City of Portland Announces September 2 Opening of NW Northrup Shelter in Pearl District
The City of Portland will open the NW Northrup Shelter on September 2, providing emergency overnight accommodations for individuals experiencing homelessness. This new shelter, operated by the Salvation Army, will initially offer 40 sleeping units, with plans to expand to 100 beds within a month and potentially up to 200 based on demand. Mayor Keith Wilson highlighted the shelter's significance in his broader strategy to establish 1,500 overnight shelter beds by December 1, 2025, contributing to a total of 630 new beds created since January 2025. Skyler Brocker-Knapp, Director of Portland Solutions, noted that the shelter enhances service capacity in Northwest Portland, promoting safety and dignity for unsheltered individuals. The shelter will operate nightly from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM and discourage participants from arriving more than an hour before opening.
The facility will utilize a “night after” reservation system to ensure bed availability for returning guests. By prioritizing a trauma-informed and supportive environment, the NW Northrup Shelter aims to connect guests with additional resources. This opening marks a significant step toward addressing the homelessness crisis in Portland.