Our Stories: LiFEBoat Services
Breaking down barriers at LiFEBoat
Astoria, Oregon may be known for its picturesque coastal views, but for the city’s unhoused population, it is a place of harsh realities — cold, wet winters and a lack of adequate services. Yet amidst these challenges, LiFEBoat Services offers low-barrier shelter, peer support, and advocacy to the region’s most underserved populations. Led by Executive Director Osarch Orak, the organization has grown from humble beginnings to an essential community resource, thanks in part to emergency funding from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).
Orak’s path to leading LiFEBoat Services is as inspiring as the work the organization accomplishes. Born and raised in Portland, Orak’s early life was marked by struggles with trauma, depression, and homelessness. After years of hardship, including periods of living on the streets and incarceration, Orak found his way to Astoria in 2018 with a determination to rebuild his life. He began by working at Kampgrounds of America, eventually enrolling in college and volunteering with Filling Empty Bellies, the precursor to LiFEBoat Services.
“I never imagined I’d be in this position,” Orak admits. “At the time, I was just trying to survive. But being given the opportunity to lead this organization that once helped me — it’s a full-circle moment. It’s also a chance to bring lived experience into the work, which is something I believe is crucial.”
Orak’s own experiences have shaped the organization’s philosophy.
“We understand that basic needs must be met first,” he explains. “If someone doesn’t know where they’ll sleep or when they’ll eat next, they can’t focus on recovery, housing, or employment.”
LiFEBoat Services operates two core programs: the Filling Empty Bellies Shelter, which offers 22 beds and essential services such as meals and showers, and Beacon Peer Services, a program designed for individuals living with mental health challenges. These programs are uniquely low-barrier and peer-led, ensuring that everyone — regardless of their background — feels welcomed and respected.
The organization’s growth has been fueled by OHCS emergency response funds, which Orak describes as a lifeline.
“Before the executive order funding, we had only three employees,” he says. “Now, we have 15 trained staff members, including peer support specialists and traditional health care workers. This funding allowed us to create a shelter program and envision a future where our services are available 24/7.”
These services have a profound impact. Orak recalls one participant, Ash, who joined the organization as a volunteer and later became a staff member.
“When I first met Ash, there was so much sadness in his eyes,” Orak shares. “But as he got involved, you could see the change — he lit up. It was life-changing for him to have this opportunity.”
LiFEBoat Services’ approach to community building is rooted in inclusion and empowerment. Participants are encouraged to play an active role in shaping the organization’s programs, whether through joining an advisory committee, leading activities, or assisting with daily operations.
“We believe in creating community with our participants,” says Orak. “They are not just recipients of services — they are part of our family.”
The organization also emphasizes education and engagement as critical tools for combating stigma. “There’s a lot of misunderstanding about homelessness,” Orak notes. “If people took the time to learn about the trauma and systemic issues that contribute to it, they’d see that these are human beings, not just statistics.”
Despite its success, LiFEBoat Services faces major challenges, particularly in securing sustainable funding.
“The executive order funding allowed us to build a foundation, but to keep our doors open, we need continued support from the state, city, and community,” Orak stresses. “Without it, the shelter would close, and people would die on the streets. That’s the reality.”
For Orak, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“Homelessness isn’t just an urban issue — it’s a human issue. And while we may not have all the answers, we know that peer-led trauma-informed services can make a difference.”
“As LiFEBoat Services prepares to double its shelter capacity to 44 beds, the organization remains steadfast in its mission: to provide a safe, supportive space where individuals can begin to rebuild their lives.
“This work is about more than shelter,” says Orak. It’s about dignity, hope, and the belief that everyone has the chance to thrive.”