Cascadia hosted the grand re-opening of one of its programs on Monday, December 8, 2014. In collaboration with Multnomah County’s Mental Health & Addictions Services Department, Cascadia’s new and improved Harriet Court will provide much-needed housing to fifteen people who have experienced mental health challenges and who have a history of receiving care within the state hospital system.

Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury offered the keynote for the event. Chair Kafoury is a staunch advocate for people suffering from homelessness in Portland and has spearheaded a comprehensive effort to end homelessness locally by establishing partnerships between advocates like Cascadia. “The renovation of Harriet Court is a wonderful example of the County’s and Cascadia Behavioral Health Care’s dedication to providing safe and supportive housing to help those recovering from serious mental illness,” said Chair Kafoury.

Harriet Court reopens with renovated apartments for those recovering from mental health challenges (Multnomah County story)

“The baby-blue walls are hung with newly-framed images of Oregon’s high desert. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the wide halls with the grey light of a December afternoon. The place smells fresh of paint and new carpet

Behind 15 doors are efficient apartments, each the size of a hotel room and sparse. Each has a twin bed squatting on an industrial metal frame, a full-sized refrigerator, a kitchen counter and a bathroom with a new mirror and clean bathtub.”