Good Circumstance in the Portland Business Journal
Portland nonprofit opens library and safe space in Old Town
A library and safe space are adding to a growing nonprofit presence that is bringing new life to Portland's Old Town.
Solof said the arrival of these nonprofits has created a “total energy shift” for the neighborhood that’s bringing life back to the area, which has long been a challenging area of the city when it comes to homelessness and public safety.
“It’s very patchwork,” she said. “The idea is to occupy, activate, take the boards off the windows … and be a resource where people need help in an area that is historically the most dangerous area for women.”
KATU Visits Good Circumstance
Good Circumstance: A space designed for all women
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — A new space designed for comfort and dignity, is now open in Portland's Old Town neighborhood.
Good Circumstance is a non-lending library for women that's located on Northwest 2nd Avenue, just off of Burnside.
ARC PDX recently talked with Annie Barry, executive director of the organization, Dana Solof, the treasurer of the board, and Kenzie Nelson, the site manager. They explained how the project got started, what their mission is about, and the design choices both inside and outside the space.
The Oregonian features Good Circumstance
In Portland’s Old Town, a new library creates a safe space for women experiencing homelessness
The library, which opened July 21, offers women and other people of marginalized gender identities, especially those experiencing homelessness, with a place to spend time during the day. It provides books, computers, art supplies, musical instruments, classes and peer support. The selection of quiet activities differs somewhat from other day centers around the city that are often more focused on providing showers, mailboxes and support services.
“I can’t stress enough how safe it feels to be able to be in an environment such as this,” Oliver-Jones said.