Perfect Pilates

I was lucky recently to work with the fabulous folks at Pacific Northwest Pilates in Portland, Oregon.  This studio is qualified to certify instructors and it shows in the quality of the instructors they have available.  Even though I have been practicing for several years, this photo shoot blew me away.  The grace and athleticism displayed …

Remembering Al

I heard yesterday that Al passed away.  I wrote about Al last year, he was the first homeless person I really got to know.  He was inspiring, I didn’t hear resentment about his lot in life, only care for himself and his friends.  He taught me about the realities of a life without shelter and basic …

A Talented Future?

I had the pleasure of spending a recent morning with the youths at p:ear.  p:ear provides a unique environment in downtown Portland for homeless youth to explore the arts and other educational programs.  I was leading a photography workshop and the enthusiasm shown by the youth was very inspiring.  They brought their full energy and it showed me just …

A Taste of p:ear – Mentoring Homeless Youth

I had the pleasure of spending my morning with the staff of p:ear at one of their volunteer orientation sessions.  p:ear is an organization dedicated to build positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives.  You can find out more …

Faith in the Homeless

Jim invited me to attend the monthly brunch at St Johns Covenant church in North Portland. Not being a church goer, I wasn’t sure what to expect although I knew I would be in familiar company with some of the friends I had met at the Operation Nightwatch mobile hospitality center in St Johns. On …

Housing the Homeless

I am frequently asked “What do we need to do to end homelessness?”.  My usual response is it is a very difficult problem to address with many underlying issues and causes.  That said, I consistently hear a theme that the most important factor to end homelessness is providing permanent sustainable accommodation for everyone.  By sustainable, …

A Roof Over Our Heads

When I ask members of the homeless community what would make the biggest difference in helping them get back on their feet and increase their quality of life, I get a consistent answer, a roof over their heads that they can rely on.  This is something I take for granted but for many it is …

Faces of the Homeless

In partnership with Portland’s Operation Nightwatch organization we organized a photo shoot for the homeless guests at the Downtown and SE shelters.  I hastily pulled together a makeshift studio, packed up the gear and headed downtown with my wife Sue and younger son Jon.  I wasn’t sure how this would go over but I trust …

A Winters Night in Portland

Continuing my exploration into Portland’s homeless community I came across a survey completed in January documenting the homeless in Portland’s Multnomah County on a single night.  First off, this struck me as an ambitious project knowing how big the city is and the all the out of the way places you are likely to home …

For The Love Of The Game

I recently posted a blog about the Portland vs Seattle or Oregon vs Washington rivalry.  Over the weekend in October my family I visited the Washington vs Oregon Football game in Seattle and the Timbers vs Sounders soccer game in Portland – quite a weekend.  I noted in the blog how intense this rivalry is …