Self-Sufficiency Programs was part of the grand opening at its new location at 4429 NE Killingsworth, Portland
The new 50,000-squarte-foot building is called the new Portland Community College (PCC) Opportunity Center on 42nd Avenue.
The Opportunity Center is pretty much what its name implies: It’s a collaboration of community members including the Small Business Development Center, the Native American Youth and Family Center, as well as ODHS Self-Sufficiency programs. Multnomah County Health Department is expected to open a 10,000-square-foot health clinic, offering healthcare and dental services. Also, an 84-unit affordable housing complex in partnership with PCC, including NAYA’s Early Learning Center for child development services is also planned.
“Everything about the Opportunity Center is consistent with ODHS’ approach to serving communities. In one spot, there are our Self-Sufficiency services along with family and youth services from NAYA (Native American Youth and Family Center), medical and dental services, workforce and community college services and eventually affordable housing.” The site is fully integrated, has a trauma informed design and is located in the most diverse Zip code in Oregon which helps us achieve our Equity North Star,” Seth Lyon, ODHS Chief Operating and supporting Oregon Health Authority, said.
State, Multnomah County, PCC, ODHS leaders and other local visitors at the Grand Opening. Speakers included Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal; PCC Board President Tiffani Penson; PCC President Adrien Bennings, Ph.D.; and ODHS District Manager, Multnomah County, Sherrelle Jackson.
“I’m very excited about our move to this location! We have a real opportunity to deconstruct silos and provide equitable resource access for Multnomah County Oregonians right here in the heart of Northeast Portland. This is a one-stop location for people to get culturally specific and other resources they need to thrive in their lives. We are looking forward to this collective impact partnership here at the Opportunity Center,” Sherrelle Jackson District Manager for Self-Sufficiency and Child Welfare programs, Multnomah County, said. Jackson along with District 2 SSP Senior Operations Manager Sandra Valdivia and D2 Chief Operating Officer Nancy Thomas were instrumental in making this his move a success. To hear Jackson’s speech about the opening and her lived experience and what the Opportunity Center means.
Working in collaboration with other community resources is part of an ongoing path for ODHS in siting its offices. In January 2022, the agency moved to a new trauma-informed building which also housed community partners including the Immigration and Refugee Community of Oregon (IRCO) and domestic violence victim advocates. In May 2022, ODHS moved to a new building which also had offices for the Klamath Tribes and the Klamath County Developmental Disability Services. This summer, ODHS will move into a multi-service facility in Brookings with several other community services. If you want to learn more: Opportunity Center on 42nd Avenue.
