‘Lodge Pod’ village opens in Montavilla

INCLUDES TOUR AND RIBBON-CUTTING VIDEO | See why a former outer East Portland used car lot has transformed into a ‘tiny home village’ along SE 82nd Avenue of Roses …

In the Montavilla neighborhood, here’s a look inside the new ‘Safe Rest Village’ opening along SE 82nd Avenue of Roses at Oak Street – it’s to house people who have been living in cars – thus, the many parking spaces inside.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

After the project was announced months ago, City of Portland, Multnomah County, and Metro officials, along with community members, finally came out on Wednesday, February 19th, to celebrate the opening of Oak Street Village, on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses at Oak Street.

Nearby, the Montavilla neighborhood streets were lined with vehicles, as guests turned out to look over the new “shelter” that provides 29 individual “pods” – each, with heating and air conditioning.

More than 100 people arrive on this damp morning to attend the grand opening of the new homeless shelter project.

According to Metro, and the Joint Office of Homeless Services [being renamed ‘Homeless Services Department’], this new “Safe Rest Village” provides:

On-site 24/7 wraparound services for people living in passenger vehicles (not RVs) as they transition into permanent housing, with 33 on-site parking spaces.
Individual sleeping pods for up to 40 adults 18 and over, designed for accessibility to people with disabilities.
On-site trash services, showers, restrooms, laundry, and a kitchenette.

Take a tour of this project, see what the inside of a ‘pod’ looks like, and watch the ribbon cutting ceremony in our video:

“This shelter will be more than just a place to sleep,” assured Pastor Dwight Minnieweather of shelter operator Straightway Services in his remarks.

“It will be a holistic community where people can become self-sufficient” Minnieweather added. “We’re so happy to be able to operate this shelter.”

The shelter’s operator – Pastor Dwight Minnieweather of Straightway Services – addresses the crowd.

The shelter provides space by reservation only, and is staffed 24/7, Minnieweather said. “Guests will be able keep their beds here as long as needed, while they work with case managers to plan their next steps toward permanent housing.”

Minnieweather later told East Portland News, “We can’t wait to welcome the guests, and begin supporting them on their path to stability. It means the world [to me] that the community will support and back individuals like myself, and the work we are doing in our community.”

Alongside some of the 29 pods at Oak Street Village are the restroom and shower units.

Officials and dignitaries gather for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Snip! The ribbon is cut, and this homeless shelter facility is now ready to serve.

Straightway Services and the Homeless Services Department will be following safety protocols based on their Good Neighbor Agreement for the site, including 24-hour supervision and clear communication channels for neighbors, to ensure that the village operates in harmony with the surrounding community.

Looking pleased at the ceremony, it’s new Portland Mayor Keith Wilson.

After the ceremonial ribbon was severed, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson told East Portland News, “I’m here to celebrate a resource that is going to really help the community restore and recover.

“We need so many more of these; so we’ve gotta really take action – but, this is ‘action today’. And when you care for your communities, this is what it looks like. Right?” Wilson remarked.

The new Oak Street Village features this outdoor recreation area.

Operating costs are funded through the Metro Supportive Housing Services Measure tax revenue; and, unspecified capital costs for the project were funded by the State of Oregon.

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