PORTLAND, Ore. – In a powerful move towards strengthening the voice of employees and enhancing the services provided, Do Good Multnomah and Oregon AFSCME are proud to announce that Do Good Multnomah has voluntarily recognized a new union representing its employees. The decision affirms Do Good Multnomah's commitment to empowering its workforce and ensuring that the organization continues to thrive in a culture of mutual respect, transparency, and collaboration.
The new union, organized with the support of Oregon AFSCME, will represent a diverse group of employees dedicated to serving veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness across the Portland Metro area. Management and Oregon AFSCME look forward to working together to continue to address our common priorities, including standardized safety protocols, fair employment practices, compensation and benefits, and trauma-informed critical incident response for workers. This voluntary recognition highlights Do Good Multnomah's dedication to the well-being of both its staff and the vulnerable populations it serves.
A Commitment to Partnership
Both Do Good Multnomah and Oregon AFSCME share a vision of collaboration and a commitment to open communication. This partnership marks the beginning of a productive relationship centered around shared goals: improving working conditions, fostering professional development, and ensuring the sustainability of Do Good Multnomah's critical mission.
The newly formed union will begin contract negotiations in the coming months, and both parties are optimistic about the outcomes that can be achieved together. By voluntarily recognizing the union, Do Good Multnomah is setting a positive example in the nonprofit sector by supporting employees’ rights to organize and negotiate for better working conditions.
“Since 2015, Do Good Multnomah has been at the forefront for setting the standard for wages, health insurance, and overall safety for employees, with the goal of best serving our participants. By voluntarily recognizing the union, we hope to have a more unified company that remains focused on serving homeless Veterans in our region.” said Daniel Hovanas, CEO of Do Good Multnomah.
“As workers, we came together to work with Do Good Multnomah because we are looking for stronger day-to-day assistance, increased mental health support and safety, and a competitive wage system that will allow Do Good Multnomah to attract the best workers in the field. By voluntarily recognizing the union, Do Good Multnomah is setting a positive example in the nonprofit sector by supporting employees’ rights to organize and negotiate for better working conditions,” said Davis Nafshun, a case manager at Do Good’s Downtown shelter, located in Chinatown. “We look forward to negotiating a contract that puts workers and the communities we serve first,” continued Nafshun.
About Do Good Multnomah
Do Good Multnomah is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness in the Portland Metro and SW Washington area. With a mission grounded in dignity, empowerment, human-centeredness, and empathy, , Do Good Multnomah provides shelter, support services, and access to sustainable permanent housing.
About Oregon AFSCME
Oregon AFSCME is a union representing more than 39,000 workers across Oregon, advocating for the rights of public employees, behavioral health and social workers, and nonprofit staff. Through collective bargaining, advocacy, and organizing, AFSCME fights for fair wages, good working conditions, and stronger communities.
