Reverend Kate Lore remembers what it was like to be a young child, confused about not having a permanent place to call home. Thanks to the kindness of a schoolteacher and some neighbors, Lore, her mother and her siblings were given a place to live until they could get back on their feet. Today, Lore, social justice minister at the First Unitarian Church, is paying the favor forward. She is one of the many forces behind Thirteen Salmon Family Center—the first day shelter for families on the west side of town.

Nationally, families make up the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. In Multnomah County, more than 800 families—including 1,276 children—are homeless on any night.* As the economy continues to falter, it’s likely these numbers will climb.

The First Unitarian Church

While overnight shelters for families are sparse, daytime services are even bleaker. “Many families end up biding their time at libraries or in hospital waiting rooms, hanging around and trying to look invisible until the night shelters open,” explains Lore. “Even then, they may be hesitant to seek assistance because they may be split up by gender.” Single fathers with daughters, for example, have a tough time finding resources that allow them to stay together.

At Thirteen Salmon, this isn’t an issue. When I visited the center, I saw a father napping with a toddler in the quiet room. Down the colorful hall, in the active room, a sister offered her brother a freshly baked imaginary cookie. She offered me one too, along with a spot of tea.

Families in the living room space

“Our goal here is to usher these families through this transition in their lives with compassion and kindness,” says Lore. She cites studies showing that if homeless families can get off the streets and into more permanent housing within six months, they will be more likely to stay off the streets and have a real shot at recovery. Thirteen Salmon tries to help families settle into long-term housing in less time: three weeks, when possible. “We welcome them here as guests,” continues Lore.

Families have access to computers to search for jobs and housing

The Goose Hollow Family Shelter, an overnight shelter a few blocks away, refers most guests to the center. Thirteen Salmon is located in the lower level of the Unitarian Church’s Buchanan Building and has capacity for 35 people. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Goose Hollow Shelter is open between 6:30 p.m.-7:30 a.m. The synergy—and close proximity—of the shelters provides families with a sense of stability and safety.

Every family at the center has a story. Most never imagined they’d be in this situation. As Lore contends, “There is no more us and them. Many of our volunteers are experiencing similar issues.” This is where another story unfolds—one of neighbors coming together to help each other.

‘A SINGLE BRACELET DOES NOT JINGLE’

Thirteen Salmon’s tale reminds me of an African proverb that says a single bracelet does not jingle. Countless volunteers, area churches and community organizations have joined to make this ring true at Thirteen Salmon.

For starters, the center is funded by a grant that is shared by three other homeless services organizations in the county: Goose Hollow Family Services, Human Solutions and JOIN. The groups work collaboratively to refer families and share resources.

Food for meals is provided by Oregon Food Bank

Then there are the volunteers, business owners and others who have raised their hands to help.

Mary Andrews volunteers every Thursday afternoon, playing with children, helping with homework and providing support where needed. A retired couples and family therapist, Andrews thought her skills could be useful. “When I heard about Thirteen Salmon, I wanted to help,” she explains. “It’s been an opportunity to give back to children who haven’t been as fortunate as my grandchildren. I enjoy playing with the children and feel happy to be a little part of this wonderful place.”

Mural by Scrap co-founder Teri Petersen

Lore says the response in the community has been overwhelming. For example:

• The Community Warehouse and various donors helped outfit the center with many of the comforts of home: cozy sofas, play areas loaded with toys, changing tables, work spaces, computers, a pool table, etc.
• Murals and sculptures of migrating salmon brighten the walls. Created by SCRAP co-founder, Teri Petersen, the art inspires guests as they make their own transitions.

• The Oregon Food Bank keeps the kitchen stocked with snacks and lunch fixings.
• The Multnomah Athletic Club provides laundered towels so guests can shower at the center.
• Volunteers play with children and teach classes on topics as varied as nutrition, the ins and outs of renting, sewing, resume writing and computer skills.
• Nurses from OHSU visit weekly to provide health check-ups and other help where needed.
• Greg Goodman, owner of City Center Parking, donates four spaces in one of his parking lots so guests with cars don’t have to worry about where to park them and their belongings.
• Local taxicab companies help make sure children get to and from school safely when bus transportation isn’t available.
• Salon owner, Richard Herrera, offers complimentary haircuts to shelter guests who have job interviews.

And the list goes on.

I spoke with Richard Herrera about his support. “People have to feel good about themselves,” Herrera says. “Right now, with this economy, they don’t—through no fault of their own.”

Richard Herrera

Herrera’s salon, a couple blocks from Thirteen Salmon, has been a fixture in Portland for 30 years. “The city has been so good to us,” he explains. “It would be a mistake not give back. Part of growing is giving.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Thirteen Salmon has made impressive strides in the short time it’s been open, helping three families settle into permanent housing. Currently, seven families are using the center’s services.

The center has funding to stay open through May and reopen in November. Lore and the Homeless Action Committee at the Unitarian Church are working hard to find ways to keep it open year-round.

Next year, there are plans to partner with Human Solutions to provide daycare on a sliding scale.

Thirteen Salmon Family Center is located in the basement at SW 13th and SW Salmon

Lore’s biggest dream? To build affordable housing on top of the church, a structure that encompasses the whole block between SW Salmon and Main and SW 12th and 13th.

“We’re putting a positive face on the collective hardship we’re all undergoing today,” Lore says. “Love is at the center of what we’re doing here.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Check out volunteer opportunities and the donation wish list on Thirteen Salmon’s web site.

*Multnomah County 2009 One Night Shelter Count