Skip to content
CanByFirst
  • Canby News
  • Oregon City News
  • Washington DC
  • News
  • Sports
  • Contact Us
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A new beacon of hope has opened in North Portland this week, offering critical support to houseless veterans. Timed to coincide with Veterans Day, the Thayer Family Foundation Veterans Shelter officially opened its doors on North Interstate Avenue, marking a major step toward helping local heroes in need. A Collaboration for Change The shelter is the result of a partnership between county leaders and the Thayer Family Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting veterans, military personnel, and first responders. The foundation focuses on funding and implementing programs that ensure these groups receive the care, stability, and resources they deserve. With Portland’s housing crisis continuing to impact hundreds of former service members, the new facility aims to provide a safe, stable environment where veterans can rebuild their lives. Shelter Designed to Support Veterans The new Thayer Family Foundation Veterans Shelter will serve as both a temporary refuge and a long-term resource hub. Along with offering warm beds and meals, it will connect residents to mental health services, job placement assistance, and permanent housing programs. Organizers say the shelter was built with the specific challenges of veterans in mind — including those coping with trauma, disabilities, or difficulties transitioning to civilian life. Foundation’s Commitment to Veterans Speaking on AM Extra, foundation leader John Thayer shared that the opening represents years of work and a strong commitment to Portland’s veteran community. “Our mission has always been to serve those who have served us,” Thayer said. “This shelter ensures that no veteran in our city has to face another winter without a roof or a helping hand.” Thayer also emphasized the importance of collaboration with local government, volunteers, and community partners to ensure the shelter remains a sustainable solution, not just a short-term fix. Looking Ahead As winter approaches, the new shelter is preparing to welcome its first residents, offering safety, dignity, and a path toward stability for those who once served the nation. For Portland’s veterans facing homelessness, the Thayer Family Foundation Veterans Shelter stands as a powerful reminder that their service is honored — and that the community is ready to stand behind them.

Canby News

New Shelter for Houseless Veterans Opens in North Portland

Tyler Francke

November 12, 2025

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A new beacon of hope has opened in North Portland this week, offering critical support to ...

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A heated debate is unfolding in Portland as residents and city officials clash over a proposal to slash funding for the city’s Impact Reduction Program, which handles the clean-up of homeless camps and street debris. The proposed $4.3 million budget cut has sparked widespread concern among community members who say the program is vital for neighborhood safety and cleanliness. Community Rallies to Save Clean-Up Program More than 200 residents gathered at an emergency meeting organized by the Northwest District Association (NWDA) to voice their opposition to the proposal. Representatives from the offices of Mayor Keith Wilson, and Councilors Olivia Clark and Erik Zimmerman attended the meeting, all standing firmly against the cut. The proposal, introduced by Councilor Angelita Morillo, suggests diverting funds from the Impact Reduction Program toward housing, food assistance, and immigrant relations initiatives. A vote on the amendment is scheduled for Wednesday’s Portland City Council session. Dispute Between City Officials Mayor Wilson has been outspoken against the proposal. In a newsletter, he credited the Impact Reduction Program with removing over 12 million pounds of hazardous garbage from city streets in the past year. Wilson warned that the funding cut could leave “millions more pounds of trash uncollected,” worsening public health and safety conditions. In response, Morillo accused the mayor of mischaracterizing her amendment, clarifying that it aims to halt encampment sweeps but does not eliminate funding for trash removal. “Sweeping is a game of whack-a-mole where you are moving people from sidewalk to sidewalk,” she said, emphasizing that her plan focuses on more humane and sustainable solutions rather than punitive measures. Under her proposal, $4.3 million would be cut from the Impact Reduction Program, while $1.5 million would be redirected toward food and rent assistance for low-income residents and immigrants. Residents Voice Safety and Cleanliness Concerns At Tuesday’s NWDA meeting, residents and community leaders expressed fears that eliminating or reducing the clean-up program could lead to rising safety issues. NWDA President Todd Zarnitz called the proposal “disastrous,” arguing that it would harm efforts to maintain livable neighborhoods. “People want to defund a program that’s actually making our neighborhoods safe and livable,” Zarnitz said. “Why would you pull funding from a program that helps clean streets, supports people getting off the streets, and makes the community a place we can all enjoy?” Neighbor Lisa Carney-Fenton echoed similar concerns, saying, “We depend on that program because we have so many problems on the perimeter. We need impact reduction to keep our neighborhoods safe and clean.” The Pearl District Neighborhood Association also joined in opposition, highlighting the program’s record of clearing thousands of camps and removing millions of pounds of waste citywide. Potential Job Losses Add to Tensions Mayor Wilson warned that the funding cut could result in the layoff of up to 100 city workers, many of whom were hired through a workforce recovery initiative. Morillo, however, disputes this claim, saying her amendment does not mandate such layoffs and that her focus is on redirecting resources toward long-term support systems. Alternative Proposal Gains Traction Amid rising backlash, Councilor Loretta Smith introduced an alternative amendment on Wednesday that seeks to restore the full $4.3 million to the Impact Reduction Program. Smith described the program as “essential for creating safer, cleaner neighborhoods and supporting campsite sweeps and clean-up initiatives.” Her proposal also includes $873,000 in carryover funds for the Portland Police Bureau, $1 million for Portland Parks and Recreation, and support for Morillo’s allocations toward rent assistance, food aid, and restoring $10 million for city employee cost-of-living adjustments. City Council Vote Expected The final decision rests with the Portland City Council, which is set to vote at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Hundreds of Portland residents have already registered to provide public testimony, underscoring how deeply the issue has divided the community. Whether the council sides with those calling for fiscal redirection or those defending the city’s clean-up efforts, the outcome will likely shape Portland’s approach to homelessness, safety, and neighborhood maintenance for years to come.

Canby News

Neighborhood Group Pushes Back Against Proposed Cuts to Portland’s Homeless Camp Clean-Up Program

Tyler Francke

November 12, 2025

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A heated debate is unfolding in Portland as residents and city officials clash over a proposal ...

Portland Schools Implement ‘Security’ Protocol Over False ICE Raid Rumors

Canby News

Portland Schools Implement ‘Security’ Protocol Over False ICE Raid Rumors

Tyler Francke

November 12, 2025

Two Portland schools—Cesar Chavez School and George Middle School—recently went into emergency security mode after reports surfaced of potential Immigration ...

Intense Debate: Woodburn Mayor Reaffirms City’s Commitment to Community Safety Amid ICE Arrests

Canby News

Intense Debate: Woodburn Mayor Reaffirms City’s Commitment to Community Safety Amid ICE Arrests

Tyler Francke

November 12, 2025

WOODBURN, Ore. — The arrest of 31 individuals by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Woodburn has ignited ...

True Crime Tuesday: The 44-Year Mystery of Missing Portland Woman Kristin Tomlin

Canby News

True Crime Tuesday: The 44-Year Mystery of Missing Portland Woman Kristin Tomlin

Tyler Francke

November 12, 2025

PORTLAND, Ore. — It has been 44 years since Portland native Kristin Tomlin vanished under mysterious circumstances, and her disappearance ...

Woodburn Suspends Flock Safety Cameras Following Concerns Over ICE Enforcement

Canby News

Woodburn Suspends Flock Safety Cameras Following Concerns Over ICE Enforcement

Tyler Francke

November 12, 2025

WOODBURN, Ore. — The City of Woodburn has announced a temporary suspension of its Flock Safety Camera System, following growing ...

Free Pet Care Clinic Offers Support to Homeless and Low-Income Pet Owners in Portland

Canby News

Free Pet Care Clinic Offers Support to Homeless and Low-Income Pet Owners in Portland

Tyler Francke

November 12, 2025

PORTLAND, Ore. — A new initiative is bringing hope and relief to Portland residents struggling to care for their pets. ...

Kids Kicking Doors and Late-Night Mischief: Highlights from West Linn’s Police Log

Canby News

Kids Kicking Doors and Late-Night Mischief: Highlights from West Linn’s Police Log

Tyler Francke

November 12, 2025

West Linn police had their hands full this past week, responding to a wide variety of calls ranging from petty ...

ICE Agents Accused of Using False Car Accident Ruse to Make Arrest in Beaverton Neighborhood

Canby News

ICE Agents Accused of Using False Car Accident Ruse to Make Arrest in Beaverton Neighborhood

Tyler Francke

November 12, 2025

Deceptive Encounter on SW Ecole Avenue BEAVERTON, Ore. — A mid-morning confrontation between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and ...

Beaverton Man Arrested After Explosive and Shooting Attack in Cornelius

Canby News

Beaverton Man Arrested After Explosive and Shooting Attack in Cornelius

Tyler Francke

November 12, 2025

Targeted Attack in the Early Morning CORNELIUS, Ore. — A 37-year-old Beaverton man, Samuel Lund, has been arrested following a ...

Older posts
Newer posts
← Previous Page1 … Page4 Page5 Page6 … Page166 Next →

Latest Post

Willamette Falls Trust Launches Major New Development With $75 Million Backing

Willamette Falls Trust Launches Major New Development With $75 Million Backing

November 15, 2025

Woman Found Guilty Except for Insanity in Killing of PSU Athlete Brother

Woman Found Guilty Except for Insanity in Killing of PSU Athlete Brother

November 15, 2025

Judge Rebukes Portland DA in High-Profile Reckless Driving Case: “I Won’t Tolerate It”

Judge Rebukes Portland DA in High-Profile Reckless Driving Case: “I Won’t Tolerate It”

November 14, 2025

County Near Portland Declares Emergency Amid Rising ICE Activity and Investigation Into Police Cooperation

County Near Portland Declares Emergency Amid Rising ICE Activity and Investigation Into Police Cooperation

November 14, 2025

Sherwood Police Release Video of Rooftop Rescue Involving 9-Year-Old with Autism

Sherwood Police Release Video of Rooftop Rescue Involving 9-Year-Old with Autism

November 14, 2025

The Canby First is Canby’s new weekly newspaper, dedicated to covering news, sports, local events, happenings and all things Canby. Published every Monday, the Current will feature local history stories, community voices, art and fiction by Oregonian content creators, crosswords and other puzzles, trivia and children’s activities.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X
  • YouTube

Network

Canby First FEED

Legal Pages

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Our Story
  • Privacy Policy
  • Team
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Transparency Policy
  • Vision

Contact Info

CanbyFirst LLC
1450 SE Riverside Drive, Suite 210
Canby, OR 97013
United States

+62 8054-22671-22 Info@canbyfirst.com

© 2002 - 2025 - Canby First LLC