Overview:
The “village” model has emerged as an alternative approach to sheltering houseless community members. The model can be implemented quickly, uses underutilized land, and offers spaces for empowerment, healing, and community. Cities around the country are increasingly using the village model to address homelessness. In Portland, villages include individual sleeping quarters called pods and use shared common facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Our researchers conducted a mixed-methods study across six established villages and their neighborhoods in the Portland Metropolitan area. It is one of the first studies of its kind around the country. The work culminates in the creation of a “how-to-guide,” allowing groups across the country to implement villages in their communities to help individuals transition from homelessness into permanent housing.
Key Findings:
● 86% of villagers were largely or very satisfied with their pod, 69% were satisfied or very satisfied
with their village, 79% were satisfied or very satisfied with their neighborhood.
● 45% of villagers report food insecurity.
● Villages have disproportionately served white men: 17% of villagers in this study identify as BIPOC
despite BIPOC residents representing 40% of the unsheltered population in Portland.
● Most neighbors who reported concerns at first did not have concerns after living near a village.
● 69% of villagers said that they should share in decision making at the village.