Portland Solutions details problem‑solver network, shelter and impact‑reduction work

Skyler Brecker, deputy director Hank Smith and other Portland Solutions staff outlined how the office organizes outreach, campsite cleanups and neighborhood problem‑solving at the Community and Public Safety Committee meeting on April 22.

Portland Solutions described four program pillars: shelter services, an impact‑reduction program that responds to campsites and provides trash and hygiene services, the Public Environment Management Office (PEMO) that runs a “problem solver” meeting network and neighborhood public‑space improvements, and a Street Services Coordination Center that coordinates outreach and cross‑agency responses. "We problem solve for persistent issues and coordinate with the right teams to get results," Skyler Brecker said.

The presentation said Portland Solutions currently manages nine alternative shelter sites, one congregate shelter and two overnight shelters added in January. The office said it focuses outreach on high‑impact campsites and works closely with police, Multnomah County outreach counselors and Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) on removals, tow operations and referrals to shelter.

Why it matters: the office…