DIGNITY VILLAGE
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Mission Statement
Dignity Village is a membership-based community in NE Portland, providing shelter off the streets for 60 people a night since 2001. It’s democratically self-governed with a mission to provide transitional housing that fosters community and self-empowerment– a radical experiment to end homelessness.
About This Cause
Dignity Village is a city-sanctioned, intentional community and transitional housing campground in Portland, Oregon. Our Mission We seek to create a green, sustainable urban Village for those who are seeking shelter but are unable to find it. We feel it’s necessary to establish a community-based living facility where people living on the streets can have their basic needs met in a stable, sanitary environment free from violence, theft, disruption of peace, and drugs and alcohol. About the residents Membership is by application. Dignity Village states that membership is not limited “based on race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, handicap, age, lifestyle choice, previous criminal record, or economic status.” Membership is granted after residents have lived at Dignity Village for more than 60 days, and are current on their weekly contribution of ten hours sweat equity, and $35 monthly insurance. There’s no criteria for residency, other than being over age 18 and having a willingness to live at Dignity Village and participate in the upkeep of the community. Most residents come to Dignity Village having previously experienced homelessness or housing instability, wanting to spend their time at Dignity Village getting back on their feet. Residents live at Dignity Village for an average of two years. Our Village Dignity Village is the longest continually-operating, city-sanctioned community of its kind. Our site is owned by the City of Portland, and Dignity Village, Inc. contracts for the legal right to operate the “transitional housing campground.” Though the legal language around our contract defines Dignity Village as a “campground”, we live in semi-permanent structures more closely related to “tiny houses.” Our village has shared common spaces, a communal kitchenette, shower, porta-potties, computer lab, greenhouse, raised bed gardens, and donation storage. Governance There are bylaws and a board of directors with an elected chairperson and other corporate officers. Every Wednesday evening, the democratically elected board and council members of Dignity Village meet to conduct business. Twice a month, the entire Village gathers to discuss and vote on community concerns. Finances Dignity Village is financially self-sufficent. Our operating expenses (primarily utilities and liability insurance) are funded through resident contributions and microbusinesses. We fund maintenance and site improvements through donations.