Deflection Center Updates

About

The CEIC has taken a proactive and collaborative role as an advocacy partner to ensure Multnomah County remains accountable for maintaining a safe and clean environment around the new Deflection Center at 900 SE Sandy Blvd. From organizing early listening sessions and leading a comprehensive baseline assessment of conditions, to testifying before the County and formally demanding the development of a Good Neighbor Agreement, the CEIC has consistently championed transparency, partnership, and measurable outcomes. Through ongoing participation in the GNA Committee and continuous engagement with local businesses, the CEIC is committed to ensuring that the County follows through on its promises and that the surrounding community is supported, protected, and heard.

Monthly Problem Solvers Meeting with Multnomah County

Monthly Problem Solving Meetings: Every 3rd Monday / 4-5:30 PM

Join the CEIC and other members of the Good Neighbor Agreement Committee for a 90-minute meeting with Multnomah County Leadership to discuss monthly stats and reports, and share concerns about activity taking place around the Center.

Reporting Issues Around the Deflection Center

If you experience livability issues within a three block radius of the deflection center, please first contact the County as they have committed to a safe and clean environment:

Tuerk House / Pathway Center:
(971) 710-0082
PathwayCenter@tuerkhouse.org, deflection-info@multco.org, stacy.borke@multco.us, marc.harris@multco.us, anthony.jordan@multco.us, natalie.amar@multco.us, leah.drebin@multco.us, natalie.minas@multco.us, deflection-info@multco.us

If you find your experience to be unsatisfactory, please email Executive Director Holcomb at carolyne@ceic.cc, so that we serve as an accountability partner for the County.

    • June 20, 2024
      CEIC is informed by County staff that a Deflection Center will open at 900 SE Sandy Blvd. Media announcements are scheduled for the following week. The lease has already been signed—without prior community engagement or notification.

    • July 9, 2024
      CEIC organizes a listening session for businesses within a three-block radius of the Center. The session is attended by over two dozen businesses, as well as representatives from Multnomah County and the City of Portland, including Chair Vega Pederson and Commissioner Meieran.

    • July 10, 2024
      Executive Director Holcomb follows up with County staff, urging:

      • Collaboration on safety and security service contracts, noting CET's existing infrastructure.

      • Creation of a GNA committee modeled after the successful TASS site group.

    • July 11, 2024
      Executive Director Holcomb testifies at the County meeting on HB 4002 implementation (full letter here), calling for:

      • A transparent operational plan

      • Registration, tracking, and accountability

      • A formal Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA)

    • August 19, 2024 – Present
      The Good Neighbor Agreement Committee convenes and begins developing the framework, partnerships, and accountability mechanisms needed for a successful GNA.

    • October 10, 2024
      Executive Director Holcomb and CET Chair Larkin send a letter to County Chair Vega Pederson expressing disappointment in the decision to open the Center without a GNA and stating that the County should not expect to rely on Central Eastside Together’s Enhanced Service District resources.

    • November 22, 2024
      CEIC leads a site walk with the City of Portland and Multnomah County to conduct a baseline conditions assessment around the Center—documenting camping, graffiti, trash, and safety concerns. The assessment provides a benchmark for measuring change over time.

    • January 2025 – Ongoing
      CEIC continues to monitor conditions and work with local businesses to ensure the promises outlined in the GNA are upheld.

    • April 8, 2025

      Conty share that they are preparing for 24/7 operations - for both deflection and sobering - at the Coordinated Care Pathway Center.  In consultation with other deflection agency partners and the center operator, it was decided that deflection would begin operating 24/7 on 4/14. Note that only deflection will be operating 24/7 at that time, not sobering. Sobering will be brought online at a later date, and we will update this group again once that date is set.

Resources

  • While the CEIC is committed to this process, the GNA is a DRAFT document because the partners could not fully agree to the terms. Regardless, the County has remained committed to supporting the items outlined within.

  • Click here to read Multnomah County’s FAQ Page.

  • Click here to watch the County’s press conference on the Deflection Cetner

  • Q1 Report