Southeast Portland nonprofit fears funding cuts for homelessness

A nonprofit in Southeast Portland is concerned about funding cuts to homeless programs. Stone Soup provides meals and job training to people in need. Each week, it prepares around 1,700 free meals. These meals go to children’s hospitals, shelters, and people in transitional housing. Executive Director Ellen Damachino runs Stone Soup. She emphasizes their commitment to the community, with many participants helping to prepare meals. One participant, Jennifer Jones, is nearing the end of her culinary training program after being homeless for three years. Jones hopes to one day own a nightclub. The future of Stone Soup is uncertain due to funding from Multnomah County’s Homeless Services Department. The department is facing a budget gap of about $100 million, which may lead to cuts. Damachino expressed concern about how these cuts could affect their programs. Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has warned about a significant budget shortfall, initially reported as $104 million but later estimated to be closer to $70 million. Stone Soup received over $200,000 last year from the county, but potential cuts of 25% could threaten its operations. Volunteers and staff, including a delivery volunteer named Jonathan, are worried that cutting these programs will hurt efforts to help people off the streets. He believes supporting these programs should be a top priority for the community.