Portland, OR. Things continue to feel far from normal for My Father’s House, where the regulatory efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have led to the cancellation of all fundraising events this year. The organization – which is will soon celebrate 20 years of service to the houseless community of Oregon – is rescheduling its anniversary celebration From January to April 17, 2021. Currently, much many of the resident families (like the one above) are looking forward to continuing the back-to-work education in person at My Father’s House. My Father’s House reclaims at-risk homeless families from street life by providing them with the life skills necessary to become permanently independent and productive citizens.

The mass layoffs in the wake of the pandemic have severely disrupted the organization’s back-to-work program. “It’s been difficult as residents have lost jobs. It feels like one step forward and two steps back…,”  conveyed Assistant Director Andrea Pickett. She explained that their educational program – which includes the Life Skills and Rent Well curriculums – encountered difficulties in adapting to Zoom.

Nonetheless, faculty have been working hard to meet state requirements, conducting classes on Zoom, and striving to keep contact with residents via phone and internet. “We certainly have upped our technology skills,”  Andrea noted. “We have been able to keep a somewhat normal schedule of classes, case management, job, and housing search. In addition, while secluded, we have been able to work on facility issues of repair.”