NW Northrup Shelter Poised to Close: A Community Update from NWCC
A Message from Executive Director Chase McPherson
Northwest Portland is facing another pivotal moment in how our community responds to homelessness, public safety, and shared well-being. As the City of Portland moves forward with the potential closure of the NW Northrup overnight shelter, it's critical that residents and stakeholders stay informed — and engaged.
At Northwest Community Conservancy (NWCC), we believe lasting solutions to homelessness require accountability, collaboration, and public input. Here's what we know right now, along with concrete ways you can make your voice heard during this important budget process.
What Is Happening with the NW Northrup Shelter?
Skyler Brocker-Knapp, Director of Portland Solutions, recently sent the following message to all Portland City Councilors:
"The City of Portland has provided notice of its intention to terminate a lease agreement with the property owner at 1435 NW Northrup St., the location of the City's NW Northrup overnight emergency shelter site. The planned closure of the NW Northrup shelter is one cost-saving option the City is currently exploring, in response to expected budget constraints in the coming fiscal year.
While a challenging budget situation will require making difficult decisions, the City of Portland and Portland Solutions are committed to maximizing resources to continue to serve those most in need. Finding lower-cost options to continue to provide services in Northwest Portland could be possible, but any decisions about service reductions or additions will be made only after the final budget picture is clear, there's been a thorough analysis of existing need, and we have understanding about the impacts of potential cuts made by other partners providing services in the region.
The NW Northrup Shelter site opened in September 2025 and has provided over 17,200 safe nights of rest in just the first seven months of operation. Portland Solutions has proudly partnered with shelter operator the Salvation Army to serve guests at this location."
NWCC's Response: Gratitude and a Call for Accountability
Northwest Community Conservancy (NWCC) thanks Mayor Wilson, District 4 Councilors Mitch Green, Olivia Clark, and Eric Zimmerman, and city staff for their efforts to provide a safe place for people experiencing homelessness to sleep.
We also appreciate their willingness to incorporate community feedback — recognizing what was working, what wasn't, and adapting by adding services to better meet community needs.
A special thank you to Councilor Clark and Councilor Zimmerman for funding additional support from their own budgets, and to the Portland Solutions team for coordinating supplemental cleaning services — including the highly visible "pink tricycle" crews that served the neighborhood.
The Impact on People and the Neighborhood
NWCC works directly with individuals in our community every day who are struggling without a safe place to be. Overnight hours are often the most dangerous, as personal safety risks increase significantly after dark.
Without access to overnight shelter, many individuals are left trying to rest during the day — in parks, doorways, and public spaces — after going without adequate sleep at night. This creates challenges both for their well-being and for the surrounding neighborhood.
The NW Northrup Shelter gave individuals a safe place to rest overnight. It also introduced real challenges for the surrounding Pearl District community. The City of Portland tested one possible solution to the complex issue of supporting houseless community members — and now the conversation must evolve.
What Needs to Happen Next: Multnomah County Must Step Up
With the potential closure of the Northrup shelter, it is essential that Multnomah County fully deliver on its stated commitments. On their website, Multnomah County outlines its responsibility to "support people experiencing poverty and homelessness" and "support people struggling with mental illness and addiction."
As these challenges continue to impact Northwest Portland neighborhoods, those commitments must move from policy language into practice.
Make Your Voice Heard: Portland and Multnomah County Budgets
Right now, both the City of Portland and Multnomah County are finalizing budgets for the next fiscal year. This is the time to speak up about how you want your tax dollars spent — on overnight shelter access, mental health services, and support for houseless neighbors.
Multnomah County Budget — Public Input
City of Portland Budget — Public Input
And remember — November is another opportunity to make your voice heard at the ballot box.
