KarunaNews Story

After a bitter ice storm swept through Portland, Oregon, the Mental Health Association of Portland and Congregation of Shir Tikvah partnered to donate and disperse 1,500 tents to unhoused locals. Emergency warming shelters temporarily housed 1,200 people but closed their doors when temperatures rose above 25 degrees Fahrenheit. While the tents will likely be removed in coming weeks due to the county policy against unsanctioned encampments, the organizations will count the operation as successful if even a single life is saved. Their efforts follow a record-breaking auction in December when the Portland Rescue Mission shelter in Burnside raised $50,000 for a pair of golden Air Jordans, expanding resources for hot meals, overnight shelter space, and medical care.