friday, June 21 — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Community Benefits Advisory Group
Thursday, June 27 — 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Meetings & Events Calendar

IBR Office Hours

Do you have questions and want to speak to a real person? We answer questions on a range of topics, including design, equity, Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprise opportunities, community engagement, financial plans, and much more! Join us for IBR office hours, in person or virtually, and get your questions answered! NOTE: No new technical data will be available until the release of the environmental documentation. Please make a 30-minute reservation at least 24 hours in advance. There are three ways you can make a reservation: Visit: SignUpGenius
Email: info@interstatebridge.org
Call: 888-503-6735 Please provide your contact information and what you would like to talk about. We will confirm your appointment and provide meeting details upon confirmation. See you there!

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CRITICAL FOR THE SAFETY OF THE NORTH PENINSULA

For June 4, 2024 Joint Transportation Committee public hearing in Portland.

Give public comment! See below.

We must have money from the state legislature to secure our emergency routes! On June 4, the legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee is holding a hearing in Portland at PCC Cascade. They are planning a BIG transportation package for the next session, which starts in January. This is a great opportunity to make them aware of our situation! Please attend!! Or, at least submit a comment. Info below.

2023-2024 Interim Joint Committee On Transportation

Meeting Details 06/04/2024 12:00 PM, Offsite

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023I1/Committees/JCT/2024-06-04-12-00/Agenda

Portland Community College Cascade Campus Moriarty Auditorium 705 N Killingsworth Street Portland

Field Trip

(12:00 – 2:00 PM) ODOT-Hosted Tour of Metro Area Transportation Facilities*

· (2:30 – 4:30 PM) Roundtable Discussion with Members of Region 1 Area Commission on Transportation, Jurisdictional Leaders, Business Representatives, and Topic Area Experts*
*Note: Persons wishing to attend either the roundtable or tour should contact committee staff in advance. Patrick Brennan patrick.h.brennan@oregonlegislature.gov or

Beverly Schoonover beverly.schoonover@oregonlegislature.gov

· Public Hearing

(5:10 – 7:00 PM) Public Comment
Register to give public comment:
– Register in person at the location noted at the top of the agenda. Registration will open 30 minutes ahead of meeting start time.

Register to give remote public comment:
–Time permitting, the Chairs will allow for remote public comment, please register at
https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0VD3RG48wn2Ueb4.

Submit written public comment:
–Email: JCT.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov.
–Mail: Joint Committee on Transportation
900 Court Street NE, Room 453, Salem, OR, 97301

-Written comment may be submitted up to 48 hours after the meeting start time.

For information on Language Access Services/Para más información sobre los Servicios de Acceso Lingüístico:
https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lpro/Pages/language-access.aspx
To access links to a livestream or recordings of legislative meetings:
https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/citizen_engagement/Pages/Legislative-Video.aspx

Key points:

When the Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake hits, 30,000 people and businesses on the north peninsula of Portland will be radically impacted as our officially designated “emergency routes” routes in/out of Portland proper – indeed, our routes in/out of anywhere will disappear, unless we rebuild two railroad bridges and secure a tunnel section. Both of these routes are also key freight corridors for Portland and the region.

We need help from the 2025 Oregon State Legislature. Specifically:

1. A feasibility study of the of the Columbia Blvd bridges over the cut has been conducted and PBOT is ready to apply for a grant as soon as they have the “match” funds. The PBOT budget cannot handle the amount needed, approximately 20% of the estimated $57 million required for the rebuild. We need the match money!

2. The other emergency route is Lombard and it needs, first, persuasion by elected officials for the heads of PBOT, ODOT and representatives from BNSF to collaborate on solutions. We assume this collaboration will take staff time and, thus, financing. Additionally, a feasibility study needs to be undertaken and that requires funding.

You can subscribe to receive updates from the Joint Committee on Transportation here: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023I1/Committees/JCT/Overview

To stay up-to-date:

St Johns / North Peninsula Emergency Route facebook.com/groups/nopoemergencyroute And/or Email List: NoPoEmergencyRoute@gmail.com Put Emergency Route in Subject: and name/contact info in message

Donna L Cohen, MLIS, MEd

Portland, Oregon

503-333-2646

dcoheninfo@comcast.net

Civics for Adults – and Others – Workshops: To Enhance Civic Knowledge and Inspire Political Engagement

Webpage www.civicthinker.info

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Civics-for-Adults-1490728887922036/

“My philosophy is very simple. When you see something that is not fair, not right, not just – stand up, say something, speak up!” Rep. John Lewis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6lzPpqc2WY

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Be a Rose Festival guide

Portland Friends, Please help me with this special request:

I only need 63 more volunteers to be able to secure our parade volunteer requirements so really appreciate your help! If you have the time, please consider signing up for one shift or share this call for Parade Guide volunteers.

The Rose Festival’s biggest need is for Parade Guides who help welcome people and monitor the parade routes for all Rose Festival Parades: CareOregon Starlight Parade (June 1), Fred Meyer Junior Parade (June 5), and Grand Floral Parade (June 8). Register here: https://pbem.link/rosefestival.

Parade Guides – Sign up to be at the heart of Portland’s biggest celebration!Portland Rose Festival is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help support the parade and ensure safety of participants and spectators. Parade Guide volunteers will help act as the “eyes and ears” around the parade route. People who volunteer the day of the parade, they will receive community service hours, a ticket into CityFair, four reserved seats at the Grand Floral Parade, and a t-shirt! Register with your name and email with our partner, Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM). Error! Filename not specified.

Sincere gratitude,

Bridget Bayer, Volunteer Manager

Portland Rose Festival
Register to Volunteer

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Our shelter programs at the City of Portland are growing and evolving and we have so much to share! Read all about it in this issue:

Stories Matter! That’s why we’re launching a new blog!
Video: “Why Tiny Home Villages?”
From Homelessness to Housing – our Data Dashboard tells the story
Resource Fair Brings Support, Services, and Success
Highlighting our Partners at 311 & the City Outreach Team
Our Program (and shelter capacity!) continues to expand

66 Days – Charlene’s Story

On January 9, 2024, Charlene awoke in her tiny home pod at Clinton Triangle surrounded by blurred faces.

Charlene’s friend, another guest at the shelter, held her body as she gained consciousness.

Charlene, 49, learned that she’d overdosed after injecting a “shot of clear” (Methamphetamine) that was, unknown to her, tainted with Fentanyl. Urban Alchemy staff acted quickly after finding Charlene, lifeless and blue, inside her pod during a routine wellness check. It took six rounds of Narcan and chest compressions to revive Charlene.

During the March 14^th Resource Fair at Clinton Triangle, Charlene was proud to say she hasn’t used since.

“You really can’t hit rock bottom much more than that,” Charlene said. “I don’t want to die. It’s been 66 days.”

Charlene put herself into outpatient treatment and attends appointments three times per week, always being sure to ask for a copy of her Urine Analysis, eager to show the “negative” results to her care coordinators at Clinton Triangle.

Charlene’s substance use, exacerbated by trauma and mental health challenges, was a factor in the circumstances that led her to unsheltered homelessness nearly 20 years ago, when she entered a cycle of recovery and relapse.

In July 2023, while out at 122^nd & Burnside collecting cans for redemption (her sole source of income to support the debilitating addiction), Charlene was contacted by an outreach worker. There was a space available at the new alternative outdoor shelter across town, Clinton Triangle. She took up the opportunity.

Since moving into the village, in addition to the safe environment allowing her to take the next steps in recovery, Charlene has acquired an Oregon ID and Social Security card, a common barrier for those experiencing chronic homeless to access basic services. At the Clinton Triangle Resource Fair, she signed up for Goodwill’s Job Connection program, which will help her prepare in searching for employment. Her next step: housing.

Charlene also adopted a dog, Charlie, who is registered as an Emotional Support Animal. The Border Collie mix is now pregnant, expecting puppies in April.

Story shared with permission, based on interview from March 14, 2024.

Note: as of this newsletter publishing (5/24/24), Charlene has been sober for more than 130 days and is approved to move into her new apartment in mid-June. Charlene’s also expected to start working a job with Central City Concern soon. In late April, her dog, Charlie, gave birth to 12 puppies; they will be up for adoption through the Oregon Humane Society in the coming weeks.

Aerial image of Reedway Safe Rest Village

Video – Why Tiny Home Villages? Our Tiny Home Villages with services are regularly at capacity, and we’ve heard from outreach workers that they’re in high demand among those experiencing homelessness. We asked staff and guests why this model works. Here’s what they said, in their own words. We put this video together last year with our partners at local production company KLiK Concepts for the 2023 annual report to Portland City Council. Check it out.

From Homelessness to Housing!

Portland State University’s recent study revealed that village-style shelters are more effective at transitioning residents into permanent housing compared to congregate shelters, and our updated Shelter Services Data Dashboard corroborates these findings. Eight out of our nine sites follow this low-barrier village model, with tiny home pods and wraparound services on site. Our model is one among many. We recognize that all shelter types are incredibly vital to the network of care, as different approaches offer varying opportunities to fit the diverse needs of the homeless population.

Our dashboard presents the latest data from the 21-month period our program has been active (7/1/22 – 3/31/24). This includes the timeframe when partnerships with the State and Multnomah County, through Oregon All In and Housing Multnomah Now funds, expedited housing placements in early 2024.

Resource Fair Brings Support, Services, and Success

Portland’s City Outreach Team Director, Kim James, along with members of the Street Services Coordination Center and Urban Alchemy staff, organized a Resource Fair, hosted on Gideon Street outside Clinton Triangle on March 14, 2024. As Portland’s fickle Spring weather turned in their favor, the gloriously sunny afternoon felt like a block party with the grill smoking, staff dancing to music from speakers and dozens of dogs frolicking about.

More than a dozen service providers and low-barrier employers set up booths, including Rapid Response, Transition Projects, Clean & Safe, Goodwill, Worksource Oregon, Mainspring Pantry, Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon, and Cascadia Health.

Collage of images from Resource Fair hosted at Clinton Triangle in March 2024

Guests at Clinton Triangle, along with those at two other Urban Alchemy-run shelters, Peninsula Crossing and Reedway, were invited to interact with service providers, access services and sign up for employment opportunities.

“This was a team effort that came together as part of ongoing service provision and in response to requests made by those soon to be housed seeking supports around employment and self-sufficiency as they move forward in their individual journeys,” said Kim James. “We appreciate the opportunity to continue thinking “outside of the box” as we create opportunities for those folks we are serving!”

Update: Since the resource fair, 26 people have found employment through Goodwill Industries.

Partnership Expands Access to City Outreach Workers

PDX 311, the first point of contact for the City of Portland and Multnomah County, helps people connect to local government and can assist in connecting to a city outreach worker. Call 3-1-1 or 503-823-4000, or fill out a form online to request assistance from a city outreach worker.

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Growing Our System

Given the urgent need, and the continued interest in our tiny home village with services model, the City and County are expanding our system to meet the need. In alignment with the Homeless Response Action Plan, we are expanding two shelters in the City’s system, as well as building another. By the end of the year, we will be able to accommodate 1,000 people on any given night. See the chart below for details.