Imagine a community where the most vulnerable are suddenly told their safe haven is vanishing—right when they need it most. That's the heartbreaking reality unfolding in Multnomah County, where a key homeless shelter is set to close its doors, leaving countless individuals without a roof over their heads. But here's where it gets controversial: the decision seems to have blindsided even those running the operation, raising questions about transparency and the true motivations behind such moves in the fight against homelessness. Stick around, because this story dives into the details, and trust me, it's the part most people miss that could spark a heated debate.
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Multnomah County has announced plans to close the Market Street Shelter, operated by Sunstone Way—a major player in the county's homeless services network—by the end of March 2026. For beginners navigating this topic, think of Sunstone Way as one of the key contractors hired by the county to manage shelters, providing essential services like housing and support for those experiencing homelessness. This closure represents a significant setback, especially since the shelter, which accommodates up to 120 people, has been a lifeline since it opened in 2021 during the height of the pandemic.
The county revealed this plan back in June, but internal communications paint a picture of confusion and surprise among staff. In a memo dated December 9, Joelle Wheeler, Sunstone Way's director of sheltering, addressed her team with a tone of deep regret: 'I've been hearing a lot of chatter and questions about the future of the Market Street Shelter,' she wrote. 'It's with profound sadness that I'm confirming the official news: this shelter will shut down on March 31, 2026.' This revelation underscores how such decisions can ripple through an organization, affecting dedicated employees who've been pouring their hearts into helping others.
To put this in perspective, Sunstone Way ranks as the 11th-largest contractor for Multnomah County's Department of Homeless Services in the 2024 fiscal year. County records indicate the organization, previously known as All Good Northwest, received $2.5 million for its work through June 30, 2024. Yet, this isn't the first blow; earlier this year, Sunstone Way lost its bid to manage a pod cluster in Multnomah Village to Urban Alchemy, a San Francisco-based group. For those new to this, pod clusters are innovative setups of tiny homes designed to offer transitional housing, and losing such contracts can mean a big shift in resources and community impact.
Sunstone Way has been navigating some turbulent times lately. In late December, CEO Andy Goebel embarked on a six-week sabbatical to cope with the intense stress of his role, as detailed in a memo from interim board chair Jaime Dunn. Dunn shared that the board had a candid discussion with Andy about the toll this work takes: 'He was open about feeling worn out,' Dunn noted. 'After leading Sunstone Way with resilience, bravery, and a steadfast commitment to our expansion for over four years, Andy is now demonstrating that same fortitude by admitting he needs this break for self-care.' It's a reminder that even leaders in compassionate fields like homeless services face burnout, and this pause might be exactly what helps sustain the mission long-term.
More recent updates suggest that Joelle Wheeler is also stepping away temporarily, with another staff member, Semoni Sherwood, stepping up massively. Under 'staff shout-outs' in a memo, it highlights how Semoni 'is holding everything together' while noting Wheeler's absence hasn't been long, yet it's already clear how much extra load Sherwood is managing. When Willamette Week reached out to Sunstone Way spokesperson Devon Hoyt for details on the Market Street closure, she redirected inquiries to Multnomah County, which verified the shutdown plans. Hoyt did not respond to questions about Wheeler.
This isn't an isolated incident; the county is also shutting down the Wy'East Shelter by the end of March. Managed by Do Good Multnomah—the fifth-largest contractor for the Department of Homeless Services as of June 30, 2024—this facility provides housing for 90 men, primarily veterans. Understanding this context, Do Good Multnomah and Sunstone Way share a close history: Sunstone Way emerged as a spin-off from Do Good in 2021, founded by Do Good executives to ramp up sheltering during the pandemic. Andy Goebel transitioned from his role as director of emergency management at Do Good to become Sunstone Way's CEO. And here's a twist that might raise eyebrows—Sunstone Way's chief operating officer, Alicia Hovanas, is married to Do Good Multnomah's CEO, Daniel Hovanas. This personal connection could fuel debates about potential conflicts of interest in how contracts and resources are allocated between these intertwined organizations.
Is this closure truly about efficiency and budget constraints, or does it reflect deeper issues like favoritism or overlooked community needs? And this is the part most people miss: in a field where partnerships and personal ties are common, how do we ensure decisions prioritize the homeless over internal dynamics? What do you think—does this highlight systemic flaws in homeless services, or is it a necessary shift toward better solutions? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'm eager to hear agreements, disagreements, or fresh perspectives!
