Queer Heroes NW 2021:
Our House of Portland

Our House of Portland launched in 1988 when a concerned group of Portlanders began working to provide housing and care for the growing number of low-income people living with HIV.

Since that time, Our House has been providing compassionate, customized care for our most vulnerable Portland-area residents living with HIV and has made a life-changing impact on thousands of people. As the face of HIV has changed, our services have expanded and evolved but our commitment remains the same. Our mission is to provide “integrated health and housing services to people with HIV/AIDS. Guided by compassion, collaboration and respect, we provide 24-hour specialized care, supportive services, and independent housing with support services.”

We serve under-resourced individuals living with HIV through our four primary programs. The Our House residential care program is a 14-bed facility for individuals who require constant care. The Neighborhood Housing and Care Program (NHCP) provides service to clients in their own homes, addressing their complex, chronic needs using an integrated and coordinated approach to care. Esther’s Pantry, which has been designated the first LGBTQ+ affirming food pantry in the state by Oregon Food Bank, provides a unique client-focused, shopping style experience that inspires dignity and independence. Thanks to the Oregon Food Bank, the pantry has also started hosting a monthly trans and nonbinary
focused extra pantry day on the second Friday of every month. As well as Tod’s Corner, run in the same format as Esther’s Pantry, provides household goods and clothing clients need and couldn’t otherwise afford.

The last 30 years have been a powerful journey providing care for people living with HIV and today we serve over 700 clients annually, all of whom experience ongoing barriers to
stability such as low income, chronic homelessness, and housing and food insecurities.

Queer Heroes NW 2021: Our House of Portland

Queer Heroes NW 2021:
Our House of Portland