Serving at the Margins blog adds nuance to complex issues related to homelessness, poverty relief, and nonprofit social services. It is published bimonthly and written by Blanchet House Executive Director Scott Kerman.
Dear Friend, I believe it’s customary for an end-of-year letter to look back at the year that was, but I’d rather look forward and prepare for what lies ahead. As…
By Scott Kerman 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…
Camping Ban, Disability, and Needs of Homeless: Portland’s revised camping ban brought about by a lawsuit advocating for disability rights may conflict with the needs of people experiencing homelessness. By…
Blanchet House stands behind the Portland Homelessness Response Action Plan and is committed to improving the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, in our community. By Scott Kerman Like…
A multitude of insecurities–housing, hunger, and income insecurity for example–can affect a person’s ability to access the most basic of human needs. By Scott Kerman Hunger Action Month sharpens our…
Untreated mental illness is causing homelessness for vulnerable people in Oregon. We must find ways to help people and end this crisis. By Scott Kerman After witnessing the horrific neglect…
By Scott Kerman Portland’s new ban on camping goes into effect today, July 7, 2023. City ordinances 14A.50.020 and 14A.50.050 make it unlawful to set up or remain in a…
Most nonprofit funding works well for organizations, but the labor of reporting outcomes can cause an elephant of a problem. The following parable of a nonprofit in need of an…
By Scott Kerman A recent report found that the county failed to spend millions of appointed funds on homeless solutions. It’s unclear why this happened but it’s frustrating to learn…
We need continued optimism as we work to solve homelessness in Oregon. By Scott Kerman I’m often asked if I’m optimistic about fixing the homelessness crisis in our community. I…
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