Portland Mayor Keith Wilson gives his state of the city address at Franklin High School in Southeast Portland on Friday, May 2, 2025.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has launched a campaign encouraging residents to donate time and money to support new homeless shelters in the city. This request comes amidst an ongoing homelessness crisis that has prompted concerns about potential federal intervention, particularly from the administration of President Donald Trump. In an email sent to over 17,000 recipients on March 2025, Wilson emphasized the need for immediate action to address the humanitarian emergency facing the city.
The mayor’s email highlighted stark consequences should Portland fail to act swiftly. He noted, “Recent events in Washington, D.C. show us what will happen to Portland if we don’t move with speed, purpose, and compassion to address the humanitarian crisis on our streets.” He contrasted this with the federal government’s approach, referencing “bulldozers and mass arrests by masked agents,” underscoring the city’s commitment to outreach and emergency shelter strategies.
Wilson provided a link to a nine-page prospectus detailing the specific needs of the various nonprofits involved in homeless services. Among the immediate needs listed for the newly opened Old Town day center, run by the nonprofit Urban Alchemy, are picnic tables, hygiene supplies, and food. The center aims to provide a safe space for individuals using overnight shelters, allowing them to access services during the day.
In addition to material donations, the city is seeking volunteers with various skill sets, from providing haircuts to offering resume writing tutorials. The prospectus also outlined significant funding needs, including a request for $12,500 to purchase “worship chairs” to facilitate the conversion of church spaces into overnight shelters.
Since taking office in January, Wilson has overseen the opening of five overnight-only shelters, with the most recent facility, a 200-bed shelter in the Pearl District, opening just the night before the email was sent. Bryan Aptekar, a senior program manager on the homeless response team, noted that this appeal for donations is unprecedented for the city’s shelter services program.
“It’s been less than an hour since the email went out, and I’ve already received a dozen calls and emails,” Aptekar told The Oregonian/OregonLive. He emphasized the importance of connecting residents eager to help with nonprofits providing essential services.
Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Zajonc explained that Wilson’s request is part of a broader initiative to engage Portland residents in addressing various challenges facing the city, including neighborhood clean-up efforts. “In this case, we’re acting primarily as a switchboard,” Zajonc stated, clarifying that the city is not directly accepting donations but facilitating connections between residents and nonprofit organizations.
When asked about the mayor’s reference to a possible federal crackdown on Portland, Zajonc stressed the need to differentiate between the mayor’s compassionate approach and the president’s more punitive tactics. “We want to make sure it’s very clear that it’s two different mentalities at work,” Zajonc added.
As Portland navigates this complex crisis, Wilson’s appeal for community support reflects a commitment to local solutions rather than relying on federal intervention. The mayor’s call to action aims to mobilize residents in a concerted effort to provide assistance and resources to those in need.
