WeShine designs, builds, and operates neighborhood-based micro-villages that provide safe, transitional shelter and services where Portland’s vulnerable, unsheltered adults can live as they prepare to become successful tenants in permanent, affordable housing.
Watch how small villages are creating big change — one Portland neighbor at a time.
Our villages, volunteers, and donor’s work hand in hand to create safe, supportive spaces for unhoused adults across the city.
We build neighborhood micro-villages that offer adults safety, stability, and a path to permanent housing.
Volunteers bring meals, care, and connection — helping each WeShine village thrive as a community.
Your donation keeps villages running, supports residents, and helps create new safe housing.
WeShine builds and operates neighborhood-based micro-villages that give adults experiencing homelessness a safe, stable place to rebuild their lives and a pathway to permanent housing.
WeShine’s very first micro-village, Parkrose Community Village provides a safe, inclusive space for adults — especially those identifying as LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC — to rebuild their lives with dignity and community support. Through on-site staff, volunteer engagement, and wrap-around care, residents gain stability and take steps toward permanent housing.
Location: 12501 NE Halsey St., Portland
Site partner: Parkrose Community United Church of Christ
Opened: August 2022
Capacity: 10 sleeping pods
Our most recent village, located on the property of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, opened its doors in April 2025. St. Andrews Village provides safe, accessible shelter for adults over 45 or those with disabilities. With a full kitchen, ADA access, and strong community partnerships, St. Andrews Village represents WeShine’s most recent step toward expanding hope across Portland.
Location: 7600 N. Hereford Avenue, in North Portland
Site partner: St Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Construction partner: Home Building Foundation-HomeAid Portland
Opening date: April 2025
Capacity: 10 Sleeping pods
Avalon Village offers secure, transitional housing for women — prioritizing those who are older, BIPOC, or living with disabilities. Designed for comfort, safety, and connection, Avalon combines thoughtful architecture, volunteer support, and a spirit of belonging to help residents regain confidence and independence.
Location: 2539 SE 19th Ave., in Portland’s Hosford-Abernethy Neighborhood
Site Partner: PBOT
Opened: August 2024
Capacity: 10 adults
Community Volunteer
“People at WeShine can stay for up to two years. That is shown to be working as far as long-term, actually getting someone into housing and a new job. We need more WeShine villages. We need more villages like this.”
Portland Shed
“What I like about it is they help more disadvantaged homeless people.”
WeShine Board Member and Parkrose Village Neighbor
“Nobody wanted them there. We went to a meeting. It was terrible. People were yelling, screaming. After two years, it’s amazing. I’d be happy to have 3 or 4 more in my neighborhood. That’s how well it’s gone.”
Gather:Make:Shelter
“The WeShine model of having smaller villages with less pods and more support is really the way that folks can get the help that they really need to transition to permanent housing.”
Co-Founder and Former Board Member
“It’s a model that’s shown to work all over the country as far as getting people permanently moved into affordable housing.”
Every village tells a story of new beginnings. Our residents share how safety and belonging helped them find confidence again.
If you need housing in Portland, WeShine can help.
Fill out our short form.
We’ll review your application and connect you to openings.
Join a supportive community with wrap-around services.
Every dollar helps someone move from the streets into safe, stable housing. WeShine uses 100% of donations to keep villages running, support residents, and open new sites across Portland.
$50 provides daily essentials for one resident.
$200 covers one week of safe housing.
$800 supports a resident for a full month.
Give once or make it monthly every contribution keeps a light on and a door open.
