p:ear’s Summer of Homelessness

p:ear is a unique non-profit organization which has a profound impact on the daily lives of Portland’s homeless and transitional youth. Their mentoring, art and education programs are designed not to pressure or judge but to foster trust and promote positive choices. Essentially, p:ear is a drop-in site where homeless youth can come as they are and feel safe while simultaneously learning and growing in an encouraging environment. They can use a computer, play piano or guitar, learn photography, look for a job, paint, study for their GED or just hang out with friends for a few hours.

One of the great services p:ear has always provided is a beautiful public gallery space for participating youth to display their artwork. Which brings me to the problem p:ear is facing right now. They have been kicked out of their current space, a large store-front style layout on the corner of SW Alder and 9th downtown. The entire building is due to be renovated and transformed into a boutique hotel. Fortunately p:ear has found an ideal new space (on NW 6th and Hoyt). However, construction won’t be complete until Sept. 2nd.

As Program Director Pippa Arend says, “it’s the summer if homelessness” for p:ear. The organization is more than a bit disconcerted to have to take this place away from the youth for a whole summer. The good news is that p:ear’s annual fundraiser, p:earblossoms, is coming up. And this year they need your help more than ever! This year the event is aptly titled p:earblossons: undercontruction and there will be a live and silent auction, performance, light fare from Pazzo Ristorante as well as excellent wine. Dress casually elegant or come in “construction fashion.” The evening will be emceed by Courtenay Hameister, hostess of OPB’s Live Wire radio show, and held on June 7th at Staver Locomotive.

The overall goal of p:ear is to transition at-risk youth off the streets and into society. It is p:ear’s radical approach, and the way the youth have responded, that makes it such a special organization worth supporting!

p:earblossoms: underconstruction
Saturday, June 7th, 2008, 6-9 pm
Staver Lovomotive
2537 NW 29th Ave.
Tickets: www.pearmentor.org
(503) 228-6677

*also, check out this wonderful video OPB put together on p:ear’s mentoring programs.