We are a group of 200+ St. Johns citizens in support of appropriate homeless housing, not experimental villages located next to preschools, elementary schools and nursing homes.
Neighbors for Healthy Communities was formed by concerned St. Johns neighbors who were notified by the Joint Office of Housing Services (JOHS) that the Hazelnut Grove homeless community will be moved 50ft from a preschool and across the street from James John Elementary. We are in favor of transitional housing. We are opposed to placing homeless camps without consideration for their vicinity to schools, and to the necessary services and transportation.
FAQ
What is the role of St. Johns Christian Church?
Homeless residents of Hazelnut Grove need more than tiny sleeping pods if the goal is to lift them out of poverty. They need people who believe in them and are going to hold them accountable. They need mentors who will raise the bar and do the difficult work of being with them and letting them know they are not alone in the world.
Unfortunately, outside of collecting $52,000 per year of taxpayer money, the church’s involvement will be limited to “inviting the camp's residents to Sunday services and potlucks". Why is the church's congregation not personally involved? It's because of church leadership was asked to lease the land. Contrary to what has been said about the project by city and county officials, the church DID NOT seek this out.
Will the relocated Hazelnut Grove be similar to the Kenton Women's Village?
No, it won’t. The Joint Office of Homeless Services (JOHS) and the City will tell you this will be just like the Kenton Women’s Village. This is not a fair comparison. Hazelnut Grove in St. Johns:
- will house men,
- is nearly double the size,
- will be run by an inexperienced private charity,
- and will be located in downtown St. Johns as opposed to Kenton’s Industrial-area location.
The BIG 3 Differentiators
#1. The neighborhood and community of Kenton were consulted and involved in the decision and creation of the village.
#2. Kenton Village is not located next to a Title One school. James John Elementary is a Title One school that primarily services low-income students of color.
The school’s funding is tied to enrollment. Many parents in the district are likely to choose other schools if a homeless camp is located across the street. The loss of a dozen students would cut funds for two teachers. Relocating Hazelnut Grove across from James John is likely to create a vicious cycle of diminished funding and dwindling enrollment likely to spell the end of the school as we know it.
The school is a vibrant part of the community that currently enjoys active support from neighbors and the families it serves.
#3. The Overlook Neighborhood Association has documented the tumultuous relationship Hazelnut Grove has had with the Overlook Park community. This alone is largely the reason the City is trying to move the illegal encampment.
Kenton village was created…Hazelnut Grove is moving a problem from one neighborhood to another.
Why care what happens in St. Johns?
What's happening in St. Johns is essentially an experimental pilot program for other neighborhoods. Need another reason? St. Johns has long been treated as a testing ground for the rest of the city:
Taking a stand for St. Johns means taking a stand for equitable policies and treatment city-wide.We seek to accomplish
Success requires a community to assist with transitioning Portland's homeless to a better life. Our Core Tenets:
Impacted communities included in
conversation & planning
Public safety prioritized for all community members
Transparent public funding for houseless projects
Housed and houseless
interests addressed
Stop the City of Portland and the Joint Office of Homeless Services from making critical decisions without community input
Have a skillset to contribute?
We need people to aid in legal and political affairs, communications, business outreach, and fundraising. Join us in protecting and empowering every Portland neighborhood by coming together to support St. Johns Neighbors for Healthy Communities.