What To Expect When a Homeless Shelter Opens in Your Neighborhood episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 7, 2025 · 27 MIN

What To Expect When a Homeless Shelter Opens in Your Neighborhood

from City Cast Portland · host City Cast

Earlier this week, a new 80-bed overnight shelter opened its doors inside the former St. Stephen’s Church downtown. It’s part of Mayor Keith Wilson’s ambitious plan to add 1,500 shelter beds, but not everyone is happy when their neighborhood is chosen for a shelter’s location. Today we're talking with Brandy Westerman, Portland's Emergency Humanitarian Operations Director. She oversees all the city’s shelter programs and is here to explain what these shelters are offering and what you can expect if a new overnight shelter opens in your neighborhood. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at [email protected], or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 7th episode: Rose City Comic Con PaintCare Oregon Coast Visitors Association OMSI Biketown PDX - Use code CITYCAST25 for a free unlock

Earlier this week, a new 80-bed overnight shelter opened its doors inside the former St. Stephen’s Church downtown. It’s part of Mayor Keith Wilson’s ambitious plan to add 1,500 shelter beds, but not everyone is happy when their neighborhood is chosen for a shelter’s location. Today we're talking with Brandy Westerman, Portland's Emergency Humanitarian Operations Director. She oversees all the city’s shelter programs and is here to explain what these shelters are offering and what you can expect if a new overnight shelter opens in your neighborhood. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at [email protected], or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 7th episode: Rose City Comic Con PaintCare Oregon Coast Visitors Association OMSI Biketown PDX - Use code CITYCAST25 for a free unlock

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What To Expect When a Homeless Shelter Opens in Your Neighborhood

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This episode is 27 minutes long.

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This episode was published on August 7, 2025.

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Earlier this week, a new 80-bed overnight shelter opened its doors inside the former St. Stephen’s Church downtown. It’s part of Mayor Keith Wilson’s ambitious plan to add 1,500 shelter beds, but not everyone is happy when their neighborhood is...

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