Where are you sleeping tonight?

Today's forecast calls for fog with a high of 41 and a low of 36. There's a low chance of precipitation but since this is the Pacific Northwest, you just never know when the rain is coming. And for those who have to sleep outside tonight, that could mean need to find materials for a shelter or a protective doorway. Those in temporary or emergency housing will have a bed for a short time but will have to prepare for wetter (and colder) weekend when they might not have a solid roof.

Tonight is Portland's biennial count of both unsheltered people along with those in temporary or emergency shelter. In 2009, nearly 1,600 people slept outside on a January night while another 820 were in temporary shelter. While that number might seem small, it is only a estimate of how many people, both youth and adults, lack stable and safe housing.

At p:ear, we'll be counting the youth who plan to sleep outside tonight and those who might be lucky to sleep inside tonight. And while we hope that the 2011 numbers will be lower than those in 2007 and 2009, the count serves as a reminder of the need for services helping people - and our young - have safe places to sleep at night.

Please consider gift to p:ear and our transitional housing program to continue helping youth transition off the street into safe and permanent housing.

Last Thursday at Gilt Club

Have dinner plans this Thursday? No? Great! How about going to the Gilt Club for a Portlandia-themed dinner? 30% of dinner proceeds on January 27th will go to p:ear. Sit back, support p:ear and visit the final resting place of Colin the chicken.

Donate Now

donation options:

monthly or one-time donation

(preferred method)

paypal

donate your birthday

Do you have a birthday this month? Donate it to p:ear!

employer matching

donate your car through Cars4Causes

in-kind donation

attend events

mail

send a check or money order to:

p:ear 338 NW 6th Ave Portland, OR 97209

Women Workin' It

Women Workin' It

The Trim/Vojdani Gallery at p:ear presents:

Jennifer Mercede, Flora S Bowley, Sarah Cruse, Mia Nolting, & p:ear Youth Artists

Opening Reception: Thursday, Feb. 3rd, 6-9pm

On Display: Feb. 3rd-Feb. 28th, 2011

Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10-2pm, or by appointment

Women Workin' It, is a vibrant declaration of strength and beauty through the exploration of life and laughter. The pursuit of their lines follows the organic nature of our daily rhythms while forming bold and confident shapes. Their expressive and powerful use of color has this ability to feel as though you are looking at pure joyful honesty. Come and enjoy our First Thursday show celebrating unity through independence.

Jennifer Mercede & Flora S Bowley, "fourteen hour brick", 24"x36", mixed media on canvas

Wow! Young donors help p:ear win the "youth" category for the 2010 Willamette Week Give Guide

Pippa's way of saying thanks - smooches!

Just when we thought 2010 couldn't have ended on a better note, we found out that p:ear finished at the top of the "youth" category for having the most under 35 year old donors! Thanks again for all your support (especially to the young'uns!) xoxo, p:ear

The state of Oregon politics and culture, Jan. 27th

The Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon (their executive director Liz Fuller, is a p:ear board member and supporter) works to increase public investment in the arts, heritage and humanities across Oregon. With a new governor (kind of) and a new legislative session starting soon, the CAC will soon be getting to work down in Salem. If you're interested, opinionated or concerned about funding for the arts and humanities, the CAC is holding an information session about their upcoming legislative agenda on January 27th.

Our Goals for the 2011 Legislative Session

Come learn about the Cultural Advocacy Coalition’s Legislative Agenda, share your ideas, and find out how you can help advocate for the cultural sector.

January 27, 2011 5:30pm-7:30pm Program to start at 6:00pm

Blue Sky, the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts 122 NW 8th Avenue Portland, OR 97209

Beverages and Light Hors D’oeuvres to be served

· Hear from State Senator Betsy Johnson and other elected officials. · Presentation of the CAC’s Legislative Agenda by CAC Lobbyist Kristina McNitt. · Come prepared to share your cultural policy ideas & questions. · Enjoy exhibits by Israeli artists Natan Dvir & Shai Kremer

RSVP to Liz Fuller, Liz.Fuller@gmail.com or call 503.552.5053

What is p:ear core?

Some days it's like a fruit basket here with all the p:ear-themed activities! One of the most important but under-recognized is p:ear core, our monthly giving program. If you're interested in simple and sustaining support for p:ear over the year, please consider signing up for p:ear core. 

Why sign up for p:ear core?

1. A little goes a long way. A gift of $ 15 a month means $180 a year, enough money to buy 15 sketchbooks. Contribute $25 a month ($300 for a year), which can purchase 6 fine oil pant sets. $50 a month/$600 a year would help p:ear purchase new cameras for our photography class!

2. It's easy. Sign-up on p:ear's website and simply click "I would like my donation to recur." Each month the amount of your choosing will be sent to p:ear. Easy, right?

3. YOU are p:ear's core. Making a long-term commitment to p:ear means p:ear can make long-term commitments to our programs and kids.

And... we're working on making p:ear core bigger and better this year. Keep your eyes peeled for special events, cool stuff and more for p:ear core members.

Volunteer Staff

Volunteer Staff

Ian Mouser 

Music 

ian@myvoicemusic.org

Ian Mouser has over 15 years of experience working with at-risk and marginalized youth.  He has worked as a Program Director for Wilderness Trails, and as a Treatment Counselor, Life Skills Trainer, and Music Teacher for Albertina Kerr Centers.  As a musician, Mouser has performed in bands whose songs have been played at the MTV Video Music Awards.  He has toured the western United States and across the globe playing music and participating in humanitarian aid work.  He continues to write, record and perform his own music throughout the northwest.  Mouser is the founder of My Voice Music, a nonprofit organization based in Portland Oregon that engages marginalized youth in music and performance in order to promote self-esteem, social skills and emotional expression. 

Trent Finlay

Online Communications Coordinator

trentfinlay@yahoo.com

Trent was born in Portland and adopted into the same family as his biological half-sister by pure coincidence.  Trent spent his formative years in Centralia, Washington learning to play a plethora of musical instruments and refining an ear for audio production.  After college, he moved back to Portland with his indie-rock band, Wester Daywick.

Trent jumped head-first into the non-profit world of fundraising, event planning and currently manages the social media for KZME Radio, p:ear and various local organizations.  When not utilizing his skills in graphic design, audio/video production, online communications and happen-making to raise excitement and awareness for his projects, he enjoys encouraging his girlfriend's kids to pick up after themselves and is a die-hard fan of kittens.

Marcia Bizon

Gallery Curator

Danielle Kirby

Gallery Assistant 

Dave Owens

Photography and Darkroom 

Corwin Light-Williams 

IT