What We Do
Love, Portland does things differently.
We prevent homelessness by addressing its root causes, and then convene cross-sector leaders to shape systems change.
The homelessness crisis is tearing families and communities apart nationwide, and the Portland region is among the hardest-hit areas. To effectively address this issue, we need more innovation & collaboration- not just in how we allocate our resources, but how we view the issue altogether.
Love, Portland’s Process
1st- Fund
Provide multi-year funding to homelessness PREVENTION service providers
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Over 50% of Portlanders are cost burdened by rent
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In 2020, Oregon had the second-highest rate of substance use disorder in the United States, and ranked last for access to treatment
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Domestic & Family violence are the leading cause of homelessness for women & youth
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40% of youth aging out of foster care will experience homelessness by the time they’re 26
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Not all adverse childhood experiences can be prevented, but studies show that mentorship can act as a protective "buffer" against the detrimental effects of trauma.
2nd- Convene
Convene service providers + community leaders to shape systems change
Here’s how many people view the homelessness crisis
Here’s a more holistic view of the housing and homelessness response system
Love, Portland focuses on upstream areas, creating an ecosystem of prevention. We then convene cross-sector leaders to discuss the system changes that are needed in our communities.
Most efforts to address homelessness center on helping people once they are already living outside. But what if we worked together to stop the crisis before it begins?
The truth is, homelessness is not simply an individual failure. It’s the result of numerous societal breakdowns that often happen long before most of us see a tent on the street.
Industry experts have identified a handful of these societal breakdowns:
At Love, Portland, we believe real change happens upstream—through organizing resources, relationships, and imaginations in service of a shared future.
Our approach is simple but ambitious: rather than pouring more energy into the downstream effects, we are organizing people and resources around root causes.
Together, we can create a prevention ecosystem strong enough to catch people before they fall. But it will take all of us.
Our Process
One | Pool Resources
We pool resources to collaboratively & strategically provide multi-year, unrestricted grants to service providers
Who is giving?
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Where are they giving it to?
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How We Choose
Our Strategic Advisors—leaders with lived experience, nonprofit and philanthropic expertise, policy knowledge, and strong community networks—will select grantees, ensuring funding decisions are rooted in wisdom, equity, and trust.
Two | Fund Prevention
What We Fund
Love, Portland funds five areas that speak directly to the root causes of homelessness.
Keeping People Housed
As of 2017, 40% of Americans reported being unable to come up with $400 in the event of an emergency, putting them at risk of homelessness. To address this—and avoid the high costs of rehousing families—we must preemptively assist those at greatest risk.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Oregon has the second-highest alcohol and drug addiction rates in the nation while ranking last in treatment options. By supporting substance use disorder treatment services, we can finally meet people where they’re at in their recovery journeys.
Domestic & Family Violence Services
The leading cause of homelessness for women and youth is the need to flee unsafe homes. Everyone has the right to a safe home—whether with their family or elsewhere. To address this, we must proactively ensure that safety is never a privilege, but a guarantee.
Foster Care Services
Around 40% of youth exiting the foster care system will experience homelessness by the age of 26. By focusing our efforts on those aging out of this system, we aim to prevent homelessness before it occurs.
Youth Mentorship
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are proven to increase the risk of experiencing homelessness later in life. 89.8% of adults experiencing homelessness experienced ACEs. To offset this risk factor, it’s proven that mentorship can help young people overcome ACE-related challenges.
Three | Convene Leaders
We bring together service providers, lived experience, community leaders, and policy voices to strengthen relationships and align around shared priorities.
Four | Systems Change
We use what we learn to inform and influence long-term changes that strengthen Portland’s safety net.
A “Table” focused on immediate needs
Short-Term
A “Table” focused on
longer-term systems
Long-Term
Give Today
Join us in creating a Portland where everyone’s needs are met.
