February 7th - April 9th 2026
Dear Portland was an immersive storytelling exhibition created and produced by Humans for Housing, on view from February 7 to April 9, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
The exhibition brought together personal narratives, local data, and community-informed perspectives to explore the realities of the housing crisis. Through portraits, stories, and interactive elements, Dear Portland invited visitors to think clearly, feel deeply, and move toward change.
Developed by a collaborative team of artists, designers, and community members, the exhibition centered on lived experience while also offering pathways toward understanding and action. It was designed to be both reflective and participatory, creating space for visitors to listen, learn, and consider what a more just and stable future could look like.
2.5 months
Dear Portland was on view from February 7 to April 9, 2026, inviting Portlanders to engage with the realities of our housing crisis through story, image, and conversation.
45+ events
Hosted throughout the run of the exhibition, welcoming government officials, non-profits, faith communities, and members of our neighborhood to gather and take action together.
180+ letters
Written by visitors to metro councilors, sharing their experiences and highlighting the urgent need for change in our housing policy.
2,000+ attendees
Community members, advocates, and neighbors who walked through Dear Portland — listening, learning, and considering what a more just and stable future could look like.
Dear Portland in the Press
MADELINE IEM
Co-Curator and Content Director
DAVEY SCHAUPP
Co-Curator and Creative Director
JESS WALLACE
Lead Architect and Experience Designer
JUDY MARGLES
Advisor
BRYAN POTTER DESIGN
Print and Exhibit Production
ANNA KEMPER
Community Engagement Director
RYAN TIDRICK
Cinematographer
ELLEN CLARKE
Story Producer
KEITH ZIMMERMAN
Photographer
MICHAEL LARSON
Executive Director, Humans for Housing
ANDY SAIN
Director of Operations, Humans for Housing
KYLEE LOGAN
Calligrapher
SETH WILLIAMS
Video Editor
BEKAH UHL
Social Media Coordinator
CHASE CHRISTENSEN
Web Designer
JULIA HUNKLER
Muralist
ROSE HAVEN
CULTIVATE INITIATIVES
NORTHWEST PILOT PROJECT
WESHINE INITIATIVE INC.
NEW NARRATIVE
STREET BOOKS
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
HACIENDA CDC
We thank the organizations whose financial investment made this exhibition possible.
PEOPLES FOUNDATION FOR BETTER OPPORTUNITIES
OREGON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
ALBERT & ANNE MANSFIELD FOUNDATION
BRIDGETOWN CHURCH
OKSANA ANI
NOAH & CHRISTINA BAGLEY
DAN & ALLISON BATES
YORI BOLONDURO
KENNETH BRASHIER & ANDREW WALLACE
RYAN BUCHANAN
MARNY CARDIN
TOM & MOLLY CLAREY
TIM & LISA CLEVENGER
JERRY & RUTH COHEN
ROD & GINGER CRUICKSHANK
SU EMBREE
FELICIA & JAMAAL FOLSOM
STEPHEN & ELIZABETH FRASER
ALICE FROST
STEPHEN GOMEZ
BRENDA GROOTENDORST
MEGAN & ELLIOT HOWARD
JENNIFER & MICHAEL IEM
DICK TEUTSCH & BARBARA JENNINGS
DAVID LANEY
CAMPBELL LARSON
PEGGY LAW
ELISABETH LYON
JUDY MARGLES & STEVE WASSERSTROM
CHIP & KATHY MASARIE
ABY J. MATHEW
MALCOLM MCIVER
BETH & BOB MUMFORD
JOHN & LINDSAY NORLIN
PERI PIERONE
BONNIE & PETE REAGAN
CARRIE ROLFES
DARREN & CINDI SCHAUPP
DAVEY SCHAUPP
KEVIN & MARA SMITH
DICK SOLOMON
LARISSA TIEDE
TOM & CAMILLA TILFORD
GAYLE YAMASAKI
CHARLENE ZIDELL