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Written stories
Mental Health Services Preserved in Multnomah County
On Thursday, Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogan proposed using one-time funds in order to fill most the $11 million in state funding cuts to Multnomah County mental health services. There will still be some unknown cut in services but $7.8 million of the $11 million in lost funding will be preserved including almost all mental health funding. The county will be voting on the proposal at a meeting on September 15 at 9:30am. Please join Empower Oregon at the meeting and let your voice be heard to protect these vital services.
However, the proposed fix is coming mostly from one-time funds that will not be available next year and without legislative action Multnomah County will be facing even larger funding shortfalls for FY 2013. The State of Oregon is currently in the process of transforming the entire Healthcare system including mental health services. This transformation will affect both funding and access to services. It is vital that your voice is heard during this process. Please click here if you would like more information and to be involved.
James’ story: addictions treatment
I feel treatment is a need in today’s society because of the drug use. Treatment was a stepping stone to rebuild ties that were broken with family, friends as well as children. Because of treatment I’m now able to be a 3.72 GPA student and built relationships in the community. So, I ask you to vote yes on 66 and 67 because treatment services changed my life.
— James Jenkins
Voices of Homelessness
Sisters Of The Road is a non-profit organization in Portland, Oregon, that supports community driven solutions to the calamities of homelessness and poverty in an atmosphere of nonviolence and gentle personalism.
Since 1979, Sisters has believed that in order to end homelessness, it is imperative to listen to the experts – the people with experience of homelessness and poverty.
In 2001, Sisters conducted a research study to amplify the voices of people experiencing homelessness. Sisters completed 600 one-to-one interviews asking people about their experiences. After being transcribed and coded, using over hundreds categories and themes, 515 of the interviews are now accessible to the public and usable for analysis.
Some excerpts from these interviews appear below.
Rob’s story: Community Mental Health
I work in community mental health as an outreach case manager/skills trainer. I work with clients in their homes and in the community to help them stabilize in order to successfully live outside of institutions. Read more »