🌱 OR Leaders Talk Mental Health + Proposed Law Gives Homeless $1K

Hey, everybody. It's Tuesday in Portland and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in the community.

But first, today's weather:

Rain and snow showers. High: 41 Low: 28.

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Here are the top three stories today in Portland:

1. Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra visited Portland to discuss youth mental health and health care costs with local officials, including Gov. Tina Kotek and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. Becerra highlighted the Biden administration's commitment to strengthening youth mental health services and efforts to reduce health care costs, such as capping the cost of insulin. The secretary also toured Faubion School, which is being turned into the Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health. (KATU)
2. A proposed bill in Oregon would provide $1,000 per month over a year to homeless people and low-income individuals, covering rent, emergency expenses, food, childcare, and other desired goods/services. The program, called the People’s Housing Assistance Fund Demonstration Program, would be administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and would target BIPOC, people aged 58 and up, people with disabilities, veterans, homeless youth, and households with children. Before implementation, Portland State University would conduct a study on the costs, benefits, and policy options, and if successful, the DHS would create a plan for administering the funds. (Fox 12 Oregon)
3. In 2019, Cleo and Kayin Talton-Davis saved a house from being demolished and moved it to an empty spot on their family's property in the Albina community in Portland. The community has a history of Black families being displaced by development projects. Albina Vision Trust is now working to reclaim and rebuild some of the historically-Black Albina neighborhood, with the first major project, Albina One, set to open in 2025. (KATU)

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Today in Portland:

• Portland Job Fair At PSU - Smith Memorial Student Union (10:00 AM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night At Bethany Public House (7:00 PM)
• Kevin Hays Trio At The 1905 (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you a burlesque fan? On Mar. 17, Clinton Street Theater will host "This Ain't No Disco: A Talking Heads Drag and Burlesque Tribute Show" at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15. (Travel Portland)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Portland area at the link! (Oregon Humane Society, Portland)
• Are you looking to fill your social calendar this weekend? Check out the list of events happening in and around Portland at the link! (Travel Portland)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.