Leilani Vernon-Reyes held a toaster cradled under one arm while she sorted through duvet covers, stacked neatly on a shelf toward the back of Community Warehouse in Northeast Portland. She picked one decorated in multi-colored hearts, smiling at the youthful pattern, and handed it to the case manager from a local housing nonprofit who had accompanied her.

The early September morning was the first time Vernon-Reyes, 43, had been “shopping” in years – ever since she lost her son, her job and her home in quick succession in 2022. She said it was a relief to finally be picking out furniture, linens and small appliances for a new, subsidized apartment.

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