CEIC Support For 24/7 Sobering Center With Essential Due Diligence

The Central Eastside Industrial Council (CEIC) recognizes the urgent need for a 24/7 sobering center. Since the closure of Portland’s previous sobering facility in 2019, a critical gap in crisis services has placed undue strain on first responders, leaving jails and hospitals as the only alternatives—neither of which are appropriate or effective for addressing intoxication-related crises. A well-managed sobering center would provide a safe space for stabilization and serve as an essential component of the city’s public health and safety infrastructure.

CEIC supports the establishment of a 24-hour Sobering and Crisis Stabilization Center, provided that Multnomah County ensures it is located and operated responsibly. This means the facility must prioritize the safety of both its patients and the surrounding community while adhering to zoning policies that protect Portland’s industrial sanctuary.