p:ear

p:ear builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth, ages 15 to 24, through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives. Each year our programs serve more than 350 homeless and transitional young people.

To truly exit homelessness, kids must develop the internal strength, skills and foresight to make healthy choices. p:ear provides a safe, non-judgmental environment in which youth are trusted to outgrow unproductive and harmful behaviors. We offer individualized mentoring and education programs in a safe, reliable and intimate setting designed to foster trust, build self-esteem and to teach homeless and transitional kids - who all too often are regarded by society as disposable, "hopeless cases" - that they are valuable individuals with a future who have something vital to contribute to this community.

p:ear staff and volunteers serve as mentors, friends, and role models, while p:ear's unique programs create opportunities for young people to grow intellectually, express themselves constructively, communicate in positive ways and engage in meaningful interactions with the larger community of Portland. This is not work that can be accomplished in the short-term. These are relationships based on trust that take years to cultivate and require enormous dedication to sustain.