A haven of unconditional love and support for women
Good Circumstance is a women’s non-lending library for women from all walks of life.
Good Circumstance is the place of belonging for all women. We provide a non-judgmental space with free internet/computer access, community classes, walk-in peer counseling, and a cozy place to enjoy literature in our non-lending library. We aim to serve the houseless women in Portland, but our doors and events are open to all women.
Come in and spend time here with us. Talk about your issues, sit with a book, and get support as needed.
Our mission
Our library provides dignity-centered, judgment-free services that meet basic needs, foster human connection, and restore a sense of belonging.
Good Circumstance is designed so guests never need to spend money or feel pressure - just a safe place to be. We are a centrally located facility accessible to public transportation and partner with local organizations, businesses, and donors to sustain operations through grants, in-kind donations, and corporate sponsorships. In our first year, we aim to serve over 1,000 unique individuals, provide free community classes, and provide 2,500+ hours of peer support.
Here at Good Circumstance, our goal is for you to feel the lift of having what you need to tackle the days ahead. We provide internet/computer services, reading material, snacks and drinks, and de-escalation services to help build a community that has the foundation to rise up!
Programs & Services
Computer and Internet Access
Our computer area is a quiet, welcoming space where you can go online, check your email, or take care of personal tasks. It is free to use.
Reading Materials
Come in and take a look at our books, suggest a title of something you would like to read next! The books do not leave our space and they will be here for you any time you choose to visit.
Peer Listening & Co-Regulation
Everyone gets aggravated sometimes, overcome with different emotions and triggered by different catalysts. We provide an in-person service with trained volunteers and staff for folks who need a moment to compose themselves or talk through the issues and obstacles in front of them.
Safe Community Space
Guests can simply exist without being moved along, sit indoors in a temperature-controlled environment, and interact with others on their own terms.
Food and Drinks
We provide free water and juice to the community and are aiming to have snacks available for free to patrons very soon!
Meet the Team
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Annie Barry
Executive Director
“Human dignity is at the center of everything we do.”
Annie is the founding director of Good Circumstance, an idea that was created in conversation with Emily Liepold, while talking about ways to positively impact communities. Annie has a background in advocacy, disability rights, therapy, and working with diverse populations. She has a Masters in Counseling Psychology and is passionate about community involvement.
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Dana Solof
Treasurer, Board of Directors
“Unfortunately, there aren’t enough places for people to go.”
Dana Solof is a Partner at a regional commercial real estate firm and a passionate advocate for community development. With over a decade of experience leading projects that strengthen local economies and support small businesses, she brings strategic insight and collaborative energy to every initiative. Dana holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a background in foreign economic policy, combining business acumen with a deep commitment to positive social impact.
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Emily Liepold
Secretary, Board of Directors
Emily is an advocate in human rights and an enthusiast of existential theory with an educational background in chemical physics and computational models. She has a doctorate in astrophysics and is an astronomer at UC Berkeley, hunting for black holes. Emily has published revolutionary papers on the existence and movement of phenomena in the night sky.
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Samantha Brady
Board Member
Samantha is a research scientist and a leading woman in her field. As the COO for a research startup, she uses her doctorate to study and treat oncology patients using specialized methods. She is passionate about mentorship and operational oversight; Samantha is driven by empathy and the belief of humanity in others.
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Viveka Moon
Board Member
Viveka is a teacher of voice, somatic movement, and reiki. She has a Masters in Music and has starred in several operas and theatre performances. She acts as the executive director Lajja Space, a nonprofit in Oregon, which provides services and classes in movement, sound, and voice. Additionally, Viveka performs utilizing her incredible vocalizations alongside DJs, medicine circles, country fair performers, and much more.
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Lara Jaeger
Office & Project Manager
“We want people to feel like they are seen, they are understood, and they have people in their corner.”
Lara is a mom of three who has over twenty years of experience managing businesses and making dreams come true. Here at Good Circumstance, she dedicates her time to providing grant writing, managing waves of change, and keeping all the plates spinning in administration, fundraising, creation, and otherwise.
Ways to Help
Each gift fuels life-changing services — free community classes, hot showers, meals for the hungry, and compassionate support for women seeking a fresh start.
We need you the most! Please ask about donating your time to support our mission.
We are also looking for helpers! Please reach out if you have availability to teach a class that benefits the community. We especially love expressive arts, healing movement, job and business skills, and expert Q&A sessions.
Thank you for caring about our community!
Because of you, change happens.
Because of you, change happens.
Current Requests:
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Small and medium picture frame donations
These would be used in our Quiet Reflection space. We have a typewriter that people can use to express their thoughts and feelings. We will frame the creations, and then people can either display it on the wall at our facility or take it with them.
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Socks
Seeking clean, new, and warm socks in all sizes!
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Items for our raffles
Help us raise money by giving something to the community.
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Artist Showcase
We are currently accepting art by local artists to be highlighted in our artists showcase and then sold to raise money for our mission. We would love to receive prints or original art for this cause.
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Teachers
We are currently looking for teachers of different topics to donate their time to lead a small class at our location! Please ask if you can offer any type of class especially on the topics of art, music, resume-building skills, and/or healing, etc.
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Volunteers
We need you! We are looking for people to help create a warm and welcoming environment. This would include listening to women, untangling dysregulation, and helping manage the book and computer room. Training provided for peer mediators.
Make a Donation
Your generous gift gives food and water, books, clean clothes, and counseling services to women in need. Thank you!