Write Around Portland

Mission

Write Around Portland changes lives through the power of writing.

Bottom Line for Portland

Write Around Portland builds self-confidence and self-worth in communities who are most suffering. We work with people who are houseless, incarcerated, in addiction recovery, and in mental health treatment; 95% of our participants reported an improved quality of life after writing with us. 

Our work improves mental health, builds community, and amplifies under-heard voices.

Quote

“During a time of suffering, confusion, and heartbreak, writing was exactly what I needed to process what I was going through. I am so grateful to have participated in an experience that nourished me in a period of my life when I felt so lost.” - Willow

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Write Around Portland believes the arts are enriched by diverse voices and works to build a more open, inclusive literary tradition.   

We direct our program delivery to communities that are underheard in the literary mainstream – people who are houseless, low-income, incarcerated, in recovery and/or who have mental or physical illnesses or disabilities. We center Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in our work, and we intentionally seek to share power and find ways to move in and out of communities without intentionally causing harm. We know that without diversity, equity, and inclusion, we cannot have strong communities. 

To achieve equity for participants, we provide all writing supplies, nutritious snacks, and accommodations. On average, 75% of our writers live below the poverty line, 52% have a disability, 45% identify as a person of color, and 30% live with mental illness.  

Partner(s)

Indigo: Editing, Design, and More has a mission to improve the book world. They not only provide expert services to authors, small presses, and large publishers, but also advocate for thriving independent bookstore commerce and greater inclusion and diversity in the publishing industry.

Street Roots publishes a weekly social justice newspaper sold by people experiencing homelessness and poverty to earn an income.

Oregon Humanities connects people and communities through conversation, storytelling, and participatory programs to inspire understanding and collaborative change.