Every single day, the situation in Portland regarding homelessness seems to become more dire. In the past fiscal year of 2025, only 100 individuals were successfully housed through City efforts. This is an abysmally low number, especially when compared to the growing population of unhoused individuals we encounter on the streets daily. I've witnessed firsthand the unsafe conditions that they live in, with little to no resources available to aid them adequately.

The Portland City Council has the power to change this narrative by redirecting funds meant to combat homelessness to grassroots organizations. Local initiatives like UsFirst Oregon have proven to be effective and efficient in addressing the needs of our community. These are organizations embedded in our neighborhoods that understand the unique challenges we face and have established trust within the community.

Instead of allocating contracts primarily to larger agencies without proven results, it makes more sense to invest in organizations that have a track record of making real progress here in Portland. Even a modest redirection of funds could rapidly amplify the work already being done by these grassroots groups, leading to more sustainable solutions to the homelessness crisis. By deferring budgetary control to local organizations, the city council can help scale up personalized support, innovative solutions, and community-driven projects.

This redirection isn't just a matter of budget allocation; it's about making sensible choices for our city's future. Countless studies and evidence show that local involvement and empowerment lead to better outcomes in housing and homelessness services. A united community tackling a nuanced issue is far more likely to succeed than disconnected bureaucracies.

Therefore, I urge the Portland City Council to rethink its budget distribution strategy. Award more contracts and financial resources to local, grassroots organizations like UsFirst Oregon. Without funding, UsFirst Oregon housed 25 families in 2025. Their food pantry serves from 60 to 170+ people daily and they are the only pantry that works in the evenings, when working families need them available. UsFirst Oregon has already demonstrated an ability to impact our community positively and are poised to do much more with additional support and proper funding.

The time for change is now. Please join me in advocating for a more localized, impactful approach to ending homelessness in our city. Sign this petition to urge the Portland City Council to give our grassroots groups the opportunity and resources they deserve.