To the Editor:
I was recently informed that City Council was reversing the promise to expand Portland Street Response (PSR). I personally feel like as a business owner, PSR has been an integral resource the past couple of years to get unarmed 911 response for folks that are experiencing mental and behavioral crises.
At the two ¿Por Qué No? locations we have used Portland Street Response a multitude of times for safety interventions in the past two years. Having the tool of calling 911 to get trauma informed responders for situations that require a different skill set than a police officer has been beneficial for employees as they feel more safe and grateful to have a resource for these situations. PSR has also given a feeling that the city is finally showing up for small business and the Portland community during a time when the city hasn’t generally been showing up for small business.
The leaders behind the petition to save PSR feel like business support is likely to be the most influential at City Hall, so please take the time to show your support by signing the pledge at friendsofpsr.com. Then spread the word to get others to support as well using the social media guide found at .
If you would like to have your logo up on the website of supporting businesses, please email friendsofpsr@gmail.com.
Bryan Steelman, ¿Por Qué No? TaquerÃa
Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor should be less than 300 words and The SE Examiner reserves the right to edit them for length or content.