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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 15, 2023)
Page 4 November 15, 2023 Year-round Shelter Construction Begins Continued from Page 3 housing options and services,” program, which currently of- fers more than 400 beds coun- ty-wide. The 12,000-square-foot prop- erty located at 11380 SW Bea- verton Hillsdale Highway is sit- uated in an established business area, centrally located near tran- sit, and within walking distance to groceries, social service agen- cies, and employment opportu- nities. The shelter is a valuable community asset made possible thanks to the availability of new funding sources for shelter ac- quisition and operations through $5 million from the voter-ap- proved Supportive Housing Services measure. The City of Beaverton has also received or is expected to receive approx- imately $9 million in state and federal funding, including Amer- ican Rescue Plan Act funds. Sen- ate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, Senator Wlnsvey Campos, and Representative Maxine Dexter directed state ARPA funds for the shelter and a coordinated care space located within. “Addressing the crisis of homelessness in our region will take a diverse range of said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The year-round shelter in Beaverton—partially funded by the American Rescue Plan—will provide a safe place for people experiencing home- lessness and help connect them with the resources they need. I look forward to seeing the com- pletion of this crucial project and will continue to work with partners at the state and local level to solve the intertwined is- sues of housing unaffordability and homelessness.” After a competitive process, Open Door HousingWorks was selected to operate the shelter through a contract with Wash- ington County. They have over thirty years of experience pro- viding shelter services and were selected for their trauma informed approach to staffing, neighborhood relations, and coordinated care services that will provide stability and a link to housing for residents of the shelter when it opens. Other project team members include Ink Built as the lead architect, Shiels Obletz Johnsen, and P&C Construction. The new shelter is expected to open in mid-2024. Vladislav Kirilov A Passion to Make a Difference Impaired Vision to Ophthalmic Technician Student Portland Community College student Vladislav Kirilov has em- barked on an inspiring education- al journey that is deeply rooted in personal experience and a pas- sion to make a difference in the world of ophthalmology. In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandem- ic, the Southeast Portland resi- dent and recent immigrant to the country began his studies at PCC by attending online classes. Over the past three years, he complet- ed his ESOL requirements and worked on prerequisites to join the Ophthalmic Medical Technol- ogy (OMT) Program at the col- lege’s Cascade Campus in North Portland. “Stepping into the oph- thalmology clinic of my dreams feels like entering a world of endless possibilities,” said Kiri- lov. “As an aspiring ophthalmic technician, I envision myself playing an invaluable role in this dynamic environment.” Graduates of the program re- port an average starting range of $24 to $26 per hour, with expe- rienced technicians earning up to $36 per hour. The program showcases a small cohort of 24- 28 students, hands-on training in a specialized lab, and clinical practicums with more than 40 community partners, providing students with valuable experience under the supervision of licensed physicians. PCC’s OMT program is the only one of its kind on the West Coast at the intermediate training technician level, accred- ited by the International Council of Accreditation (ICA). Kirilov’s decision to pursue this field of study at PCC is rooted in his personal journey. As a child, he navigated the world with im- paired vision. His early exposure to compassionate ophthalmolo- gists and ophthalmic technicians inspired him to become a beacon of support for others facing visu- al challenges. By joining the pro- gram, Kirilov hopes to empower individuals with the same care and support that transformed his life. “These individuals were my he- roes, guiding me toward a clearer future,” he said. “Now, I am in- spired to follow in their footsteps, aspiring to become a hero for others facing visual challenges. By pursuing this program, I hope to empower individuals with the same care and support that once transformed my life.” In his eyes, entering the world of ophthalmology gives him op- tions. He envisions himself as a member of an eye care team, contributing to accurate diagno- ses and providing crucial support during surgeries. His ultimate goal is to be a guiding light for others, just as the ophthalmic professionals were for him. Kiri- lov is grateful for the support he received from PCC during the COVID-19 pandemic, particular- ly through emergency grants and food pantries. These resources were a lifeline that helped him navigate school during the pan- demic, reminding him of the im- portance of community and sup- port in times of need. “As a student, navigating through the uncertainties posed by the pandemic was overwhelm- ing, and these grants were a life- line that helped me stay afloat,” he said. “The college's food pantries, in particular, were a beacon of hope.” Thanks to that support, Kirilov continues to re- ceive training across various oph- thalmic fields as well as hands-on experiences to cultivate practical skills. From conducting intricate tests that aid in accurate diagno- ses to providing crucial support during surgeries, he sees himself contributing to and enhancing pa- tient experiences.“I witnessed the impact ophthalmic professionals had on my life and I’m eager to be part of a team that changes lives through vision care,” he said. “The thought of being that guiding light for someone else, just as those professionals were for me, fuels my passion for pur- suing this path.” For more infor- mation about the OMT Program, visit https://www.pcc.edu/pro- grams/ophthalmic/
