Sunshine Division

Since 1923, the Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division has been providing food and clothing relief to Portland families and individuals in need. Whether due to the loss of a job, domestic crime, illness, or victims of fire or disaster, the Sunshine Division has built a 91-year legacy of mobilizing quickly and efficiently to assist distressed Portlanders.

We offer food assistance six days a week at our warehouse as well as 24/7 through our partnership with the Portland Police Bureau who store food boxes at each police precinct that can be dispatched to those in need at any time. We also provide no-cost, bulk food and food boxes to 15+ local hunger relief non-profits serving Clark, Clackamas, Washington, and Multnomah counties.  In addition to food relief, we offer new and gently-used clothing in our on-site clothing room and fund new school clothes for low income children through our Izzy’s Kid’s program which pairs a Portland police officer with a child for a one-on-one shopping experience.

If you need help with food or clothing, please call: 503-823-2102 or click here for more information.

Sunshine division is located 687 N Thompson Ave Portland

If you’d like to donate or volunteer, check out the information at the website.

Poor People Need a Break, Too!

One of the worst parts about being poor is the level of stress that we are constantly under. Sometimes we just need to take a break, relax, and appreciate some beauty.

There is a program in Portland that gives us that opportunity!

If you have an Oregon Trail (SNAP) card, you qualify for five dollar tickets to live music, plays, dance performances and more!  Each card qualifies for two five dollar tickets, but you can check to see if there might be options for larger groups.

It is through the Arts for All program, and there are different opportunities to experience local performances every week!  Participating groups include: NW Film Center, Artists Repertory Theatre, Oregon Symphony, Oregon Children’s Theatre, Body Vox Theatre, and many more!

Check out the website for more information: http://racc.org/artsforall/

Check out their Facebook page to find out what is available: https://www.facebook.com/ArtsforAllPDX

Community of Hope

Initiated by the Church of North Portland, Community of Hope provides shelter and support for single moms who have no home.  They give a space for overnight and daytime shelter for young moms for up to six months and provide them skills so they can live on their own.  

They build on the strengths families already have while providing housing, classes, resources, and mentoring. This support helps mothers to hold a job, manage finances, steer clear of addictions, develop positive relationships, grow in parenting skills, and make healthy life choices. 

Right now, Community of Hope is in the midst of moving into The Hub, next to Red Sea Church, where they will have a permanent place to serve their moms and kids.  They are looking for people to build beds and a fence, and to provide needed donations.

If you'd like to help, please contact Linda Jo via email:  lindajo@communityofhopepdx.org

If you'd like to find out more, check out their website.

Golden Harvesters

For 25 years Golden Harvesters has been providing food to low-income residents of Portland, OR, and the surrounding area. Members pay $30 a month and volunteer for at least 2 hours.  In return, members visit twice a week to select food.

The food selection varies widely depending on the season and  donation availability. However, it consists largely of vegetables, fruit, bread, dairy, sweets, and a weekly “protein option” such as almond butter, meat or eggs. Other items that frequent the co-op shelves include juice, chips/crackers, some canned goods, tempeh, tofu, beans, rice, flours, pasta, sauces/condiments, and grab-and-go meals. There is a small gluten-free section and some items are organic.  For thirty dollars a month, you get a lot of food!

Anyone in need can join. Income verification is not required.

Golden Harvesters is located at 8100 N Lombard St, Portland, OR

Their website is: http://goldenharvesters.org/