Oregon Harbor of Hope

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"You build a city by building up the people in it."

Homer Williams

Our History

Harbor of Hope was founded by Homer Williams, a Portland real estate developer and businessman. In 2016, Williams was inspired after a trip to San Antonio where he toured Haven for Hope, a privately funded campus that delivers a centralized, compassionate, and multi-service approach to the many difficulties facing San Antonio’s homeless population.

Williams and business activist Don Mazziotti quickly assembled a team to create Harbor of Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on developing special facilities featuring systems of care that meet the broad needs of the chronically homeless and unsheltered.

"The city, county, and state are working hard to address our crisis, but they cannot solve this problem alone. The private sector must get involved to help turn this problem around. This is our city. This is our home. These are our homeless. We can make a huge impact and give people hope. They need our help."

Homer Williams - Founder of Oregon Harbor of Hope

The River District Navigation Center

The River District Navigation Center in Portland, Oregon, was funded, designed, and built by Oregon Harbor of Hope. The 100‑bed shelter, located under the Broadway Bridge at 1111 NW Naito Parkway, opened in August 2019 following a public‑private partnership that supported its $3.5 million construction. The project broke ground on February 5, 2019, and was unveiled on August 26, 2019, with private donations — including a major contribution from Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle, playing a significant role in making the facility possible. Oregon Harbor of Hope initially operated the Navigation Center. In 2024, management of the site transitioned to the City of Portland, and the facility is now operated by the City.

Home Share

HomeShare Oregon is a nonprofit organization that connects homeowners with spare rooms to individuals seeking affordable housing, creating mutually beneficial living arrangements. Through its platform, it provides matching services, support, and resources to help people find compatible housemates while addressing housing instability, preventing homelessness, and promoting community-based living solutions.

Art Inside Out

Art Inside Out is a trauma‑informed, evidence‑based program created by artist and author Kirk Charlton. It uses simple, accessible art lessons paired with positive dialogue to help people reconnect with identity, build emotional regulation, and process experiences in a supportive environment. The program is taught inside correctional facilities, transitional housing and reentry programs, recovery and mental health centers, and community spaces. OHOH incubatedd the AIO program in 2024-25 and the program is currently run directly by its funder Kirk Charlton.

Better Neighbors

Better Neighbors is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping marginalized people, specifically those affected by the prison system.

Service Trucks

One of Oregon Harbor of Hope's first initiatives was one of the most innovative and effective one: the creation of Laundry trucks, Shower trucks and Food trucks to support the homeless population in Portland. The program is now run by Cultivate Initiative.

Harbor of Heroes

Harbor of Hero celebrated the individuals and partners who bring hope to those navigating crisis. These community champions-mentors, advocates, service providers, and volunteers, collaborated with Harbor of Hope to offer dignity, support, and a path forward. Through their partnership, we're able to walk alongside individuals from recovery, lasting connection and stable housing. By sharing their stories, we honor the power of compassion in action and inspire others to join the journey.

Kids Speak Out

Kids Speak Out is a 10-episode series launched by KOIN TV, featuring a town hall-style discussion with kids expressing their views on homelessness, drug use, social media, mental health, and other major issues in our community. This program empowered youth to share their perspectives and engage in meaningful dialogue about critical social issues.

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