What do you think will happen in the local elections on Tuesday? How do you think Portland’s new form of government will be?
I’ve been asked these questions a lot over the past few months. My answer is, “I don’t know.”
One thing I’ve learned over the past five years is the folly of making predictions. Better to focus on what I know will happen.
What I do know is that too many people will wake up Wednesday morning hungry, cold, despondent, and desperate. What I know is Wednesday will be another day of suffering for too many people in our community, especially those challenged by mental illness and addiction. What I know is Wednesday will be yet another day of tremendous affliction for those whose age, infirmary, or disability make life on the streets an unthinkable ordeal.
Rather than predict outcomes I’d rather submit a request. A request that whoever receives the trust of the electorate to lead our city and county join with other leaders in our community to promote meaningful, compassionate opportunities for healing and recovery. Perhaps the one prediction I’m confident of making is that such progress won’t happen unless our civic leaders work collaboratively and in concert instead of at odds with one another.
Another prediction?
Blanchet House will continue to rely on your support on Wednesday and the days that follow. I hope you will be inspired by whatever the outcome of our local and national elections to lean into serving others who desperately need your help and compassion. Volunteer at our meal services, organize a neighborhood, work, or school drive to collect badly needed winter clothing and other essentials, make sack lunches, or support our expenses by making a gift to Blanchet House’s Give Guide campaign.
Scott Kerman is the Executive Director of Blanchet House. You can invite him to speak here.
