Join us in our mission to tell the City of Portland that it’s time to put children first. This community is our home and while it has its challenges, school above all else should be a space where parents can feel as reassured as possible about the safety and environment surrounding our children. While addiction recovery is indeed important, creating a balance is paramount when it comes to the location of such facilities. 

Currently, there is a proposal on the table, known as LU 25-062614 CU, that aims to construct a short-stay detox and rehab immediately next door to Gilbert Heights Elementary. Located in the David Douglas School District of Portland, Oregon this is our local elementary school, preschool, and home to one of the few community parks in our neighborhood. This planned location is not only inappropriate, but also poses potential safety and security risks for our young children.

Elementary school is a critical time in child development. It requires an environment free from the disruptions and possible dangers that might stem from a neighboring detox center, which could include inappropriate interactions and the exposure to a myriad of challenges linked with addiction recovery such as violence, theft, and health and safety hazards.

There are plenty of alternative locations that are better suited for such facilities that do not interfere with the lives of young children and their path to safe and successful growth and education. We hereby appeal to the city planners and decision makers to reject the placement of this facility and to prioritize protecting our children's school environment.

Per city code, decision makers have the ability to reject any conditional permit proposal in a residential zone that potentially hinders the safety and livability of the neighborhood. This should be a common-sense decision. Any risk is too much.

Sign our petition by 8/28/2025 to reject this proposal and advocate for a decision that places the welfare and safety of our children first.

*edit: Thank you to everyone who has shared this link, given feedback, and signed the petition. This list of petitioners was submitted into the public record before the commentary deadline at 5 PM on 8/28/25 with 498 signatures collected in a matter of 5 days.

There may be more opportunity for public commentary should the proposal go into an appeal process. We will provide an updated list if given the option. It may be some time before we hear the results of this proposal. Thank you again for amplifying our collective voice!