Our Just Future

Programs that prevent homelessness are critically important—especially when the rates of people losing their housing is increasingly rapidly. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—and it just makes sense that folks reliant on Oregon Health Authority's medical benefits might also benefit from services that support remaining securely housed. We applaud this ground-breaking initiative by OHA.

Our Just Future is thrilled to be included in this year's Willamette Week's Give!Guide! This local giving campaign puts the FUN in FUNdraising, offers Metro residents the opportunity to donate small amounts that add up to BIG impact in their local community directly—and win BIG prizes at the same time! Our Just Future envisions vibrant, healthy neighborhoods where ALL people can share in the security, hopes and advantages of a thriving, supportive community. We believe that #HousingIsAHumanRight. And we believe that it takes a village to house a community. You'll find Our Just Future in the HOME category, along with more than a dozen other organizations united in a shared mission of ending homelessness and ensuring every human being is housed with dignity. Many local residents are familiar with our family-focused and LGBTQIA+-friendly shelters and affordable housing units—these are our core services. Lesser-known services we offer are: • Utility Assistance • Employment Programs • Homeless Services • And Other Resources The causes and impacts of homelessness are multi-dimensional and intersectional and securing housing is just one of many challenges homeless families experience. Wraparound services are needs-driven resources that build on the strenths of the individual and family to achieve positive goals and improve holistic well-being. Curious to learn more? Reach out—we'd love to connect! LINK TO DONATE: https://lnkd.in/gPz9Z6yQ

We are just days away from the start of this year's Willamette Week's Gift Guide. We are thrilled to be part of this dynamic annual campaign that supports nonprofits all across Oregon while offering fun prizes and incentives for donors — especially on Big Give Days! Be on the lookout for the super exciting kick-off prize this Friday! And check out all the amazing organizations participating this year—either online or pick up a print paper (near your favorite coffee shop, of course!) Your support means so much to us and to every nonprofit working to make a difference in the lives of Oregonians. #willametteweek #willametteweekgiveguide

We at Our Just Future are alarmed by a recent proposal from three Portland City Council members to withdraw funding from the Joint Office of Homeless Services. This office plays a crucial role in providing emergency shelter and essential support to individuals experiencing homelessness—services that are more vitally important for the welfare of our community. If this proposal goes through, it could dismantle the collaborative efforts that have been key in addressing the housing crisis, exacerbating the struggles of our most vulnerable community members. We cannot allow this to happen.  We stand firmly with our partners who have raised significant concerns about the impact of this decision. It is time for us to unite and advocate for ongoing collaboration between the City and County, ensuring that everyone has access to the support they need. We have signed onto a letter with dozens of agencies who object to this proposal. We invite you to take action, as well! Add your voice by signing onto the letter expressing opposition to this proposal. Your support can make a difference and help protect essential services for those who need them most. 👉 https://lnkd.in/g7uAMrXR To learn more about the implications of this proposal check out the link in our comments to a recent article. Together, we can work toward a just future for all. #Advocacy #CommunitySupport #Homelessness #OurJustFuture #Portland #TakeAction

What does it mean to "be a revolution"? This is at the heart of the discussion Our Just Future is hosting TONIGHT with writer, activist, and self-proclaimed internet yeller, Ijeoma Oluo. Ijeoma Oluo has shined a light on racism, inequity, and injustice across the United States for many years. Her bestselling book, So You Want To Talk About Race, informed and inspired millions of Americans to break the silence around racism and white supremacy. Her latest book calls us all in to "everyday activism", by living our values in large or small ways. These actions, says Oluo, are tiny revolutions against systems of oppression, inequity, and injustice. Oluo interviewed dozens of community leaders and activists who have dedicated themselves to literally BEING the change they wished to see. We are SO excited for this evening's event and hope you'll join us for a dose of inspiration and community as we build a more just future, together. We will have a handful of tickets available at the door, but to ensure you get a good seat, grab your tickets at the link below: https://lnkd.in/gPd66Gb2

Our Just Future is excited to present an evening with award-winning humanitarian and NYT Bestselling Author, Ijeoma Oluo — TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY! Grab your tickets at the link below and join us for an illuminating and invigorating discussion with the author of So You Want to Talk About Race and Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America. Ijeoma will be discussing her new book, Be a Revolution: How Everyday People Are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World―and How You Can, Too. Renowned for her work on racism and systemic injustice, Be a Revolution shows how ordinary folks across America are working to create real positive change in our structures. Looking at many of our most powerful systems—like education, media, labor, health, housing, policing, and more—Oluo highlights what people are doing to create change for intersectional racial equity. She also warmly calls the reader in, inviting us all to do what we can with what we've got, wherever we are and to know that small actions ARE revolutionary. Join us for an engaging discussion with Ijeoma, followed by a book signing and light refreshments! Seating is limited so be sure to grab your tickets ahead of time. (Link to purchase tickets in comments, below.) WHO: NY Times best-selling author Ijeoma Oluo will talk with us about her newest book, “Be A Revolution: How Everyday People Are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World – And You Can, Too.” It’s REALLY good. WHAT: Ijeoma Oluo will talk about her book, read a snippet, then chat with Our Just Future’s team, including Executive Director Andy Miller. A book signing and reception with light refreshments will follow the main event. WHEN: Thursday, October 17th from 7 to 9 PM (doors open at 6) WHERE: PCC’s Cascade campus in North Portland | Moriarty Arts Auditorium WHY: This place needs a revolution – and we’re it! TICKETS – GET YOURS: Reserve a spot by buying a ticket today! $30 general admission; $10 for students and folks on limited budgets. Ijeoma Oluo is a powerful, much needed and inspiring voice in the fight against oppression. We’re thrilled that she is partnering with us to inspire Portlanders to find their own place in this important work.

We’re hiring! Ready to support positive change in your community? We have a number of open roles in our organization, both in services and administration. Come join our team as we work to address systemic causes of poverty and homelessness and ensure everyone in our community has a safe, supportive place to live. Link to all roles:

🌟 On Sunday, September 22nd, 55 amazing volunteers came together to pack 576 Dignity Grows totes filled with essential hygiene products and menstrual supplies for our neighbors in need! Each tote provides a month’s worth of vital hygiene and menstrual care items. We’re grateful to our Dignity Grows partner @jewishfederationpdx for supporting our communities 💖 #dignitygrows #menstrualequity #jewishfederation

National Noodle Day?! Show off your skills and prepare a meal for shelter residents! 😀 (You don't have to cook a noodle dish -- but you can!)

Presented by Humans for Housing, "No Place to Grow Old" is a documentary exploring the rising crisis of senior homelessness in Portland. Get your tickets today to learn more and participate in the conversation!