Portland's newest Safe Rest Village (SRV) is officially open and operational, housing 67 people who were formerly living in tents along the Peninsula Crossing Trail.
The project's Communications Liaison says that on May 18, staff from multiple outreach and support agencies started helping people living on the trail begin relocating into the village.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Tracking the development of the Peninsula Crossing Safe Rest Village
Partners included the Safe Rest Village Team, Urban Alchemy, and staff from the Impact Reduction Program, the Street Services Coordination Center, Navigation Teams, Rapid Response, the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway, Portland Parks & Recreation, and Portland Police.
The liaison said that, as of May 26, the village was full with 67 residents and their pets. The village has 60 total sleeping units, allowing individuals and some couples.
Each unit has its own bed, dresser, and air conditioning unit. The site also has offices, storage, laundry, a dog park, and a garden.
Sobriety is not required to live at the location, but it says it has a zero-tolerance drug policy and will offer services to those struggling with addiction.
The new residents went through an intake phase, which had staff assess each person's needs, goals, and how to best support them.
The site will provide "24/7 staffing, support, and stability for those looking to begin their next phase," according to a press release by the organization.
More information about the program can be found on the Safe Rest Villages WEBSITE.