Find ways to volunteer, donate supplies, or give
List also available in Google doc. (Created March 25, 2020 and updated May 16, 2022)
All Good Northwest fosters communities that intentionally engage individuals impacted by housing insecurity to achieve self-efficacy while defining and pursuing success on their own terms. You can help by donating the following items:
- Hygiene supplies (shampoo, conditioner, soap, shaving cream, razors, deodorant, combs, nail clippers, etc.)
- Pet food and litter
- Clothing (jackets, waterproof coats, shoes, socks, underwear, etc.)
- Blankets, towels, tarps and tents
Please contact Mike McRoberts (mmcrobert@allgoodnw.org) or DeeDee Turner (dturner@allgoodnw.org) to coordinate a supplies donation.
Blanchet House is a nonprofit located in Old Town Portland with a farm in Carlton, Oregon. They make a difference, one relationship at a time, through food, clothing, and supportive residential programs.
Here’s how you can help:
- Sign-up to volunteer: Compassionate individuals age 14 and older are needed on-site to serve meals and drinks, sort clothing, prepare ingredients, pack care kits, and more.
- Make care kits: Care kits contain essential relief items for people living homeless.
- Make sack lunches: You must sign-up using the online calendar.
- Donate: Host a fundraiser or share one with your friends on Facebook.
Donation hours: Mon-Sat (310 NW Glisan St) from 8:00 – 10:30 am and 1:30 – 4 pm. Please avoid dropping off during meal services.
Portland Free Fridge is a mutual aid project that sets up covered refrigerators and pantries in different neighborhoods throughout Portland, where neighbors can drop off groceries, prepared meals, and basic household supplies for those in need. Their map includes the full list of fridges and their cross-streets for those looking to drop off items. You can also help by making a donation via Venmo.
Symbiosis Hub & Resource Exchange is a project run by Symbiosis PDX that is dedicated to distributing hot food, groceries, hygiene supplies, and PPE to community members who need it. Every Tuesday & Thursday from noon-6 pm, the group sets up at the Social Justice Action Center (400 SE 12th Ave) to distribute goods and accept physical donations.
Crisis Kitchen is a mutual aid network that offers everything from kimchi to diapers for those who need it. The network has an online market for items available, you can help by making a donation and signing up to volunteer.
Team Beaverton is a mutual aid network that generally serves the west Portland suburbs, providing meals, groceries, medical supplies, and more to those in need. How can you help? Join the Facebook group to see specific community needs requests, or contact Team Beaverton: (971) 409-4313 or TeamBeaverton@gmail.com.
PDX Free Lunch Collective is a mutual aid hub, an autonomous group of individuals that builds sack lunches to deliver directly to tent encampments and communities of unhoused Portlanders throughout the metro area. The Collective is seeking donations through the Venmo @freelunchcollective, or you can volunteer to prep meals, pack lunches, or distribute lunches - visit their website for more info.
Feed the Mass has been serving meals for hundreds Monday-Saturday throughout the pandemic. Feed the Mass is looking for volunteers to help make and deliver meals around the Portland area, sign up to volunteer or make a donation.
PDX Concierge was started by a Portland high school student to provide a free grocery delivery service for seniors and the immunocompromised during the pandemic. The group serves communities around the Willamette Valley. They are in need of volunteers or you can make a donation. Those looking for grocery delivery can call 971-347-7778, email pdxconcierge2020@gmail.com, or visit the website.
Store to Door delivers groceries to homebound seniors who are at even greater risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Store to Door is seeking volunteers to assist with taking orders, shopping, and delivery. Or make a donation online.
Rahab's Sisters offers offers community, nourishing meals, supplies, and fun activities for women, trans, and nonbinary folks marginalized by poverty and houselessness. They prioritize a low-barrier and non-prescriptive service model that emphasizes the agency and choice of every Guest. You can help by signing up to volunteer, donating supplies, or making a financial contribution. You can also organize a supply drive or group volunteer activity by emailing info@rahabs-sisters.org.
Urban Gleaners has partnered with local providers & schools during the pandemic to distribute food around Multnomah & Washington Counties at food box drop sites, and is also delivering directly to families. How can you help? Make a donation, or drop off food at the warehouse from 9 am-3 pm Monday-Friday, and 11 am-3 pm on Saturday. To schedule a food drop-off, email: clare@urbangleaners.org.
Portland State Athletics’ Viks vs. Hunger campaign, with a generous matching donation from OnPoint Community Credit Union, will provide over 200,000 meals through the PSU Food Pantry this winter.
Creating Conscious Communities with People Outside or C(3)PO, is a public health mitigation response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 3 outdoor tent villages were opened for houseless folks, prioritizing BIPOC, trans, gender-nonconforming, and queer people, disabled people, and people over 50 years old. This is a project organized by grassroots organizations with support from the city and the Joint Office on Homelessness Services. If you are interested in supporting this coalition’s work, please look through this list of needs and consider donating items at Street Roots, 211 NW Davis St, (503) 228-5657. You can also make a donation online.
Needs list:
Clothing
- Winter Jackets (all sizes, all genders)
- Warm socks (all sizes)
- Warm hats
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Rainproof jackets (all sizes, all genders)
- Rainproof pants (all sizes, all genders)
- Winter/waterproof shoes (all sizes, all genders)
Other
- Blankets
- Hand warmers
- Toe warmers
- Shelving
- Tarps
- Warm/winter sleeping bags
Food
- Allergy considerations- diabetic consideration, no mushrooms (severe allergy) seafood/fish (severe) peanuts, dairy, green peppers, pork, shrimp, beans, avocado, mango, nuts
- Non-perishable foods are always great, sweet treats are nice too. Ramen is helpful for alternative meals.
- Fruit cups, applesauce, oatmeal packets, string cheese. Apples, oranges, carrots, ready-to-eat produce.
Multnomah County is seeking home-made face coverings, which should be unused and in good condition. The County is dedicated to ensuring that these scarce resources are distributed to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. Across the country, these communities are statistically more likely to suffer grave outcomes of COVID-19 and are therefore, our donation priority. A joint response team of local municipal, county, and non-profit partners are working with community partners across the county to distribute these, and other supplies. Learn more about how you can donate or volunteer to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Portland Street Response Team is seeking the following donations. These items can be dropped off Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, at Portland Street Response Team, located at Portland Fire and Rescue, 1300 SE Gideon Street, Portland.
Supplies Needed:
- tents
- sleeping bags
- warm blankets
- tarps, ponchos
- hand warmers
- hygiene kits
- Backpacks
- Socks
- bottled water
- Emergen-C
- snack bars
- ice packs
APANO is seeking donations for their COVID Relief Fund for community members and families working in Portland’s Jade District. You can donate online.
Black Resilience Fund is an emergency fund dedicated to healing and resilience by providing immediate funds and resources to Black Portlanders for basic needs such as food and unpaid bills. You can give a donation today!
Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon has shifted funding to an Emergency Support Fund model due school closures during the pandemic. The fund will provide emergency funds on a rolling basis to school and community-based sponsors providing meals to students during school closures. You can help by giving a donation to their Emergency Support Fund.
PSU Food Pantry continues to serve PSU students in their new location at 5th Avenue Cinema (510 SW Hall). They teamed up with the PSU Bookstore to ship food boxes to students in need on a weekly basis, or students can shop weekly by appointment. The pantry is accepting food donations and financial contributions to help keep things running. Donations can be made through their website. To coordinate a food donation, contact: hungerrelief@pdx.edu.
Portland Student Pandemic Response was created by two students from St. Mary’s and includes several ways for students and everyone to help frontline workers, and those who are hungry, homeless, and in need.
The COVID-19 Hardship Fund provides cash assistance to any local SEIU 503 member who has faced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Anyone may donate to the fund to assist local SEIU 503 union members.
Meals on Wheels has been meeting the social and nutritional needs of older adults in our community for 50 years. Service will continue to homebound elderly with a modified delivery model. Due to the drastic change in its service delivery model, Meals on Wheels People is incurring costs that are unprecedented. How can you help? Donations are encouraged to allow them to continue providing food and wellness checks for home bound elderly, or sign up to volunteer.
CCC provides intensive services and supports to approximately 14,000 low-income, vulnerable, and homeless individuals and families. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, CCC continues to provide its signature health care, recovery, housing and employment services, while also delivering meals and supplies to Portland’s most vulnerable population. Please visit CCC's COVID-19 Response webpage for more details. To donate items, check out their Item Donations web page, or please contact Teiana.brown@ccconcern.org to arrange pickup/drop-off.
CCC also seeks donations for two urgent needs:
- The COVID-19 Response Fund helps CCC continue to deliver care in the face of challenges associated with COVID-19, including higher costs, more intensive medical services, increased uncompensated care, increased cleaning and safety protocols and the strain that social distancing and other safety measures put on daily operations.
- The Rent Assistance Fund provides financial support to CCC clients as they transition out of homelessness, helping to make sure the economic impact of COVID-19 doesn’t derail CCC clients’ hard work in achieving self-sufficiency, health and housing.
Operation Nightwatch provides nighttime hospitality for Portland’s unhoused population to promote dignity, community, and social connection. During the pandemic they continue to provide to go hospitality services outdoors at both services centers. You can make a donation at their website, and they also need the following donated supplies:
Wish List:
- Water Bottles
- Instant Ice Packs
- Batteries (AA / AAA)
- Sun Screen
- Tarps
- Rain Gear
- Hats/ Stocking Caps
- Shoes/Boots (male 10-15 / female 7-9)
- Wool Socks
- Sleeping Bags
- Pads/Tampons
- Bandaids
Portland Rescue Mission is committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness, addiction and despair in the lives of hurting people in need. The mission offers emergency services of food and shelter at the original downtown Burnside Shelter, plus expanded services: 24/7 restrooms, showers, clothing, mail service, referrals and community activities in the Guest Care Center. The Mission is asking for help with donations to provide meals, shelter, and vital care during the pandemic since they receive no government funding. You can make a donation at their website, and they also need the following donated supplies, please drop off supplies at The Mission: 111 W Burnside St, 503-906-7690.
Needed Items:
- Bibles (NLT)
- New Undergarments
- Jeans
- Twin Blankets
- Travel-Size Toiletries
- Disposable Razors
- Deodorant
- Bottled Water
- Coffee
- Socks
- Blankets
- Coats, Hats, Gloves
- Backpacks
- Women’s Hygiene Products
- Hair Products (all ethnicities)
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- All types of clothing for men and women
Northwest Family Solutions supports family stability, child well-being, and victims of crime by focusing on the social determinants of health. Some of our services, such as the Food Pantry, cannot be operated remotely, so we are working on acquiring PPE for essential staff members. Donations of PPE supplies would greatly help us in this effort, please call ahead to make arrangements. For more info about NWFS, check out this Youtube video. You can also make a donation at our website.
NHA builds new homes and new opportunities for seniors, families, veterans and people with special needs across Oregon. Our front line staff continue to provide essential services to residents in NHA properties, now providing food and we are delivering medications and other necessities to those who need assistance. Here are some ways you can help: make a donation at their website or consider being a volunteer.
Portland Homeless Family Solutions empowers homeless families with children to get back into housing and to stay there long-term. PHFS continues to provide, and even expand, critical services to families experiencing homelessness in our community. They need your help now more than ever, here’s how: make a donation at their website or help them get much needed supplies, including:
Amazon Wish List
Donate Shelter Supplies:
- Purell Disinfectant Spray
- Clorox Wipes
- Full-sized body wash
- Amazon gift cards (any amount)
- Walmart gift cards (any amount)
- Baby Wipes
- Emergen-C or Airborne
- Infant formula
- Paper towels and toilet paper
- Gloves
- Dish Soap and Hand Soap
- Face masks (handmade or store bought)
Donate Food Boxes: Drop-off Tuesday and Thursday between 9am-11am.
- Mac & Cheese, Ramen
- Cereal and oatmeal
- Canned beans
- Canned veggies
- Bread
- Peanut Butter and Jelly
- Spaghetti Os
- Canned or boxed soup
- Canned tuna/chicken
- Rice
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Salami or smoked sausage (that doesn't need refrigeration before opening)
- Fresh or canned fruit
- Condiments
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, shelf stable milk
- Snack food (granola bars, goldfish, applesauce, fruit leather, popcorn, crackers, etc.)
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Paper plates, napkins, plastic flatware
- Can openers
Financial contributions go much further than food donations in moments like these, and your support will help to bolster food distribution in hard-hit communities across the state. Visit their website (link above) for the top 3 ways to get involved!
Causa, Latino Network, Voz Worker Education Project, and Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN) have created this fund to get dollars in the hands of Immigrant Oregon workers who are being left out of the Federal Stimulus package. 100% of the donations will go directly to community members in need who cannot access unemployment insurance benefits.
Familias en Acción is working to strengthen the health and well-being of Latino families and communities through community engagement, education, and advocacy for social change.
NAYA works with youth and families to promote healthy living through positive alternatives to high-risk behaviors, and promotes the values of sobriety, family stability, culture, active lifestyles, and education.
Latino Network is a Latino-led education organization, grounded in culturally-specific practices and services, that lifts up youth and families to reach their full potential.
IRCO serves the holistic needs of immigrants, refugees, and mainstream community members in Oregon and SW Washington. Their programs help new Oregonians learn English, find jobs, navigate new cultures and build community. Visit the website to make a donation or check out their Amazon Wishlist.
Lift Urban Portland is working to reduce hunger and improve the lives of low-income residents of Northwest and Downtown Portland. It is delivering food boxes amid the pandemic. How can you help? Make an online donation. Consider donating food: check out their donations guide & needs list, and contact warehouse@lifturbanportland.org to schedule a donation drop off.
Snowcap Community Charities is a philanthropic organization created to provide food, clothing, advocacy and other services. It is delivering food boxes amid the pandemic. It is delivering food boxes amid the pandemic and operating a food pantry. Visit their website for a current list of supplies needed, make a donation, or sign up to volunteer.
Sunshine Division is delivering up to 1,000 food boxes every week to local families. Their greatest need is cash donations to buy food.
Human Solutions operates two shelters for people experiencing homelessness (one for women, one for families). We need volunteer meal providers to drop off sack lunches and heat-able prepared meals that our staff can serve, check out ways you can donate food. We also need donated items, see the Amazon wish list. You can also volunteer, or make a donation. Questions? Contact Shawna at (503) 278-1637 or email volunteer@humansolutions.org.
Feeding our Neighbors is a step-by-step guide that empowers people to deliver meals to their houseless neighbors in a time of great need. It was created by Right to Survive and Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative.
The Oregon SUD Collaborative was created as a real-time capacity needs assessment for local safety net programs & organizations for people with Substance use disorders during COVID-19. The Collaborative created a list of local nonprofit needs and ways to help.
Volunteer with the Joint Volunteer Information Center, Multnomah County and the City of Portland's collaborative volunteer response to COVID-19.
Street Roots is collecting donations to support its Street Roots vendors and the Coronavirus Prevention and Action Team, which is taking supplies and information out to those living without shelter. You can help by making a donation, signing up to volunteer (contact volunteercoordinator@streetroots.org) or donating needed supplies from their Amazon Wishlist. Check out their list of all ways to support Street Roots, or contact Andrew Hogan at andrew@streetroots.org with questions or more info on supporting Street Roots.
JOIN serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Portland Metro area with basic services and to transition to permanent housing. You can support their efforts by: making a online donation, donating supplies from their Amazon Prime Wishlist, or drop off needed supplies from JOIN's Ongoing Needs and COVID-19 Needs lists. You can drop off items at JOIN (1435 NE 81st Ave) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 10am-3pm. For questions or more info on how to help, please email info@joinpdx.org.
P:ear Mentor helps homeless and transitional youth through education, art and recreation. They continue to help youth during the pandemic, p:ear is currently providing mentorship, programming, to-go meals, and essential supplies to youth on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 10:00am - 2:00pm. How can you help? Make an online donation, or join p:ear Core, a monthly giving club to help continue to serve youth with strength and fortitude. Donate urgently needed supplies, check out their COVID-19 needs list.
Donations of fresh produce, masks for youth, baked goods, and other needed items can be dropped off between 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday-Friday at 338 NW 6th Ave. Have other ideas? Contact their volunteer coordinator at tony@pearmentor.org.
Portland Street Medicine is a volunteer driven initiative, providing free medical care to people without housing and is playing a crucial role to make sure our most vulnerable neighbors have reliable information and access to care during this crisis. Please donate today or check out our Amazon Wish List.
The Q Center is accepting donations of supplies for folks affected by covid-19 and pandemic related closures including: soap, hand sanitizer, diapers, non-perishable food, and other supplies. You can drop off supplies at 4115 N Mississippi Ave in Portland from noon - 8 pm M-F. Look for the totes in the lobby or outside main door for putting supplies in.
A list of basic needs resources created by Congressman Earl Blumenauer. All of these groups likely need donations and volunteers.
Sisters of the Road is a nonprofit Cafe in Portland’s Old Town/Chinatown working to create systemic change that will end poverty and homelessness. Sisters continues to serve to-go meals and coffee to those experiencing homelessness. Help them meet the need by making a donation.
List of non-profits in need of donations, shared by Bridgeliner including Portland Street Medicine and Blanchet House.
Neighborhood House is the largest food pantry on Portland’s west side, providing emergency food boxes to more than 1,400 individuals every month. You can help by making a donation.
Oregon Community Foundation is collecting donations to provide grants to local nonprofits on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response.
MRG Foundation is collecting donations to support organizations that address systemic inequities and whose work focuses on both supporting most-impacted communities at this time and anticipating the long-term effects of the outbreak.
Social Justice Fund NW is a grantmaking organization dedicated to addressing the root causes of social, economic, and environmental inequities, launched an emergency fund to support Social Justice Fund grantees working to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Donate to the fund in order to help nonprofits reach those most in need.
BBPDX created a list of ways to help those experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Submit your nonprofits’ needs to homelessness@pdx.edu. For more updates follow us on twitter: @homelessnesspdx and Instagram: @homelessnesspdx.