New Narrative

Mission

From clinical care and peer support programs to housing, we provide resources so thousands of people seeking mental health care can develop the tools to thrive, not just survive.

Bottom Line for Portland

Since 1977, New Narrative has risen to meet the mental health and housing challenges facing the Portland Metro community. We embrace a spirit of innovation by focusing on human-centered models of care. We are not gatekeepers for mental health; we know that the thousands of adults seeking services know what they need and we listen to their goals and situations, meeting them where they are at and creating a plan so that they can be successful in their mental wellness journeys. 

We know that mental health and houselessness are urgent issues affecting all of us. When you invest in New Narrative, you are helping people facing mental illness secure and keep housing, develop important life skills, and an opportunity to be a meaningful part of our community.

Quote

I feel completely different than this time last year. I’m so happy and stable.

-Participant with Self-Directed Services program

If I wouldn't have had access into housing [through New Narrative] I probably wouldn't be here today, I would have been wanting to be dead because I didn't want to live all my life homeless.

-Michael, a resident with our mission-based property management program

[New Narrative's program] NorthStar was there for me when I exhausted all other possible Mental Health resources. After countless insurance issues and not qualifying for many programs, I was inconsolable. In a seemingly dark, cruel and ruthless world I found the light that NorthStar brings and I now bring with me everywhere I go.

-Erika, NorthStar Clubhouse Member

New Narrative didn’t find this apartment, I did. When I got approved for this apartment, it changed everything. I had a starting point. I could focus. 

-David, Multnomah Rental Assistance Program Participant

It’s been a major challenge, but New Narrative has been a huge part of the positive experience through Paul’s journey. Having a clinician involved on-site, talking about his goals and medications with him, it made an incredible difference.

-“Frank”, describing his experience as a father of one of New Narrative's participants

I really didn't have people taking care of me. Now, to be able to maintain a full-time job and things I would've never had before has provided an opportunity for me to really work on myself. 

-Brayden, a Participant in our Compass Rose Program for former foster youth coming out of the foster care system

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At New Narrative, we believe in creating space and elevating voices that have traditionally been excluded. We will continue to dedicate resources to ensure that New Narrative is a safe, welcoming space for everyone.

Incentives

November 1: The first five donors who give at least $10 today to BOTH New Narrative and HereTogether will receive a FREE ticket to the sold-out November 8 screening of No Place To Grow Old at the Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton.

Partner(s)

Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) advances equitable communities and housing justice through developing sustainable and long-lasting housing, providing our residents with services for stabilization and growth, and connecting people who are unhoused with a place to call home.

HereTogether: Originally formed as a coalition of diverse stakeholders working in common purpose to secure the resources necessary to tackle our region-wide crisis, HereTogether has evolved into a community-wide movement. We unite service providers, business leaders, elected officials, and advocates to scale our region’s efforts against homelessness, all working towards a shared vision: a future where everyone has a safe, secure place to call home.

Scott Edwards Architecture is a collaborative, people-first architecture firm with a design approach that puts the vision, goals, and needs of the people they design for at the heart of their creative process. The firm has provided architecture, interior design, and planning services throughout the Northwest on a wide range of project types since 1998. Scott Edwards Architecture draws from community, healthcare, multi-family, civic, houses, education, commercial, hospitality, and planning experience to add a thoughtful, well-rounded perspective to each project.