Right 2 Dream Too (R2D2)

As we approached our last stop in downtown Porltand it became painfully apparent that our trip was coming to an end. Right 2 Dream Too (R2DToo as most call it) is a non-profit organization that works to shelter houseless people by giving them a safe place to rest and for some memebers, a place to live. Ibrahim Mubarak's dream is quite beautiful and has helped many people already, even offering classes and workshops to help residents find their way.

The property itself contains a number of tents, small gardens, art, a shared electric kitchen, and an office space with computers for the residents to use. There is also a small bike share system to allow residents to travel around the city free of charge. At the enterance is a list of guidelines for all people who utilize the space to folllow. As you walk up to the corner of the intersection, you can see a beautiful mis-matching of re-purposed doors that serve as a fence, ad space, a source of funds for R2DToo, and a mural. In order to fundraise for R2DToo, each door is an $100 dontation that the buyer can paint however they wish. These take form ranging from advertiements for local businesses to art and activism about homelessness.

We were able to hear about all the organizations Ibrahim is associated with, spanning throughout the US. It is his belief that when people are able to have a safe place to find sleep people make better decisions, Ibrahim and R2DToo invest in tomorrow, tonight. Many of the residents of R2DToo take part in activism for a number of movements that aim to help people get off the streets.

All smiles outside of R2DToo

Doors/Ads/Activism/Art

Everyone is welcome

Inside R2DToo's office

Code of Conduct for entering the area

Ibrahim showing us his favorite door