PORTLAND, Ore. (Portland Tribune) — After two years of planning, fundraising and work, Oregon Harbor of Hope unveiled two large box trucks modified to help the homeless on Wednesday, June 19.
One truck holds showers, a dog wash and a sink. The other holds four washers, four dryers, two chairs for haircuts and laundry supplies. The OHOH Mobile Assistance Program will serve multiple locations on a rotating schedule, staying for one day at each site and then moving to the next location in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties.
“We have worked tirelessly with our community, donors and partner organizations to find solutions for the homeless crisis in Portland. Today, we are officially activating our trucks around the city. We’re experiencing some of the hottest weather we’ve seen all year, and it feels gratifying to offer people a safe place to take a refreshing shower and receive clean clothes,” OHOH Deputy Director and Operations Manager Lisa Marandas said when the trucks were displayed at the west end of the Springwater Corridor Trail in Southeast Portland, one of their planned frequent stops.
OHOH is a nonprofit organization founded by developer Homer Williams. It is also preparing to open the region’s first homeless navigation center and homeless shelter near the west end of the Broadway Bridge.
According to OHOH Director Don Mazziotti, the cost of buying and converting the two trucks is around $400,000, with some costs contributed by supporters, including George Morelan Plumbing Supply, which donated the internal plumbing.
“While we know that no single organization nor strategy can rectify our region’s homeless crisis and housing shortage, this program is a step in the right direction towards real, positive progress,” sa said Williams. “None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors and partners. Together, we’re working hard to create positive change for homeless adults and children in our community.”
Anyone interested in supporting the project or OHOH can go to www. oregonharborofhope.org to donate directly.
“We are asking the community to partner with us in this initiative and help spread the word about this program,” said Marandas
