Volunteer
If you have time to give, volunteer with one of our local social service agencies to provide critical support to people experiencing homelessness or hunger. These five are just a snapshot of volunteer opportunities available, for more NW organizations to support see our expanded list or get even more ideas at handsonportland.org or idealist.org.
Transition Projects Inc.: tprojects.org/volunteer/ or call 503.488.7745
Transition Projects changes lives by sheltering hundreds of people, opening new paths to employment and helping people find housing. TPI offers monthly volunteer orientations for people to staff overnight shelters or serve meals. TPI accepts volunteers who complete a background check, attend an orientation and are 18+.
Lift Urban Portland (LiftUP): LiftUrbanPortland.org or call 503.221.1224
Lift UP’s mission is simple: reduce hunger and improve the lives of low-income residents in NW Portland. Volunteer to deliver food boxes, cook with low-income residents, take pictures for social media and more.
p:ear: pearmentor.org/volunteer/ or call 503.228.6677
p:ear offers skills development and confidence building programs to lift youth out of homelessness and prepare for their futures. Volunteer opportunities range from picking up food deliveries or joining a one-time work party to a full mentorship commitment.
Rose Haven: rosehaven.org/helping/volunteer or call 503.248.6364 x307
Rose Haven is a day shelter and community center serving women, children and gender non-conforming folks experiencing the trauma of abuse, loss of home and other traumatizing events. The nonprofit needs volunteers to sort donations and work in the kitchen, clothing shop or computer lab.
Street Roots: streetroots.org/volunteer or call 503.228.5657
Street Roots is a newspaper creating income opportunities for people experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness. There is a consistent need for front desk volunteers.
Donate
There are many organizations doing crucial work in the NW providing housing, food and other services to our neighbors experiencing hardship. If you don’t have time to volunteer, you can support their work by donating money or supplies (direct dollar donations can go a long way). The most commonly requested items include warm clothes, blankets, socks and sleeping bags, as well as personal hygiene items. Help a neighbor stay warm this winter.
During cold weather, if you meet a person at risk, you can call Central City Concern’s CHIERS van (normally available for people displaying public inebriation) to take them to a warming shelter. CHIERS is available from 1:45 to 11:45 pm, seven days a week. Call CHIERS at 503.238.8132. To locate a shelter and transportation to a shelter, call 211.
Shop Local
Support small businesses this holiday season to see more of your dollars at work to lift up our local economy. These are some special neighborhood holiday promotions to get you out the door and into the community! For additional details go to ventureportland.org/celebrate-main/localize-the-season/. Pledge to Shop Local #PledgeLocalPDX.
Williams Gives: Giving Trees (ends Dec. 17) – Look for Giving Trees in neighborhood businesses and donate to make the season merry and bright for children in need.
Foster Forward (ends Dec. 24) – Visit any of 40+ businesses, spend more than $5, and get a Foster Forward Ticket that unlocks special prizes, discounts and specials at other businesses.
Kenton Wooden Nickel (ends Jan. 9) – Shop ‘Wooden Nickel’ deals and discounts at Kenton businesses and enjoy lighted trees and decorations.
Montavilla/East Tabor Holiday Window Contest (ends Dec. 15) – Vote for your favorite storefront as businesses deck the halls with dazzling window displays.
Multnomah Village/Hillsdale Golden Ticket (ends Dec. 31) – For each purchase you make, get a Golden Ticket to redeem for deals or discounts at more than 50 participating shops and eateries.
Division/Clinton Bright Lights, Warm Hearts (ends Jan. 1) – Enjoy lighted window displays while shopping and supporting local charities.