Wy’East Veteran’s Shelter Mission Project
Wy’east is Portland’s first 24/7 Veteran-priority shelter, and the evolution of Do Good Multnomah’ first ever program that began in 2016. It houses 90 male-identifying participants, the majority of whom are Veterans. Participants have access to laundry, showers, secure storage for belongings, and a consistent bed each night. Daily homemade meals foster meaningful connections between participants and staff, who stand as guides throughout the housing process, building relationships and promoting a strong sense of community within the shelter. Wy’East is a low barrier shelter operating year round for veterans. Do Good Multnomah also supports vets living in motel shelters, transitional housing (tiny house villages) and provides support services for vets who have transitioned to permanent housing
In 2021, Kenilworth Presbyterian Women began providing food for the Wy’East shelter twice a month in collaboration with Rose City Park Presbyterian Church. Once the menu was decided, we could sign up to provide items to complete the meal. Last year, it was decided to only provide a meal once a month. Volunteers from KPC, usually Nancy and Barb, pick up donations from Kenilworth and deliver them to Wy’East by 6:30 on the third Friday of the month.
In November 2022, Barb attended the 7th Annual Do Good Multnomah Benefit on Veterans Day. Rose City Park and Kenilworth were recognized for their food, clothing and linen donations to support their mission to help veterans find permanent housing.
Groceries 4 Grout has contributed many food items to Wy’East. In October, G4G had a 40 pound box of beef short ribs that were frozen into one solid lump. It would be difficult to offer that at the food pantry. Becky volunteered to transform the block of meat into BBQ short ribs for about 70 people.
If you would like to donate food items for a Wy’East dinner, please contact Nancy or Barb. A sign-up sheet is available online. A link can be provided. Monetary donations for purchasing food and/or ingredients are also welcome.