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.
We enjoyed leading a tour of our sweet Parkrose Community Village last Saturday! Thank you to our friends, neighbors, volunteers and community partners! #ittakesavillage❤️
#unhousedneighbors #weshinepdx #solvinghomelessness #alternativeshelters
We are in Parkrose this morning at our Parkrose Community Village! Our fantastic host site at @parkrosecommunityucc is beautiful today! We love educating our neighbors and the community on the effectiveness of micro-villages!
#parkroseneighborhood #solvinghomelessness #portlandoregon #unhousedneighbors #weshinepdx
Hurray! Save the Date! We will be celebrating, eating cake, recognizing WeShine’s amazing three villages, sharing updates, thanking our friends on Friday May 15th at the beautiful @westprespdx
We will have more details soon and a link to RSVP!
#nonprofitwork #nonprofitbirthday #unhousedneighbors #microvillageshelters #weshinepdx
Community looks like this. 🌱
These raised beds were built by a local Scout group at one of our WeShine micro-villages — and look at that winter kale thriving! We love partnering with neighbors, community organizations, and local groups who believe everyone deserves a dignified, rooted place to call home. This garden is shared by our residents and our church partners and neighbors — because that’s how it should be.
#WeShinepdx #micro-villages #CommunityGarden #Portland #northportland
More photos from our amazing morning at @steloarts exploring the @dearportlandexhibit and holding a WeShine Volunteer Orientation with some amazing folks. We are always moved by how much Portlanders care about our city’s homelessness crisis. As Micheal from @humansforhousingorg says at the opening of the exhibit, “Portland is a city I love but also Portland, you’re breaking my heart!” We have a long road ahead of us. When everyday folks show up to just HEAR about how they can help…..we are making steps forward!
#unhousedneighbors #portlandoregon #portlandhomelessness #humansforhousing #weshinepdx
WeShine has been lucky to become buddies with the fabulous folks at @humansforhousingorg and to be a featured non profit at the beautiful and inspiring art installation and exhibit @dearportlandexhibit at @steloarts Today we hosted a WeShine presentation and volunteer orientation in the gallery space after our guests got to view the exhibit! If you have not seen this moving exhibit PLEASE DO! The exhibit runs til April 9th!
#humansforhousing #dearportlandexhibition #solvinghomelessness #oldtownpdx #portlandoregon
We had a blast tonight with the fabulous @thee_kdiamond and @destinysmokez for Drag Bingo with staff and villagers at our Parkrose Community Village! Community, beauty, joy, laughter, love and BINGO! We love when we can create meaningful experiences for our beloved villages!
#weshinepdx #pdxdragqueen #dragbingo #unhousedneighbors #community
Hey! Come see us and see a presentation by WeShine staff, ask questions, take a tour of our flagship village!
RSVP at link in bio!
#unhousedneighbors #eastportland #parkroseneighborhoodpdx #russellneighborhoodpdx #eastportlandbusinesses
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