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.
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…
A need the houseless community faces that doesn’t get enough attention is the desire for community insecurity because of isolation. Chronic loneliness can have a significant impact on our physical…
Slowly but surely nonprofit collaboration is happening in Portland. By Scott Kerman I hear this a lot. “The problem is that the nonprofits aren’t connected. They aren’t working together.” It…
We serve people pushed to the margins with compassion and dignity. By Scott Kerman Who do we serve at Blanchet House? To quote Jesuit Father Gary Smith from his new…
In response to the Portland City Council and Mayor Wheeler’s announcement of its plan to end homelessness with a public camping ban and three new high-capacity camps for houseless individuals…
Are you confused by the different words used to describe homelessness? You’re not alone. Should you use homeless, houseless, or unhoused when describing someone’s circumstances? We hope this glossary about…
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