Outside In :: Serving homeless youth and low-income adults in Portland Oregon

80% of youth who go through our transitional housing program never return to the streets.

Our Stories - view video

Annual Report

Board of Directors

What does Outside In do?
Group at Outside In Outside In is a social service agency dedicated to serving low-income adults and homeless youth. It began in 1968, and has continually revised services to meet changing client needs. Current programs include a community health clinic, a homeless youth program designed to help homeless youth obtain independent living, and risk education.

Why are youth homeless?
There are an estimated 2,000 homeless youth in Portland, and many myths associated with their homelessness. Youth end up on the street for multiple reasons, but most run away from violent and abusive homes.

90% of youth report some form of violence in their homes.
36% of girls report a history of childhood sexual abuse, with the first incident occurring at age seven. These youth flee to the street in hope of increased safety. Some youth find themselves abandoned by their parents. One child was left with a drug dealer for an indefinite time. Another returned home to find the parents had moved out leaving no contact information. Other youth turn to the street because of poverty, joblessness, alcohol/drug use and/or mental health conditions within their families. They feel hopeless about a positive future in their current environment.
30% of homeless youth are sexual minorities: gay, lesbian, bi, trans, or questioning. These youth and their families cannot together manage the many complexities of a developing sexual/gender identity outside of the norm. Most often youth believe they will better their lives when they go to the street.

Outside In takes the approach of meeting youth where they are to provide them with services proven to be successful.

How do we respond to the need?
We have had outstanding success helping Portland’s homeless youth transition off the streets and into stable lives.

80% of youth who go through our transitional housing program never return to the streets.
Outside In has been honored for its innovative services with our Youth Program receiving from the Oregon Shelter Network the first ever award given to a program.
Outside In also received a "Cares" Award from American Health Care Systems, which recognizes agencies for providing innovative services.
Outside In placed 5th out of 68 clinics reviewed nationwide and is a Federally Qualified Medical Center.

For the past 40 years, Outside In has remained committed to creating and providing essential services needed by the homeless, low-income, and uninsured members of our community.