Cole Merkel

Cole Merkel currently serves as Housing Regional Capacity Manager at Metro, leading a team focused on enhancing the capacity of homeless service providers through training and technical assistance. Previously, Merkel worked as Co-Director at HereTogether, where strong community relationships were maintained while advocating for homeless services and managing a significant fundraising budget. In earlier roles, Merkel effectively directed outreach efforts at the ACLU Oregon and developed the Vendor Program at Street Roots, significantly increasing newspaper distribution and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Merkel's career began with a position as Program Coordinator at Operation Nightwatch and includes academic background from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Creative Writing.