THE MISSION: FOOD FOR THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY

During the pandemic it was more than apparent that the homeless community in Portland, OR was growing beyond its normal epidemic. The number of tent communities has been growing and those who are in need most are falling further and further away from being able to get any basic needs met. When my sweetheart cleaned his closet and had several warm wool sweaters to donate, I asked if I could bring them to a tent camp that I passed almost every day.

After dropping them off I thought about how mainstream society thinks of homeless people as “other” rather than people. I was frustrated and angry. I purchased some rice and beans and made a hot meal the following day. I placed the hot food in a cooler, so it would stay hot, and distributed it amongst 7 camps of varying size.

In the past 21 months I have brought a hot meal to the same 30-40 individuals, 2 times each week. I pack all of the donated clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, hats and gloves and distribute them, too. I have a toiletry kit that stocks baby wipes, tooth brushes, tampons as well as condoms, bandaids, antibacterial ointment. Everyone can ask for all that they want or need, there is no limit. Every visit I ask what they need and make sure I have it on my next run. The other days are spent offering all supplies and non-perishable food. On Tuesdays I have 2-3 additional cars join me and they are filled with men’s clothes, women’s clothes and other supplies. On Thursdays I offer a 5-gallon propane tank exchange.

I offer these things with an open heart and without judgement. I do not ask about anyone’s past, just ask what they need and what I can supply for them. If I gave someone a coat the day before and they ask for another, that is fine. Who knows if they lost it, if it got wet or whatever. All I want is that their basic needs are met.

The outreach project is privately funded and we always need your help!!

January 2022 began a new and separate branch of this project. We were granted fiscal sponsorship by Trash for Peace and gained 501 (c)(3) status. This means that we have the legitimacy of a legal non-profit, but can spend our time doing the work that needs to be done, rather than have to also run a business. This gives us more time to work with the people who need our help.

With our non-profit status we have been given public funding (Joint Office of Homeless Services, Metro) to start a street clean up project hiring homeless individuals we work with to clean areas of Portland. This project began in January 2022 and has been a great success! Depending on the sites, we can clean up to 10 tons of refuse in a week, sometimes working multiple sites per day. You can read about it here!

We are building trust with these lovely people and can see the small changes in our relationships. With basic needs met, I know that they can choose their next step, whatever it is.