In the News
Throughout 2023 and into 2024, OPB began taking a deep look at the biggest social and economic challenges facing Oregon today — their origins, their impacts and possible solutions.
This series of stories and conversations was produced with support from the Oregon Community Foundation, which has been improving the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy since 1973. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF works to strengthen communities in every county in Oregon through research, grantmaking and scholarships.
Drugs and addiction
‘It’s crazy out there’: The reasons behind Oregon’s deepening drug crisis
Fueled by fentanyl, the number of overdose deaths in Oregon has soared since 2019. And while the surge in overdoses is part of a national problem, the state’s underfunded treatment system is struggling to provide local solutions.
At Great Circle Recovery, the doors are open to anyone seeking addiction treatment
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Fentanyl has taken over the illegal drug market largely due to its low cost and abundant supply. It’s fueling rising addiction rates, and those in need of treatment often have no options. Enter the Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde’s Great Circle Recovery program, which has locations in Portland and Salem, as well as a mobile clinic.
Housing
Oregon has an extreme housing shortage. Here’s what could be done
Experts say there isn't a quick fix to undo decades of underbuilding. But there are steps policymakers and Oregonians can take.
Community Partners Affordable Housing helps residents thrive
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The Cedar Grove apartments in Beaverton were created by Community Partners Affordable Housing, or CPAH. The nonprofit has been working to create homes that Oregonians can actually afford to live in for 30 years now.
Homelessness
How homelessness in Oregon started, grew and became a statewide crisis
The path out of Oregon's homelessness crisis isn’t simple, nor is it direct. But solutions do exist. To uncover them, it’s important to first understand the origins of this crisis.
Everyone Village in Eugene partners with community to provide temporary housing, jobs and other support
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It’s the latest installment in our series of conversations about some of Oregon’s most urgent problems, with a focus on possible solutions. About two years ago, pastor Gabe Piechowicz started a new temporary housing development of small cottages for people experiencing homelessness in Eugene called Everyone Village. We’re in front of a small audience from the village today.
Mental Health
Oregon’s many mental health crises
OPB talked to experts throughout the state to learn about several of the most pressing elements of the crisis — and about promising strategies to address the many problems.
Responding to Oregon youth mental health needs with evidence-based approach
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The Oregon-based nonprofit LifeWorks NW began providing mental health services more than 60 years ago, long before the idea of providing mental health services in the community was recognized as a best practice. Today the nonprofit runs a variety of mental health treatment programs. We went to the LifeWorks NW Tigard site and sat down with those involved in receiving and giving mental health care.
Child care
How to solve Oregon’s child care crunch
Child care is expensive and often hard to find. Providers are struggling with staffing shortages and limited space. But many are pushing for solutions that could help.
Parents and providers highlight successes of Preschool for All
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The lack of affordable child care in Oregon and the nation has been described as a crisis. In 2020, Multnomah County voters passed a tax on high income earners to fund the Preschool for All measure. We talk to the director, providers and parents about how it's going.
Drought
Solutions to Oregon’s drought could be found in the Deschutes Basin
Amid long-term drought, a river system in Central Oregon rebounded from dire straits.
How Central Oregon is coming together to meet challenges related to scarce water resources, worsening drought
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The Deschutes Basin Water Collaborative draws together water users In Central Oregon who are often put in the position of competing for water. Irrigators, fish and wildlife advocates and managers, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, cities and county residents using groundwater from private wells have been working together for more than 20 years with notable successes.