“Resources help people. With the right support, there are people who will begin to get where they need to go.”

Dear Friend

​I’ve been in wrong situations, where step after step something’s blocking me. Here at Outside In, I’ve had the right resources where I’m able to figure it out for the first time. And now life is flowing. It feels like I have a spark, something to look forward to that’s new to me. I’m more stable because I have the safety of a home. Not long ago, things were different.

I’m 23, I’m from Chicago, and I’ve worked with trade schools and held food service jobs since high school. I never thought I’d be homeless. Until you’ve been through it yourself, you don’t really know. People say, “Why don’t you get a job?” I’ve been working this whole time.

Outside In offered different options. I got health insurance and I got into the transitional housing program. It’s an adjustment because I’ve never had my own space. It was scary at first. It didn’t feel real. But I got all my help in one building. My therapist is in the basement and the medical clinic is on the first floor. If health problems come up, my providers are right there. It makes me feel supported.

Beyond just my physical and mental health, I’m working on my goals. At the Employment and Education Resource Center, I enrolled in internships and job readiness training. Staff helped me with completing financial aid forms, securing books and supplies, and registering for physiology classes at Portland Community College. I’m just figuring it out, but I’m excited.

No two stories are the same. But resources help people. With the right support, there are people who will begin to get where they need to go. Outside In has been that resource for me.

Please give to Outside In today. You can change lives like mine. Thank you!

Gratefully,
Charlize

Simply scroll down to make a gift now! Need help donating? Call us at 503.535.3866.

photo of Charlize

Non-profit Status

Outside In is an independent, non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Oregon. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors in accordance with the policies defined in the organization’s Bylaws. Outside In is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization (EIN: 93-0567549). All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

501(c)(3) IRS Letter of Determination

AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FORM 990

IMPACT REPORTS

Success Stories

Anthony

As a patient at Outside In, the dignity, compassion, and respect that I was shown by staff truly had a lasting impact on me and directly resulted in me wanting to get involved in helping my community.

Shay

Outside In made me want to be around excellence. Outside In shaped me. It taught me how to be kind to people less fortunate.

River

When I came out as trans and reached out to the community for help, everyone had something good to say about Outside In.

Rei

Through these connections I was able to get into school and graduate as a Certified Medical Assistant

Jason

Through Outside In’s guidance and support, I was in my own apartment completely self-sufficient within a week.

Anna

If you met me today, you might never imagine I spent countless nights sleeping under the Burnside Bridge.

Ollie

I wanted independence and stability. I wanted to belong. I found Outside In.

Courtney

Housing at Outside In is so much more than a roof over your head. The staff is helpful and amazing. They were always there for us anticipating our needs. Finally, we weren’t hungry anymore and we were safe.

Ramad

I feel safe at Outside In. I love Outside In people. How they love us, care for us. The wonderful and fresh food, the health care, the accommodations, the hospitalities. People talking to me, listening to me. Changing lives. It is a great moment.

Adrianna

By the time I was 17, I didn't trust anybody...except Outside In. The staff took my concerns seriously, and took a holistic approach. They protected me.