Fellow DNA members:
The Portland Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) needs your help in an exciting new initiative. The Portland Downtown Good Neighbor Project will support approximately 200 unhoused downtown neighbors by distributing essential goods for survival (water, cold weather clothing, etc.) and building “good neighbor” relationships.
Call for Volunteers
The initial call is for volunteers to deliver cold weather gear: hats, gloves, scarves and socks. We already have commitments from Transition Projects, Blanchet House, and Northwest Pilot Project to donate items. Our challenge is to find PEOPLE to serve as Good Neighbors.
Teams
Volunteers will work in teams of 2 or 3, with each team assigned to a segment of the downtown. You may sign up as individuals or as teams.
Orientation/Training
Volunteers will receive initial orientation. Ongoing training will include information and referral and mental health first aid.
Timing
A Zoom orientation meeting will be held the week of November 16, 2020. The program will kick off soon thereafter.
Longer Term Goal
The long term goal is to build relationships. Consistent with the solution ideas presented at our November forum, we want to build community and be a support system to help our unhoused neighbors find a way to a better life. For example, this might include referral to places like Bybee Lakes Hope Center or Cascadia Behavioral Health for rehabilitation or Work Systems Inc. for assistance in finding a good job.
To Sign up or Ask Questions
Contact DNA Homeless/Houseless Co-chairs to sign up or ask questions:
- Stephanie Hansen: hansenstephanie28@gmail.com
- Nancy Hillig: nhillig@gmail.com
You can also register online.
We look forward to hearing from you!