East Multnomah County Homeless Meeting 2011

In April 2011 about 20 of the homeless community of Gresham met to discuss the current situation for the homeless and what services would be most helpful to provide. After a general list was created, the list was voted on to establish priority. The following items are listen in the order of the most votes.

1. Bus tickets
Transportation is a huge issue and the preferred solution is bus tickets
Either one zone or two zone tickets; bus passes would be wonderful, if possible
Tickets could be worked for; e.g. work at a church for an hour for two-four tickets

2. Pet health care
The number of pets, especially dogs, has increased considerably in the last couple years. Thus, the need for some care for the pets have increased.
Emergency care
On site clinic
Vaccinations
Licensing—obtaining free training
Raincoats for dogs
Look into donations from pet stores
Flea and worm treatments
Muzzles

3. Safe place to sleep overnight
This is not a shelter, but a place to camp or park safely. Shelters are not usually preferred unless the weather is particularly bad. The issue here is safety-- from anyone who wishes to harm the homeless or to steal their possessions.
A parking lot for cars
A safe camp where items can be permanently stored

3. Day labor site with phone—both ingoing and outgoing
There are many skilled laborers on the street but almost no opportunities to work. We could use the day shelter sites as places for day-employers to pick up and drop off laborers.
This can be done pretty simply using a cell phone we already have and a Craigs
Listing

3. Laundry facility or vouchers
There are currently no opportunities to do laundry for free in East County.
Check out store on Cleveland or 162nd and Glisan

6. Dental care
There is currently no dental care for the homeless in East County.

7. Permanent Night shelter

8. Community computer at the day shelters

9. Storage Lockers
These could be built and housed at Anawim.