The holidays are a time for family, friends, warm meals, gifts—a break from the daily hassles of life. However, not everyone in the Portland metropolitan area is so fortunate; many are homeless and in desperate need of food and shelter during the winter months. During the holidays, there is a particular need for able-bodied volunteers at local nonprofit organizations to provide for the less fortunate.
There are faith-based organizations such as the Portland Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army and the Father’s Heart Street Ministry. Secular organizations include Outside In, the Red Cross, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Hands On Greater Portland. The holiday season is a great opportunity to lend a hand to such organizations and the people they serve.
Portland Rescue Mission
portlandrescuemission.org
503-647-7466
According to Brian Merrel of Portland Rescue Mission community relations, the Mission serves the community in two ways: through an outreach/emergency services program which serves two hot meals a day and by providing shelter. Additionally, the organization offers a 12–18 month addiction recovery program. There is also 24/7 restroom service.
Usually, PRM asks for a commitment from volunteers, but during December, short term and one-time opportunities for volunteering are available. Volunteers could serve breakfast or sort donations, among other activities. Clothing, blankets, food and hygiene donations are also welcome.
“Holidays are a great time to get interested and involved, but the biggest need for volunteers is year-round. We would love to see people apply online and we would try to work with everybody to find the best fit for them,” said Justin McMahan of PRM community relations.
Father’s Heart Street Ministry
tfhstreetministry.com
503-722-9780
The Father’s Heart Street Ministry is a faith-based social service agency. The people they serve include those of low and no income.
“We try to reach out to the most vulnerable in the community by providing resources for basic human needs,” said Teri Grant, the director of the ministry. “We have about 3,000 homeless people in Clackamas, as well as the highest child hunger rate in Oregon.”
The street ministry helps the disadvantaged in many ways, such as providing food, clothes, replacing identification, free health screening, showers and computer access. The building also serves as an emergency warming center for extreme weather. The ministry provides about 6,000–8,000 meals a month and assists 50–90 homeless people a day.
Volunteers can donate clothes, towels, blankets and food as well as sleeping bags during the winter. Volunteers help organize and clean, serve lunch and provide computer help.
Salvation Army
salvationarmyusa.org
503-794-3245
The Salvation Army features many programs and opportunities to volunteer in and around the Portland Metropolitan area. Within the metro area, the Salvation Army has four churches that distribute food boxes weekly. The Salvation Army also administers utility bill credit with Portland General Electric during the winter months and provides Christmas celebrations for about 16,000 people in the metro area. The Salvation Army has a shelter for victims of domestic violence as well as a winter shelter for the homeless. Volunteers help pack food boxes, pick up toys from businesses and help distribute the toys.
Outside In
outsidein.org
503-535-3800
“Outside In was founded in 1968 and has continuously met the basic needs of clients with medical care and other essential services,” said Lauren Chandler, Outside In’s volunteer manager. “We are committed to creating and providing the cutting edge services that clients want and need, and to helping clients achieve self-sufficiency.”
The mission of Outside In is “helping homeless youth and other marginalized people move towards improved health and self-sufficiency,” Chandler said. Outside In is for those volunteers who are looking to make a longer-term commitment, as the organization requires a minimum commitment of 100 hours. However, those not looking for a long-term commitment can help at Outside In through other means. For example, there is a giving tree program that requires donations of certain items on the wish list. Meals can be delivered, there is a hygiene and sock supply drive and there are fundraisers throughout the year.
Oregon Red Cross
oregonredcross.org
503-284-1234
The Red Cross is the largest relief and response organization in the world, with nearly 3,000 volunteers in Oregon alone. The Red Cross provides a multitude of services, including warming shelters. Volunteers do everything from clerical support to becoming a disaster action team member. Once someone becomes a volunteer, the Red Cross provides training in CPR and first aid for free. Applicants can decide how much of a commitment they would like to make.
Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/doernbecher
503-494-8811
Doernbecher Children’s Hospital is another volunteer opportunity looking for long-term commitments—in this case, six months.
“Volunteering is a rewarding experience, it varies as much as the motivation of the individual,” wrote Trina Timbreza, Doernbecher’s volunteer services manager, in an email. “Whether it’s reading a story, bringing someone a pillow or helping a lost visitor find their way, everything that volunteers do provides an opportunity for making a positive impact.”
Those unable to make a long-term commitment can drop off toys at Doernbecher. In December toys can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an additional opportunity to donate on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hands On Greater Portland
handsonportland.org
503-200-3355
Hands On Greater Portland is a volunteer center and a great way to get connected to organizations and opportunities. It works with 400 nonprofits, and the volunteer opportunities run the gamut.
“We provide ways for people to get meaningfully involved in the community,” said Becky Blumer, assistant director at Hands On Greater Portland. The organization primarily serves as a bridge between potential volunteers and area nonprofits.
So while you are enjoying the holidays with friends and family, think of those who are suffering and facing hardship in the cold winter months. This holiday season, take some time for others and make yourself useful.
“I have seen firsthand many, many times that one person can really make a big difference, even if it is only for a few hours,” said Rhona Brant, events and volunteer coordinator at the Salvation Army.