Shelter guests accuse Urban Alchemy staff of drug use, distribution, sexual harassment (Note: Long)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Since the city began contracting with Urban Alchemy — a large San Francisco-based nonprofit homeless service provider — in 2023, Portland's Ombudsman has received more than 80 complaints about the organization, mostly from guests. The most egregious complaints allege sexual harassment, drug use, drug dealing, theft and retaliation by staff. Documents obtained from the ombudsman’s office through a records request detail each of those allegations made by guests staying at a range of Urban Alchemy-run shelter sites across Portland. Some complaints also came from individuals claiming to be Urban Alchemy employees or former employees. Through information...