Events
All events are free and take place at the main library unless otherwise noted. Some events require registration; to register, click the "Registration required" link next to the appropriate event below.
Homelessness 101 with Dr. Marisa Zapata
Monday, Jan. 5 | 6-7:30 PM
On Jan. 22, 2025, Washington County identified 940 people experiencing homelessness in our county. In this presentation, Dr. Zapata, Director of PSU's Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative, will answer some core questions about homelessness: What are some of the root causes? How can we prevent and resolve it? What are local governments doing to address the issue? What tangible actions can we as everyday citizens take to help end homelessness?
Documentary Film Screening & Panel: No Place to Grow Old
Sunday, Jan. 11 | 2-4 PM
No Place to Grow Old is a powerful exploration of the rising crisis of senior homelessness. Set in Portland, it follows the lives of three older adults navigating the harsh realities of life without a home. Through their stories of hardship and resilience, the film offers an intimate portrayal of the challenges they face, while also shining a light on the systemic issues contributing to their plight. Join us for a post-film panel discussion featuring Bronwyn Carver, one of the film's subjects; Kim Marshall of Project Homeless Connect; and Jes Larson from Washington County's Housing Services Department.
Community Conversation on Homelessness
Tuesday, Jan. 13 | 6-7:30 PM | Registration required
Join us for an honest, values-based conversation about what's working - and what still needs to change – in our region's response to homelessness. This facilitator-led, small-group conversation is designed to help bridge the gap between what the public sees and the real impact of the Supportive Housing Services (SHS) program, a measure voted in by Greater Portland area residents in May 2020. Whether you're concerned, curious, frustrated, hopeful, or all of the above, we welcome you to join the conversation! Register at the link above.
Portland Street Medicine
Thursday, Jan. 22 | 5:30-6:30 PM
Much like Dr. O'Connell's Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program, Portland Street Medicine meets the growing medical and health needs of those experiencing houselessness here in our region. Colten Smith, a healthcare provider with PSM, will share the history and mission of the organization and how the model of street medicine is uniquely structured to serve those who have been left out of traditional healthcare settings.
Empathy Cafe
Saturday, Jan. 24 | 2-3:30 PM
What is empathy and how can we work to cultivate it? At Empathy Cafe, we will use small-group discussion to explore the concept and work to apply empathy to our unhoused neighbors. Please join us for open, honest, and respectful conversation about how to flex our empathy muscles!
Gather:Make:Shelter Artists' Talk
Sunday, Jan. 25 | 2-3:30 PM
Join us for an afternoon with artists from Gather:Make:Shelter. They will share their stories and speak about the power of creating amidst their experiences with houselessness. The artists' work will be displayed at the library in January and February.
Legislating Homelessness (with the National Homelessness Law Center) (Virtual)
Thursday, Jan. 29 | 6-7 PM | Registration required
Learn how certain laws, like the 2024 Supreme Court case Johnson v. Grants Pass, OR, affect houseless communities. Jesse Rabinowitz from the National Homelessness Law Center will dive deeper into this piece of legislation that allows cities to ticket people sleeping outside, as well as other laws that may create barriers for those without homes. This is a virtual event taking place via Zoom; register at the link above to receive the Zoom link prior to the presentation.
Everyday Heroes: True Stories of Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things
Saturday, Jan. 31 | 3-5 PM
Join us for an afternoon of live storytelling on stage! Veteran storytellers Norina Beck, Darshanpreet Gill, Will Hornyak, Paul Iarrobino, Darlene Solomon-Rogers, and Jon Wylder return to Beaverton City Library's auditorium to entertain the audience with their true, personal stories. Doors open at 2:30 PM.