CITY NEWS BRIEF
New emergency shelter will provide critical comprehensive services all on-site in a facility specifically designed for those experiencing homelessness
In March, the City of Portland marked the grand opening for a new Homeless Services Center (HSC). It is located away from downtown at 654 Riverside Street. The HSC provides 208 emergency shelter beds in a modern facility specifically designed to serve as an emergency shelter. The City is currently sheltering roughly 1,000 people on a nightly basis. Before the new HSC, city operated shelters included the Oxford Street Shelter for single adults, Family Shelter, and overflow spaces.
Anyone who is new or has not stayed in a City of Portland shelter in the last 90 days must first go to the City’s Prevention and Diversion Program at 39 Forest Avenue. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is also a 24/7 number to reach the HSC. Prevention and Diversion staff will discuss individual situations and help with a housing plan.
Shuttle Service
The HSC shuttle service provides transportation throughout Portland from the Riverside Campus, as well as between offices at 39 Forest Avenue. The Prevention & Diversion Program works to prevent people from needing emergency shelter services and divert them to other resources whenever possible.
“While I am glad that we now have a better way in which to serve our most vulnerable populations, in a space that was specifically designed to meet their needs, it is not lost on me that the homelessness crisis is complex, multifaceted, and dynamic,” said Mayor Kate Snyder. “We know that piecemeal, siloed responses by individual communities does not work. And we know that these 208 beds will not serve everyone who is in need. We are at a critical juncture in which real, workable, systemic solutions are needed. Portland elected officials and City staff continue to seek assistance from our regional, state, and federal partners in order to address the homelessness crisis in our state.”
Wrap-Around Services
The City is partnering with several local service providers to provide critical wrap-around services on-site at the new HSC as well as access to private and public transportation to other key services. These service partners include: Preble Street, Amistad, The Opportunity Alliance, and Greater Portland Health, as well as others. The new facility provides a host of comprehensive services. This includes meals, a full health clinic, adequate day space, workforce training, housing counseling services, mental health and substance use services.
Neighborhood Advisory Committee
The City formed a Neighborhood Advisory Committee to address community concerns regarding the operation and impact of the Homeless Services Center. It will also assist in the City’s commitment to be a good neighbor while providing comprehensive and compassionate care.
The Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the Riverside Street homeless shelter consists of the following members:
- Kathy Buxton from the Riverton Neighborhood Association
- District 5 Councilor, Mark Dion
- Portland Police Interim Chief Heath Gorham
- District Attorney Jacqueline Sartoris
- Dana Totman, Portland Trails
- Andrew Bove from Preble Street
- Mufalo Chitam from Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition
- Ann Tucker from Greater Portland Health
- Portland Fire Division Chief Sean Donaghue
- HSC staff rep
- HSC guest rep
- Art Batson from Lucas Tree
- Brian Townsend from Amistad
- Kevin Bunker, Developers Collaborative, Landlord
The new building’s design is intended to take into account that many people seeking shelter and services have likely experienced significant trauma and need an environment that mitigates trauma-response behavior and promotes feelings of security, dignity, and safety. Inside the building there are clear sightlines, high ceilings with natural light, minimal barriers, space that is easy to navigate and accessible, as well as designated areas intended to provide a sense of privacy.
The HSC broke ground in March 2022, and cost $24 million to construct.
The City paid $6.5 million up front and the remaining amount will be financed via a 25-year lease. The Portland City Council approved using $3.5 million in allocated ARPA funds to help cover the upfront payment. The remaining $3 million was awarded to the City from Cumberland County’s ARPA allocation.
The new Homeless Services Center on Riverside Street replaces the City’s emergency shelter at Oxford Street, which the City leased, and was not designed to serve in this capacity. That space could only serve clients with mats on the floor. The creation of the HSC was the result of a public private partnership. Developers Collaborative constructed the facility and will now lease it back to the City to operate.
The HSC was approved by the City Council on June 17th, 2019, calling for the creation of a modern homeless services center with emergency shelter access and complete wrap-around services to be located at 654 Riverside Street on vacant, City-owned property. City staff issued an RFP in February 2021 soliciting proposals from private developers to build and then lease the new facility for the City to operate. The City Council selected Developers Collaborative in June 2021.
