Local program helps seniors, people with disabilities escape homelessness

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A local program is helping seniors and people with disabilities escape homelessness.

Their innovative work recently earned them a National Aging Innovations Award.

Rebecca Baker once danced at concerts and played in the symphony. However, after losing her mobile home to fire, she faced homelessness.

“The wiring wasn’t updated, so it burned down. It burned about 10 minutes,” Baker said.

She walked away with nothing. Her antiques, cherished viola and other items were gone. Without insurance or extra savings, she couldn’t afford rent.

A former nonprofit case manager herself, Baker turned to Multnomah County’s Homeless Mobile Intake Team for help:

“I can’t say enough good stuff about being here. It’s wonderful. The food is really good. Get services that I never had before,” Baker said.

Baker now lives in a North Portland assisted living center, thanks to the help she received.

In just three years, the team has helped more than 300 seniors and disabled adults connect to long-term care.

“Homelessness is not a one-fits-all cookie-cutter. There are many different situations, different life circumstances, personal circumstances,” Baker said.

Case manager Catalina Cloud said that with rents rising and senior homelessness growing, the need is only increasing.

She wants people to recognize the importance of these services and help ensure they are sustained long-term.

“We work with a trauma-informed care approach. The county and the State of Oregon make sure that we always keep that in mind or that we work with that approach,” Cloud said.

Baker is now safe and settled, turning her house into a home.

“I plan to stay here as long as possible, as long as god sees fit,” Baker said.

The program is funded mainly by county and state taxpayer dollars.

It also depends on nonprofit partners and public donations of money, time, and essentials like socks and blankets to keep going.