Friends of Multnomah Safe Rest Village

Friends of the Multnomah Safe Rest Village (FMSRV) was formed in the summer of 2022, with the mission to support the people -residents and staff - inside the MSRV and help them to be good neighbors. We formed a Facebook group to share information and produced lawn signs so neighbors could show their support. Since then we have spoken out in favor of the MSRV and coordinated a variety of activities and projects for Guests (and pets!), as well as meals, clothing donations, and other support, often in collaboration with local businesses and other community groups. We keep in close touch with staff at the MSRV and at City Shelter Services. We also work with SW Faith Coalition to invite experts on the issues and people with lived experience of homelessness into conversations with neighbors, in a series of events called SWITCH—SW Initiative to Change Homelessness.

For the latest news, photos, and info on how to be involved, please join our Facebook group.

More Info about the Multnomah Safe Rest Village

The current Operator of the MSRV, hired by the City of Portland in July 2025, is Urban Alchemy (UA). Check their website to learn about their history and philosophy, and sign up for their mailing list. As the Operator, Urban Alchemy is charged with providing case management, amenities, mental and behavioral health services, and a path to housing for those Guests in the MSRV program who are ready. As anyone with experience in the issues knows, it is challenging work, and cannot always be successful.

UA uses some terminology you might be unfamiliar with: UA staff are Practitioners—as they explain it, they are practicing the UA philosophy and methods. The people sheltered at the SRV (and at other UA-run facilities around town) are Guests—they are not permanent residents, but expected to move on to more stable housing at some point. The tiny houses are Units. “Exited” is a polite-sounding way of saying made to leave the SRV—exits are supposed to result from dangerous, disruptive behavior or failure to make progress toward housing or recovery, or to engage in offered activities and community meetings.

Grateful acknowledgment to the St. Johns Welcomes the Village Coalition for allowing us to repurpose their logo and other materials.