Housing and homelessness is a visible and divisive issue in local media, in politics, and across different communities within our state. Many of us were experiencing housing instability and economic uncertainty even during the “boom” times before the current crisis. This conversation will explore common assumptions and perspectives about the experience of houselessness/homelessness and seek to answer the question, How do we decide who “belongs” in our community? 

Conversation leader Paul Susi is a theater artist, social services professional, educator, and community activist born and raised in Portland. From 2015 to 2020, Paul worked as a lead shelter host, shift supervisor, and ultimately manager for six successive Transition Projects shelters. This program is co-sponsored by by LoveOne, The Father’s Heart, Central City Concern and Milwaukie Police Department.