PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland’s pioneering self-governed homeless shelter, Dignity Village, marked its 25th anniversary on Sunday with a community fundraiser. The event celebrated the village’s legacy as a national model for alternative shelter while also raising urgent funds to address mounting financial and infrastructure challenges.
A Quarter-Century of Self-Governed Shelter
Founded in 2000, Dignity Village was one of the first shelters in the U.S. to adopt a self-governed, membership-based model. Residents collectively run the community, create rules, and hold one another accountable.
The village currently provides nightly shelter for up to 60 individuals in tiny homes near Marine Drive in Northeast Portland. Over the years, it has inspired similar programs nationwide as advocates and social workers point to it as evidence that community-led housing models can work.
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“We run our own village, we make our own rules, we enforce our own rules, and it’s a sense of ownership,” said Lisa Larson, the village’s outreach coordinator. “It makes us all grow up a little bit.”
Celebration and Fundraising
Sunday’s event was both a birthday party and a fundraiser. Attendees enjoyed live music from Casey Neill, shared meals, games, and a raffle. Organizers also screened a documentary highlighting the history of Dignity Village and shared stories from founding members who transformed the project from an encampment into a legally recognized nonprofit.
Proceeds from the event will go toward restoring lost services and funding building repairs and infrastructure upgrades. Organizers emphasized that the money will help sustain the community’s operations during a difficult financial period.
Funding Cuts Create New Strains
The celebration comes as Dignity Village faces serious budget pressures. Recently, Multnomah County discontinued funding for the shelter’s only staff position and stopped providing bus passes, laundry access, and hygiene supplies.
As a result, the village is operating without dedicated full-time staff, relying instead on the former staff member who now volunteers to keep basic services running.
“The lack of stable staffing makes it hard to fully meet residents’ needs,” organizers said, adding that repairs to the aging infrastructure are also overdue.
Voices from the Community
Speakers at the event stressed the broader importance of Dignity Village’s model. Victory LaFara, who holds a master’s degree in social work, reflected on the community’s origins.
“Dignity Village began as a vision of a better future from people coming out of the doorways and from under bridges, off of Portland’s streets,” LaFara said. “For 25 years, we’ve proven through practice and research that community-led, self-governed shelter works.”
Residents and supporters emphasized that beyond providing a roof and safety, the village represents a path to dignity, responsibility, and empowerment for those rebuilding their lives.
A Model of Self-Determination
Operating as a nonprofit, Dignity Village has long championed self-determination, sustainability, and democratic governance as alternatives to traditional homeless services. Members pay modest dues, share in community responsibilities, and collectively manage resources and rules.
Advocates say the model not only reduces reliance on outside agencies but also builds resilience and personal growth among residents.
Still, without steady financial backing, leaders warn the community cannot thrive. The fundraiser is one step toward keeping the model alive for the next generation of residents.
Looking Ahead
Even as it celebrates a milestone anniversary, Dignity Village faces an uncertain financial future. Organizers hope the community support shown at Sunday’s event will help restore services and strengthen the shelter for years to come.
For residents like Larson, the mission remains unchanged: “It’s about dignity, community, and proving that we can take care of each other.”
