2022: A Year of Impact
January 12, 2022
As we reflect on the challenges and successes of 2022, all of us at Impact NW feel tremendous gratitude. This gratitude comes from knowing that the Portland community shares our commitment to preventing homelessness. You showed up in big ways to support our community throughout 2022. And here’s what happened: together, we raised $1.4M to keep individuals, families, and children stably housed, and equipped with tools, resources, and skills to remain housed in the long-term.
Please see our 2022 Impact Report for more information on how, together, we made great strides in addressing the homelessness crisis.
Over the course of the last year, we were able to achieve the following outcomes, with the support of thousands of community partners, supporters, donors, and friends – like YOU.
- Served over 22,000 participants, a 34% increase of individuals, families, and children than the prior year
- 96% of individuals expressed satisfaction with services they received
- 97% of Indigenous, Black, Brown, Immigrant, Asian and Melanated participants agreed that INW staff respected their cultural preferences and values
- 94% of participants would recommend INW to others in need
- 92% of participants agreed that INW connects individuals with culturally appropriate resources and provides open minded support
Other achievements in 2022 include:
- 97% of participating households gained employment or increase earning potential by program exit
- 95% of households reported increased life skills (e.g., household budgeting and saving skills, job training, and educational advancement)
- 82% of participants gained permanent housing by program exit
- 93% of households reported that they have maintained permanent housing at six-month follow-up
- 4,612 home visits conducted across programs supporting young children (0-5) and their families
- 10,150 safe rides provided for Seniors for medical appointments and grocery shopping
At Impact NW, we are committed to centering the experiences of those most impacted by housing instability and homelessness. We strive to amplify the voices of those we serve. In doing so, we share stories of people who have found stability while working with Impact NW, people like Robin.
12 years ago, Robin suffered a catastrophic health crisis. After waking up from a coma, she could not speak or read anymore. She could not feed or dress herself – she was completely dependent on others. After years of intense rehabilitation in an assisted living facility, Robin was able to move to Impact NW’s Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP). Today, Robin is still receiving individualized supportive services from CHSP, as needed. She is also taking business classes at Portland Community College and working towards getting her driver’s license. Robin’s amazing story is a great example of the types of older adults that Impact NW serves – those that can overcome tremendous obstacles, with the right kinds of support, and safely achieve their unique goals in life.
Robin had this to say about her experience with CHSP: “Impact NW supported me in the most important time in my life. Sometimes I refused the help, but Miss Abby is a go-getter, and she calls me two or three times a week and says ‘You can do this ma’am, you can do this’ I need that kind of encouragement in my life, somebody to cheer me on to tell me, you’re almost at the finish line. You can do this, you’re almost there, you’re doing good.”
Robin had this to say about her experience with CHSP: “Impact NW supported me in the most important time in my life. Sometimes I refused the help, but Miss Abby is a go-getter, and she calls me two or three times a week and says ‘You can do this ma’am, you can do this’ I need that kind of encouragement in my life, somebody to cheer me on to tell me, you’re almost at the finish line. You can do this, you’re almost there, you’re doing good.”
Impact NW advocacy efforts
At Impact NW, we know the solution to homelessness is housing. We envision a future where housing is a human right and we are committed to lead human rights advocacy by helping to create positive systemic change. We created a Homelessness Prevention Strategy that outlines feasible, human-centered, actionable, and cost-effective solutions to end homelessness in our region.
As part of our commitment to increase our advocacy efforts and to raise awareness on policies that most impact our vulnerable neighbors, Impact NW, in collaboration with other nonprofits, facilitated a series of “Meet the Candidates Cafes”. These Cafes invited candidates running for the Multnomah County Chair position. The nonprofit community understands that this position is incredibly important to nonprofits in the region. This was an incredible opportunity to raise visibility of the work being done to address the region’s housing crisis. We engaged staff, program participants, community members, and partners to learn more about who is running for this position. One of the candidates from the cafe was elected. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to partner with mission-aligned organizations – all of whom are dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable households to find and retain stability, and access opportunities to thrive now and in the future.
Impact NW annual event
Make YOUR Impact Event 2022
Thanks to our supporters, we raised over $200,000 to keep families housed during our annual fundraising luncheon in May. Hundreds of committed community members showed up to support our vulnerable neighbors, including local business, corporate partners, community leaders, teachers, parents, and activists. At a time when the rate of evictions in our community are at an all-time high, funds raised through this event were integral in keeping individuals and families stably housed and well positioned to thrive in the future. Thank you for demonstrating your support of our mission to prevent homelessness.
Please Save the date for our next annual fundraiser: May 18th at 6pm .We will continue to provide these opportunities in a hybrid format. Stay tuned for more details to come.
Impact NW in the Media
Impact NW and KATU partnered again for this year’s Giving Tuesday and Season of Giving – thank you to our Board Member Adrienne Livingston and Executive Director, Andy Nelson for sharing our work.
View KATU’s Giving Tuesday AM NorthWest spotlight on Impact NW
View KATU’s Giving Tuesday Afternoon Live spotlight on Impact NW
The Holiday Hope Drive
This year, with the support of 8 incredible sponsors and community partners, Impact NW delivered over 1,000 gifts to children, youth, and families for the holidays. Thank you to KUNI BMW, Rick’s Fencing, Heritage Bank, Nike, Propeller PDX, Side Salon, Xenium HR, and the City of Portland! Visit our Instagram page to see videos from the Holiday Drive!
Looking back at this year – amid the challenges and uncertainty – what emerged is something powerful. Looking back, we see the power of a united community. We see that our mission to prevent homelessness is achievable. And we know that our services work. We know what it takes to prevent homelessness.
As we move into 2023, we will continue to put our intention into action – focusing on keeping families housed during the sustained homelessness and housing crisis, continuing our journey as an anti-racist organization, and using our voice, position, and experience to advocate for policies that support the most vulnerable in our community.
Thank you for your generous support and for doing your part to prevent homelessness!
