The Work
Our mission is to provide high quality medical care and care coordination for our homeless neighbors. We work with other organizations to identify people who are at risk or need urgent medical attention. We also spend time visiting established camps/communities, building relationships, and providing care. Our limited mobile urgent care provides assessment, first aid, wound care, assistance with weather-related injuries and advice on chronic medical conditions. We limit prescribing to conditions that don't require lab or imaging for diagnosis.
We recognize that access to healthcare can be complicated, and we do everything we can to help our homeless neighbors navigate the system. On our teams, the Social Worker is often the most-needed role. There are many great organizations in our community who provide excellent medical services to the homeless community, and one of our main goals is to help connect the people we meet with the services that are already available.
In order to maintain a standard in quality of care, volunteers must we willing to commit to a regular schedule. A minimum of 2 shifts per month for our Street Teams, or a minimum of one shift per month for our Public Health Outreach (Vaccine Clinics, Severe Weather Response, etc.) and Community Health Education
We know that caring relationships are more likely to form between people who share lived experiences. We also realize that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community members experience a disproportionate burden of homelessness. We strive to offer more equitable and culturally supportive care to BIPOC houseless individuals. In this light, we are interested in connecting with BIPOC health care professionals (licensed or unlicensed) or those who have experienced homelessness who would like to help provide care for our homeless community members. .
Opportunities
General Street Rounds (2 shifts per month)
We currently send out teams on Mondays (5:30-9PM), Wednesdays (12-4PM), Fridays (10A-4P), and alternate Friday Evening (5:30-9PM) and Saturday (12-4PM) shifts.
Our teams consist of a Licensed Independent Practitioner (MD/DO/NP/PA), an RN/EMT-P/I, Care Coordinator (LCSW, MSW, CHW), and Scribe. Portland Street Medicine has roles for unlicensed individuals who care for their community from expertise gained through lived experience.
Public Health Outreach (1 shift per month)
Outreach teams consist of clinical and non-clinical volunteers depending on the shift. Vaccine Clinics typically need 2 vaccinators, a clinical observer, and a non-medical volunteer. Severe Weather shifts are as-needed, and open to all volunteers. Occurs every other Thursday (10-3pm), but additional shifts will occur various times depending on the need.
Community Health Education (CHE) (1-2 shifts per month)
Description coming soon!
Volunteer Roles
Click link to view:
Provider (MD/NP/DO/PA)
Care Coordinator (LCSW, MSW, CHW)
Scribe (non-clinical)
Driver (description coming soon)
Next Onboarding Opportunity: Spring 2024
Please fill out this Volunteer Interest form to be on the contact list for onboarding updates
For specific questions, you can reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Janell Watt, at jwatt@portlandstreetmedicine.org or leave a message at 503.501.1231.
*Please allow 2-3 week for a reply