President’s Message
Homelessness, unfortunately, continues to be a major challenge facing our city, county, and nonprofit agencies, all of which struggle with how to address the issue. Given the complexity of the problem, Central Northeast Neighbors (CNN)—BWNA’s umbrella neighborhood coalition organization—formed a committee last spring to explore options for neighborhoods to respond to this crisis and be part of a solution. Volunteering to serve as BWNA’s representative on the committee was board member Cliff Goldman, and at the BWNA general membership meeting in October, Cliff introduced Patt Opdyke, founder of Neighbors Helping Neighbors PDX, a nonprofit that collects trash from homeless encampments to reduce friction between neighbors, improve neighborhood livability, promote health and safety, and engage people with respect and kindness. Efforts such as this highlight the fact that although the problem of homelessness is daunting, individuals—especially neighbors directly impacted—and organizations can still be part of efforts to improve the situation. With no comprehensive solution on the horizon from federal, state, or local governments, CNN’s homelessness committee is evaluating ways that residents, with assistance from nonprofits like Neighbors Helping Neighbors PDX, might work toward addressing some of these needs and concerns on the neighborhood level. It is worth remembering that individuals and volunteer organizations can play a role in the overall solution.
Also at our general meeting, Barb Strunk reported that the Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC) continues to deliberate on a Residential Infill Project proposal, which is likely to be modified prior to a final vote at year’s end. PSC recommendations will then be forwarded to the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, which in turn will craft policy for the City Council to consider. With a council vote possible early next year, we continue to follow this issue.
Once again it is time to take stock of the year and prepare for the holidays. As we give thanks this season, I want to acknowledge the board members, volunteers, and others who have spent their time on neighborhood activities and helped to make this a successful year for BWNA and our community.
Best wishes to all for a healthy and happy holiday season.