Northrup Shelter Update: Early Operations & Community Impact
Attendance, Outreach, and Neighborhood Maintenance
Shelter Attendance & Capacity
In the first days of operation, Northrup Shelter saw an average of 10 to 15 guests per night. Recently, that number has grown to around 30 guests, and with favorable weather and strong engagement, we expect attendance to remain steady. The City is considering lifting the current cap of 40 guests as staffing levels increase to meet staff-to-guest ratios.
Outreach & Site Maintenance
On-Site Outreach: Portland Love (a third-party outreach group run by Urban Alchemy) is providing outreach workers daily.
City Support: City staff are on-site each morning, connecting people to services and helping them find daytime resources.
Power-Washing & Cleaning: City crews have been regularly power-washing the area to maintain cleanliness.
Thank you to our community volunteers who have been monitoring activity at the site during mornings and evenings. Observations show:
Some guests leave as early as 5:30 a.m. when the lights come on.
Most leave by 6:00 a.m. when the shelter officially closes.
Camping, Trash & Parks
Nearby Tents: While we have seen tents set up nearby, the city has been responsive in engaging with people and asking them not to camp close to the shelter. When tents are set up near the shelter, the city engages directly with individuals, asking them to relocate. If they refuse, the site is tagged for removal, per city code.
Trash Removal: Trash removal has also been ongoing, with expanded service expected once an agreement with CCC is finalized.
Park Activity: The most significant increase in activity so far has been in the surrounding parks. This is a complicated issue, as these are public spaces, and individuals may rest there legally unless they set up structures, such as tents.
Reporting Issues
We continue to work closely with the city on shelter issues. It is essential for community members to report concerns promptly to the appropriate resource so that they can be addressed quickly, rather than waiting until shelter guest numbers increase.
Resources:
Trash, hazardous waste, or unattended belongings:
Email PEMO@portlandoregon.gov (include details, location, and photo if possible).
Individuals needing support:
Health or safety emergencies:
Call 911 and request a Portland Street Response wellness check if appropriate.
Questions? Contact Chase McPherson at Chase@nwccpdx.org
🔗 For previous updates, see our Shelter Blog Archive.
NWCC Metrics: Discover more at NWCCpdx.org.
