Do Good Multnomah

Overcoming houselessness can sometimes be as much about lifting material barriers as it can be about mental ones. Sometimes all it takes is hearing someone say "you belong." Last year, Michael found permanent housing with the help of staff at Do Good's Roseway Shelter in Northeast Portland.

Michael attributes much of his success to the sense of community at Roseway that helped him believe in himself and figure out what independence could look like for him. He specifically thanked program manager Heidi and case manager Autumn for making him feel so welcomed and heard while working out logistics around his housing options.

"It's about treating participants with utmost respect and dignity, listening to them and being there, being that voice for them. It’s excruciatingly important," said Heidi, Roseway's program manager.

Today is Armed Forces Day, a time to recognize the 1.3 million active service members across all six branches currently serving in uniform. The day falls in May in honor of the unification of our military in 1950. At Do Good Multnomah, it's our job to be there for folks when they return home from service — no matter their length of service, no matter where or how they served.

For far too long, our returning service members have found challenge with accessing consistent employment, housing and stability with behavioral and mental health. We pledge to do what we can to bridge those gaps and end patterns of disservice toward our Veterans.

Thank you again to those serving today. We aim to be ready to serve you tomorrow.