For ten years, Oregon Harbor of Hope has been sustained by the extraordinary generosity and vision of Homer Williams. His leadership helped Portland respond to homelessness with humanity, innovation, and urgency. Homer remains with us today, still leading and supporting our mission, believing that every person deserves dignity, stability, and a real chance to rebuild. We are proud to honor his legacy as we grow into our next chapter. Harbor of Hope is now transitioning into a self‑sustaining organization. We are building the foundation that will allow us to expand our work, strengthen reentry pathways, and prevent homelessness before it begins. This is an invitation to be part of something big for Portland: a movement that advances practical solutions, elevates dignity, and ensures that people coming out of prison are not left to fall into the same systems we all want to change.

As we prepare for anticipated county funding later this year, we are seeking operating support to maintain momentum and continue building the infrastructure required to deliver long‑term, high‑impact reentry services. Your investment helps us strengthen the organization, deepen our partnerships, and create a stable foundation for the FIRST STEP program to grow. Most importantly, it helps us prevent homelessness at the exact moment when women are most vulnerable, right as they return to our community with nothing but the hope of a second chance.

This work is not about temporary fixes. It is about walking beside each woman until she is safe, stable, and ready to stand on her own. With your support, we can continue building a model that changes lives and strengthens Portland for years to come.

Supporting Advocacy Through The Five Principles and Portland Voice

Oregon Harbor of Hope proudly supports and promotes two key advocacy programs: The Five Principles and Portland Voice. The Five Principles is a human-first framework that addresses homelessness through unified leadership, consistent outreach, comprehensive care, prevention, and respectful community protection, aiming to move individuals from the streets into productive lives. Portland Voice is a grassroots advocacy initiative that shares data, raises awareness, and challenges current policies. Both programs are essential partners in our mission to create conversations and challenge the system for a better Portland.

FIRST STEP: A Stabilization Model That Prevents Homelessness

Women leaving Coffee Creek Correctional Facility enter Multnomah County with "no ID, no income, no housing, no healthcare, and no support network." The first 30–90 days determine whether they stabilize or fall into homelessness, crisis systems, or recidivism. Many face compounded risks including trafficking, relapse, and exploitation.

FIRST STEP will close this gap through a one‑on‑one, trauma‑informed navigation model that begins before release and continues for 12 months. This is not a referral model. It is a hands‑on partnership built on trust, accountability, and long‑term support. We do not believe in band‑aids. We will stay until each woman is stable, connected, and ready to build a life of independence.

What FIRST STEP will provide

• Pre‑release connection and stabilization planning

• Day‑of‑release support and safety planning

• Identity and eligibility navigation (ID, Social Security, OHP, SNAP)

• Healthcare and behavioral health linkage

• Housing pathways and landlord navigation

• Employment readiness and digital literacy

• Life skills and community integration

• Consistent support and check‑ins for 12 months

Why Your Support Matters

Your investment strengthens the foundation of an organization that is ready to scale, ready to partner, and ready to prevent homelessness at its earliest and most predictable point. It ensures continuity as we move toward public funding, and it fuels a model that reduces recidivism, strengthens families, and builds a safer, more compassionate Portland.