Help Strengthen the Pearl District: Give to NWCC
By giving a year-end gift to NWCC, you directly support the critical humanitarian and security initiatives serving the Pearl District.
As part of a great community—and as the year comes to a close—this is a meaningful time to celebrate our accomplishments and grow support for NWCC.
Thank You, Pearl District
Appreciating a Remarkable First Year of Community, Partnership, and Progress
NWCC’s Executive Director celebrates one year of community, collaboration, and progress in the Pearl District with a heartfelt Thanksgiving message of appreciation.
As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, and as I reflect on completing my first year as Executive Director of NWCC this past September, I’m reminded of how much I have to be grateful for.
Holiday Parking
PBOT Announces Free Parking Weekends!
Big Boost for Pearl District Small Businesses
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has announced a series of free parking days designed to support local shopping during the holiday season, and the Pearl District is a major beneficiary of this new initiative.
A Cautionary Tail: Chuck’s Close Calls
In the Pearl District, a local dog owner recounts how Chuck the labradoodle came frighteningly close to a life-threatening ordeal.
Meet Chuck, my 90-pound Labradoodle with the heart of a clown and the wardrobe of an Irish Wolfhound. He’s six going on two, fueled by joy, fur, and an unshakable belief that every human he meets is carrying snacks.
Stories from the Streets: Helping Lucas Find His Way Home
A Simple Connection That Changed Everything
NWCC Humanitarian team member Terrance met Lucas, 33, from Marion, North Carolina, during his outreach in downtown Portland. Lucas shared that he’d been stuck in Portland for the past four months, unsure how to find his way home.
From Jamison Square to Safe Shelter: Helping Roy Find Rest
A compassionate approach to connection, safety, and support.
At Jamison Square, our outreach team met Roy, a 64-year-old man who had set up a small tent near the park’s fountain. Families and children were enjoying the afternoon nearby, and Terrance, one of our outreach specialists, approached with warmth and respect.
We’ve Been Flocked! Help Us Mitigate the Crows!
A Collaborative Community Plan to Solve the “Crow Issue”
While we love our crows, we don’t love the mess they leave behind. From droppings on streets, sidewalks, and cars to damage caused by pecking at insulation and electrical wiring, it’s clear that a humane approach is needed to reduce their numbers in our community.
Community Notice: Portland Street Response Number has Changed
Community Notice: Portland Street Response Number has Changed
Effective today, if you need to call Portland Street Response (PSR), call this dedicated number: 503-823-PSR3 (7773)
Crow Control in the Pearl District – Falconry Abatement Program
Innovative Approach to Addressing the Neighborhood Crow Problem
A Solution to the “Crow Problem” from NWCC’s Executive Director, Chase McPherson
The Challenge: The Crow Crows Shall Return!
Having been part of Downtown Clean and Safe before joining NWCC, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that falconry-based bird abatement can have on the community. I’m now reaching beyond NWCC for support and funding to launch a similar program here in the Pearl District—to help us tackle the crow poop problem and keep our neighborhood clean.
Northrup Shelter Update: Early Operations & Community Impact
Attendance, Outreach, and Neighborhood Maintenance
Shelter Attendance & Capacity
In the first days of operation, Northrup Shelter saw an average of 10–15 guests per night. Recently, that number has grown to around 30 guests, and with favorable weather and strong engagement, we expect attendance to remain steady. The City is considering lifting the current cap of 40 guests as staffing levels increase to meet staff-to-guest ratios.
NWCC Launches Window Art Program to Support Pearl District Businesses
The Northwest Community Coalition (NWCC) is transforming challenges into opportunities in the Pearl District with a new Window Art Program. By turning boarded-up windows into colorful, community-inspired art, local businesses are able to maintain a welcoming atmosphere—even after break-ins.
Northrup Shelter Community Engagement & Services
The City of Portland’s Community Engagement Plan outlines priority services provided around all overnight shelters. In addition to those citywide services, the following specific supports are in place for Northrup Shelter.
Summer on the Streets: Outreach & Shelter News
July stats reveal how hot weather changes needs and where the new shelter stands.
A note from our Executive Director, Chase McPherson. Our July 2025 numbers for Humanitarian Outreach tell a story about how the summer heat shapes life on the streets. Last month, we handed out over 400 bottles of water, a big jump from 179 in June.
Making Connections: Introducing the Office of Small Business
NWCC and Prosper Portland Hit the Streets to Discuss Resources with Pearl District Small Businesses
This month, as part of NWCC’s advocacy work, we partnered with Prosper Portland’s new Office of Small Business for a two-hour tour, linking Pearl District businesses with valuable city resources.
Discussing Infrastructure Improvements
NWCC Advocacy: Working Together to Brighten and Improve Our Neighborhood Streets
NWCC walked with PEMO (Portland Environment Management Office), ODOT, PBOT, and PGE on July 22nd. Together, we walked under the 405 from Raleigh Street down to Johnson Street.
Heat, Hope & Community: What Summer Means for the Pearl District
Water relief, shelter updates, and how neighbors are shaping the future together!
Summer’s Here — and So Is Our Opportunity to Help
With Portland’s summer in full swing, the heat is more than just an inconvenience — it’s a real danger for many of our neighbors.
Security Alert: Assault Incident
We would like to inform our community of a concerning safety incident that occurred on Friday, July 11, at approximately 6:00 PM. A community member was randomly assaulted and punched in the face by an unknown individual, later identified as Eder Ruizhernadez, near the Metropolitan Condominiums.
We are compiling verified details to provide our members with accurate, up-to-date information.
Member Spotlight: Hyphn’s Generosity Helps NWCC Feel Like Home
A big thank-you to NWCC Member Hyphn for turning our Pearl District office into a more welcoming, functional space—for staff, volunteers, and the community we serve.
A huge thank-you to Hyphn, an NWCC member, for donating beautiful, modern furniture to our Pearl District office! Thanks to their thoughtful gift—our space is more inviting and comfortable than ever.
Stories from the Streets: An Important Step Forward
Stories from the Streets: An Important Step Forward
While walking through Portland’s Pearl District recently, NWCC Humanitarian Team member Terrance ran into someone special—Tony.
Shelter Proposals in the Pearl: What You Need to Know
Community Alert!
Dear Pearl District Neighbors,
NWCC is aware of two proposed shelters coming to our area, with one run by Blanchet House on Northwest 17th and Lovejoy, with a proposed 75-bed women-only overnight shelter.
The second proposed shelter would be on the corner of Northwest 15th and Northrup which is spearheaded by the city with 200 co-ed overnight beds. Both operations are overnight which means that they will only be open from 8 pm to 6 am (generally speaking).