Supporting Advocacy Through The Five Principles and Portland Voice

Oregon Harbor of Hope proudly supports and promotes two key advocacy programs: The Five Principles and Portland Voice. The Five Principles is a human-first framework that addresses homelessness through unified leadership, consistent outreach, comprehensive care, prevention, and respectful community protection, aiming to move individuals from the streets into productive lives. Portland Voice is a grassroots advocacy initiative that shares data, raises awareness, and challenges current policies. Both programs are essential partners in our mission to create conversations and challenge the system for a better Portland.

FIRST STEP: A Stabilization Model That Prevents Homelessness

Women leaving Coffee Creek Correctional Facility enter Multnomah County with "no ID, no income, no housing, no healthcare, and no support network." The first 30–90 days determine whether they stabilize or fall into homelessness, crisis systems, or recidivism. Many face compounded risks including trafficking, relapse, and exploitation.

FIRST STEP will close this gap through a one‑on‑one, trauma‑informed navigation model that begins before release and continues for 12 months. This is not a referral model. It is a hands‑on partnership built on trust, accountability, and long‑term support. We do not believe in band‑aids. We will stay until each woman is stable, connected, and ready to build a life of independence.

What FIRST STEP will provide

Pre‑release connection and stabilization planning
Day‑of‑release support and safety planning
Identity and eligibility navigation (ID, Social Security, OHP, SNAP)
Healthcare and behavioral health linkage
Housing pathways and landlord navigation
Employment readiness and digital literacy
Life skills and community integration
Consistent support and check‑ins for 12 months

Why Your Support Matters

Your investment strengthens the foundation of an organization that is ready to scale, ready to partner, and ready to prevent homelessness at its earliest and most predictable point. It ensures continuity as we move toward public funding, and it fuels a model that reduces recidivism, strengthens families, and builds a safer, more compassionate Portland.

OREGON HARBOR OF HOPE