The expression has become so widely used, it is now applied to housing that serves a broad range of income levels. In response to this question we publish an annual update of the income levels of the people we work with and what they can afford to pay for their monthly rent. You’ll find this information listed below. The people served through our Housing Program reflect a broad spectrum of backgro
unds, careers, and work histories. We work with people who were bank tellers, nurses, teachers, long distance truckers, custodians, bookkeepers, construction workers, cooks, farm laborers, veterans, waitresses, loggers, and social workers. What they hold in common is that most are now living on an income of $990 per month or less. They are people who worked hard all their lives but did not have retirement benefit plans attached to their jobs, and are now living on limited income from Social Security. Northwest Pilot Project began in 1969 as an all volunteer agency to provide basic supports for seniors at risk of losing their ability to live independently. At the time there was no agency providing support for the elderly poor and as a result, elderly people were being put into nursing homes unnecessarily. In response NWPP began to "pilot" programs in areas of unmet need. These included:
The first Meals-on-Wheels program in the state of Oregon
Advocacy efforts leading to increased accessilbity of Tri-Met bus system for disabled people
Relocation services for seniors losing their housing due to building closures and gentrification of areas of the city
Spearheading preservation of affordable housing in our Portland Community
Organized a coalition of downtown Portland churches to provide emergency help to the poor
Organized volunteers willing to assist seniors with important services such as legal assistance. Over the years, a core group of four services, volunteer visitors, transportation, housing assistance and advocacy were kept in-house. Others, such as Meals-On-Wheels, were "piloted", then spun off to other agencies. Hence, the name, Northwest Pilot Project. NWPP has remained small and focused. Only by knowing everyone's name, face and special needs can we listen attentively, care enough to take our time, and work creatively on behalf of the people who come to us for help. Today we have an all professional staff carefully focused on senior services with a special emphasis on affordable housing for our clients' current stability and hope for the future. We are the leading advocate for homeless seniors in Portland.
