Chevre,
As the housing crisis and the pandemic have brought changes to Portland, so too have some difficult challenges come to the Havurah Shalom building. Visitors may see people sitting in our courtyard charging their phones, or just resting. A number of tents have gone up, legally, along Kearney Street. Often there is trash, and sometimes there are needles, attesting to drug use taking place when no is around to curtail it.
This state of things is painful for all involved. For those returning to the building, it can be shocking or frightening. Staff—Rabbi Benjamin, Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Adela Basayne, Carrie Kirschner, and Rachel Pollak—want you to know that we are here with you and are always doing our best to promote safety while extending chesed, lovingkindness, to those who also visit our space.
We are serious about being proactive. Just today, video cameras have been installed to help monitor the space and allow staff to see people at the door. Following the recommendation of the Courtyard Task Force, who have examined this set of challenges very closely, we have hired a person not currently housed to clean the space three times a week, and that arrangement has worked well for both parties. Our janitors also clean up outside.
It is important to note that just as many good things take place outside too. Our courtyard visitors often clean up other people’s messes, without being asked. They thank us for the use of the outlets and the space. We believe we are doing good out there overall.
And yet, problems persist, and likely will until the citywide houselessness problem is solved, hopefully in a compassionate way that really solves problems. In the meantime, we are a microcosm of all the larger issues.
What can you do?
First, please remember that staff has been working on things both in front of and behind the scenes, and we have deep, long-term experience in relating to the people who come by. Ask us for help if you’re ever nervous about something, or if you want to run a possible solution by us.
Second, take a Havurah Safety Class led by Rachel Pollak. She will cover all of the safety features of the building, and also give some practical advice for dealing with needles and understanding the people you may meet outside. One is taking place Thursday (tomorrow!) at 6:30 pm. We really encourage you to do this; the more people who take the class, the more who can help each other feel and be safe at the building.
There is much more we can describe to let you know that we’re on this, but space and time are insufficient. Please be in touch with Adela or Rachel with questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you at the building soon!
L’Ahava,
Havurah Staff
