Portland's Safe Blocks program packed six events into July, putting self-defense training, housing help and a community food drive within reach of residents in North, Southeast, East and downtown Portland.
The city's Office of Violence Prevention initiative, funded in part by a $2 million federal Byrne Grant awarded in March 2024, works in neighborhoods that have faced disinvestment and gun violence. In July, programming extended beyond its core Eliot, Hazelwood and Powellhurst-Gilbert footprint.
The month opened July 7 with the "I AM Dawson Park" Resource Fair in North Portland's Eliot neighborhood. The fair connected attendees with housing, food, health and wellness services, with translation and accessibility accommodations on site, according to the city's monthly highlights report.
On July 15, Safe Blocks partnered with Rose City Self-Defense to run simultaneous workshops at Midland Library and Holgate Library in Southeast Portland. The sessions taught adolescents and adults assertive communication, de-escalation and situational awareness. Rose City Self-Defense, a volunteer-run empowerment program, had trained more than 45,000 students as of August 2024.
The next day, July 16, an "I AM East Portland Resource Fair" at the TriMet Menlo Park Park & Ride offered food access, health supports and community programs.
On July 22, volunteers joined SOLVE for a Ventura Park Cleanup in East Portland. Safe Blocks supplied bags, gloves and vests.
National Night Out caps the month
The biggest event landed July 31 at Director Park downtown: the National Night Out District 4 Kick-Off. City and county leaders delivered opening remarks while attendees visited booths staffed by Portland Police Bureau, Portland Fire & Rescue, Portland Street Response, Ceasefire, Vision Zero, Rose City Self-Defense and Multnomah County departments, among others.
Jumbo Connect Four, Jenga and cornhole lined the plaza alongside a live DJ. Portland Solutions sponsored complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers. A food drive collected canned goods, cereals and pasta for families facing food insecurity.
The city said the gathering connected residents with public safety partners through celebration and collaborative engagement.
What's next
Safe Blocks has more events on the calendar this month:
- Aug. 12 — Ventura Park Cleanup (supplies provided; register at SOLVE.org)
- Aug. 14 — National Night Out District 2 at Lillis-Albina Park
- Aug. 14 — Community cleanup and prep for Free Arts NW's Arts Alive event on Aug. 15 (light lunch provided)
- Aug. 19 — Personal Safety & Self-Defense Workshop with Rose City Self-Defense (snacks provided)
Details and registration are available on the Safe Blocks events page.
