PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Dozens of vulnerable women were told to pack up and get out in under a week after safety concerns shut down a Portland women’s treatment center.

‘Shocking’: Services at NE Portland women’s treatment center paused over safety concerns, residents left scrambling

Now the question isn’t just what went wrong inside, but why the response left nearly 50 people scrambling on the outside.

Women staying at Volunteers of America’s Women’s Residential Center off NW Glisan had until 5 p.m. Wednesday to leave the facility.

“I had a really good experience,” said Rachel Rosas, who recently graduated from the program after spending the last five months getting clean from a meth addiction. “I wanted to do everything right because it’s my first time in treatment, and I want my kids back.”

However, some of Rosas’ peers weren’t as fortunate.

“I ended up having an anxiety attack,” said Amber Timmons, who has been sober for about two weeks.

VOA told residents Friday they had to leave after an internal investigation cited safety concerns.

When pressed for details, a spokesperson would only say the issues were serious enough to shut down and make fixes.

“We remain committed to providing high-quality, safe, and effective treatment services, and we believe taking this step now is the right decision to ensure we meet that standard,” said VOA spokesperson Brian Hess.

VOA says all 46 women in the residential program were offered other treatment options — 31 transferred to other programs and seven chose to leave treatment altogether.

“I know of a couple people who have relapsed and I am worried for them. So I hope that VOA continues to give some sort of wraparound services,” Kayla Crisp said. Since the closure, several women contacted KOIN 6, saying they’re in similar situations.

“It’s like losing a family member all over,” Timmons said. “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired of doing the drugs and being out here in the streets that I don’t have nothing. I have nothing. I’ve lost everything.”

Timmons and her friend, Elizabeth, found another place in town for treatment. As they navigate the road ahead, they’re hoping and praying for the best.

“I wish nothing but the best for hopefully all the girls and I hope they found other placements for them and nothing happened to them in their circumstances that they had,” Timmons said.

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