Medford, OR – According to the state officials, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady started the day with a tour of the Rose Haven Day Shelter and Community Center in Northwest Portland.

State officials also announced that Rose Haven has been a day shelter and community center for more than 20 years, serving women, children and gender non-conforming individuals who are experiencing trauma because of abuse, homelessness, and other disruptive life challenges.

Following the tour, she heard from local nonprofits who are on the frontlines of serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Portland.

The conversation focused on the increased severity of mental health needs since the start of the pandemic, filling the gaps in the state health care system, and how to develop more consistent resources for the services that Rose Haven and others provide.

The day shelter routinely serves more than a 100 women daily.

Next, the Governor and First Lady traveled to the Rockwood neighborhood of Gresham for a working lunch to discuss community safety efforts.

The conversation centered around the East Metro Outreach, Prevention and Intervention (EMOPI) program, including partners like the Portland Activities and Athletics League and POIC/Healing Hurt People.

These programs work with thousands of young people to support activities outside of school and prevent violence.