Wednesday, December 21 was our QED Laundry event. It was also the Longest Night, when communities gather to remember the lives of our neighbors experiencing houselessness who have passed away in the last year. 39 names were read at the vigil, cohosted and cosponsored by Clackamas County, Oregon, Downtown Oregon City and Homeless
Solutions Coalition of Clackamas County. Clackamas County Commission Chair Tootie Smith spoke, as did Dan Fowler and Vahid Brown. State Representative Mark Meek sang Amazing Grace and Rae Gordon sang Hallelujah. The first Longest Night vigil in Clackamas County was powerful, and underscored the need for continued expansion of supportive services and community partnerships. We do this work together; one person, one family, one community at a time.
Our laundry event was busy, even given the sub-freezing temps. 45 neighbors washed and dried clothes, shopped for hygiene supplies and received a hot meal. We are so thankful to partner with QED owner Robert Buick to provide clean clothes and bedding, and Outside In and Clackamas County to provide harm reduction services and supplies including Narcan.
Comments