Apply to Live in a WeShine Village
WeShine provides transitional micro-village shelter with private Pods and supportive community living. Applications are currently closed, but you can learn more about our program and explore other resources available right now.
What Weshine Provides
Private Pod for Safe Sleeping with locking Doors
Shared Community Facilities
Bathroom & Showers
Supported Self-Governance
Access to Wrap-Around Services
Access to Wrap-Around Services
From Unsheltered to Supported: Life at WeShine
Is WeShine right for you?
You’re likely a good fit if…
- Currently working toward personal goals
- Ready to take next steps toward housing
- Willing to work on communication and interpersonal skills
This might not be a fit if…
- Inability to meet basic self-care needs
- Don't want to participate in or be an active member of a Community
- Unable to follow our Good Guest Agreement
- 18+
- Currently unhoused
- Able to maintain Pod + shared spaces
- Agree to community standards
How We're Different
Understanding the different forms of shelter resources available for you and how our Transitional Village Model is different
| Criteria |
 Congregate ShelterLarge shared space, limited privacyCongregate shelters provide overnight accommodation in large group rooms with cots or mats. Residents typically leave each morning and return in the evening, with minimal ability to store belongings or create personal space. These shelters offer basic safety but limited privacy and routine. |
 WeShine Transitional VillagePrivate Pod with locking door, structured programsWeShine Villages provide transitional shelter with private, locking Pods, onsite hygiene facilities, community support, and daily stability. Villagers can safely store belongings, participate in structured routines, and work toward independent housing with the support of compassionate staff. |
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Private, safe personal space. |
Limited |
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Length of stay |
Short-term |
Up To 2 Years |
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Must leave during the day |
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Lease or rental agreement |
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Supportive services onsite |
Limited |
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Transitional program |
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Meal Service |
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Wifi Access |
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Dogrun |
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Gardening Opportunities |
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Villages Accepting Applications
WeShine operates several small transitional micro-villages across Portland, each serving a specific population and offering private Pods, supportive staff, and a community-centered environment. Application availability varies by village and depends on current openings. Please review the status of each village below to see which locations are accepting applications at this time.
If all villages are currently closed, we’ve included a list of other trusted resources below that may be able to provide support right now.
Parkrose Village
Parkrose Village is a small transitional micro-village in Northeast Portland serving adults who identify as LGBTQIA+, with priority for individuals who are also Black, Indigenous, People of Color, have disabilities, or have been camping nearby. Operated in partnership with Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, the village provides a supportive, community-centered environment for up to ten residents working toward stable housing.
Avalon Village
Avalon Village is a transitional micro-village in Portland’s Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood serving up to 10 female-identifying adults at a time, with priority for individuals who are also Black, Indigenous, People of Color, older adults, have disabilities, or have been camping nearby. Operated in partnership with the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Avalon Village opened in August 2024 and provides a supportive, community-centered environment for residents working toward stable housing.
St. Andrew’s Village
St. Andrew’s Village is a transitional micro-village in North Portland serving up to 10 adults at a time who are age 45 or older, or adults of any age with a physical disability, with priority for individuals who also identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, or have been camping nearby. Operated in partnership with St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, the village is scheduled to open in Q2 2025.
Need Help Right Now? Here Are Other Resources
If our application is currently closed or you need immediate support, there are several trusted services in Portland that can help with shelter, food, outreach, and warming spaces. These organizations are available right now and can assist with finding safe rest, emergency supplies, crisis services, or next-step housing options. We encourage you to explore the resources below if you need help today.
Shelters + Food
Resources that help with immediate shelter, meals, and basic survival needs.
Clothing + Furniture
Resources that help with clothing, household items, and basic furnishings.
Information Resources
Resources that provide guidance, referrals, legal help, disability support, and navigation of services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a WeShine Village?
WeShine Villages are small transitional communities made up of private sleeping Pods, shared hygiene facilities, supportive staff, and structured programs. Villagers have a safe place to rebuild stability while preparing for independent housing.
What kind of support does WeShine provide?
Villagers receive a private Pod with a locking door, access to hygiene facilities, supplemental food, community support, and guidance from staff. WeShine provides structure and stability while helping villagers access outside services—not long-term housing.
What are the expectations for villagers?
Villagers agree to maintain their Pod, participate respectfully in community life, follow shared expectations, and work toward stability and future housing. A “Good Guest Agreement” outlines these standards in clear and supportive language.
What if applications are currently closed?
When WeShine cannot accept new villagers, we provide a list of local resources—including shelters, warming centers, Safe Rest Villages, and housing hotlines—so you can find immediate support. You are encouraged to check back for future openings.
You know we love a forklift! Two more pods arrived for our new and improved Parkrose Community Village! We also love forklift drivers like Tom, our buddy from @lmcconstruction
We are delighted by this blue sleeping pod from our friends in Seattle @soundfoundationsnw We have 8 pods now! 5 more to go!! Whooo!
#unhousedneighbors #solvinghomelessness #microvillages #alternativeshelters #soundfoundationsnw
Come see us at the @gathermakeshelter First Thursday reception for this fabulous show: Luminous-The story of WeShine and Gather:Make:Shelter on Thursday June 4th from 5:30-7:30 at 1335 NW Kearney St. Portland, Oregon 97209
#community #firstthursday #art #unhousedneighbors #gathermakeshelter
Family rejection, discrimination in employment, and a shelter system that often wasn’t built with them in mind all play a role.
This Pride Month, WeShine is sharing why safe, affirming shelter AND housing are not just housing issues, they are justice issues.
Stay with us all month. 🏠🌈
#PrideMonth #WeShine #Portland #2slgbtqia HomelessnessAwareness
Look what is coming together swimmingly! More new pods arrived last week from @soundfoundationsnw !! And more arriving this week! We love these pods they are sooo homey, roomy and pretty! We enjoy sharing this whole process with you all!
🏘️🏡🏘️🏡🏘️🏡
#unhousedneighbors #tinypodvillages #shelter #weshinepdx #fromseattletoportland
Happy Pride Month from WeShine’s Central Office in the basement of the lovely @westprespdx !! We will be posting all month about the specific challenges our unhoused neighbors who identify as #2slgbtqia face in Portland. It is a month of celebration but also a call to roll up our sleeves to work harder at uplifting our queer communities AND reducing homelessness!
#portlandoregon #solvinghomelessness #unhousedneighbors #pridemonth2026🌈❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
At WeShine, we are committed to serving those who face the greatest barriers to safe, stable housing, including members of our AANHPI community. That commitment doesn’t end when the month does.
To our AANHPI neighbors, residents, partners, and friends: you belong here. You matter here. 🌺
#AAPIHeritageMonth #AANHPI #Portland #PacificNorthwest #unhousedneighbors
Like many non profits in the homeless services sector, we are facing severe budget shortfalls this coming fiscal year! Help us keep celebrating the luminosity of WeShine’s direct impact on some of the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness in Portland! You are part of the WeShine family no matter how big or small a donation you give!
#unhousedneighbors #tinypodshelters #solvinghomelessness #homelessservices #weshinepdx
Look what arrived this morning from Seattle! The first batch of BRAND NEW PODs from our new best friends, @soundfoundationsnw Thank you to our delivery drivers from @nwshedsllc and our amazing pals at @lmcconstruction
Our new pods are going to be in the parking lot at @parkrosecommunityucc until we can lift them into our redeveloped Parkrose Community Village! WeShine has so much to celebrate this month! @multco_hsd
#tinypod #microvillage #ittakesavillage❤️ #unhousedneighbors #solvinghomelessness
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