Life in Portland Blog

JOIN PDX

This holiday season, Urban Nest Realty is partnering with JOIN PDX in collecting supplies for those in Portland currently experiencing homelessness. 

"JOIN's organizational mission is to support the efforts of homeless individuals and families to transition from homelessness to permanent housing. JOIN's guiding vision is a community where homelessness, if it exists at all, is a short-term circumstance rather than a long-term or chronic condition. Just last year, JOIN helped 560 people end their homelessness and find housing in 2014. Of these households, 102 were families caring for 161 children under the age of 18. 82% of the total households found the support they needed to maintain stability for the long-term."

As we head into the colder months, it becomes increasingly crucial that the more vulnerable members of our community are taken care of.

Starting now, and through to Monday, December 7th, we will be receiving donations at our 3041 N Williams office, which is open from 9-5, Monday - Friday. 

"When you're homeless, people think that you're lower - that you're worth less or that you're the dredge of society or something. I'm a pretty friendly, talkative guy, so that was hard for me. I felt judged - like people didn't want to talk to me because they were afraid or something. I wanted to tell them that we're equal, that you just have more material possessions than I do right now, and that anyone can slip into homelessness."Danny

The following is a list of much-needed items - you can find out more details about JOIN and how they serve our community via their website:

Cold Weather Items - Gently Used or New:
Socks, blankets, sleeping bags, tarps, jackets, hats, gloves.

Hygiene Items:
Shampoo & conditioner (large or small size), feminine products, razors & shaving cream, soap (bar and liquid), lotion, deodorant, first aid supplies, Ibuprofen/Tylenol/Aspirin, Bandaids, anti-bacterial wash, Neosporin, Ace bandages.

Basic Service Center Food Items:
Sugar, creamer, peanut butter.

Clothing - Gently Used or New:
Men's and women's casual/functional clothing, men's and women's underwear and bras, men's and women's boots and shoes.

Miscellaneous:
Pet food & supplies, Trimet bus tickets, Fred Meyer gift cards, stamps, bike locks, bath towels, books & periodicals, backpacks, paper & plastic bags.

JOIN Does Not Accept:
Furniture, dress clothing and shoes.

Much thanks to The PDX Green Team for kickstarting this excellent initiative, and we're ever thankful for the support and generosity of our Urban Nest Clients, Friends, and Families.

Urban Nest 2014 Holiday Food & Clothing Drive

The holiday season brings a variety of elements to the table - family, fun, food, festivities. But for many folk, Thanksgiving & Christmas are times where it's not only a struggle to celebrate, but it's difficult to even stay afloat. 

In 2013, Urban Nest's fundraiser for the Oregon Food Bank was a big success - we managed to donate several large boxes of non-perishable food items for families in need. This year, we're doing it all again - but in conjunction with an equally worthwhile cause, raising much-needed supplies for the incredible organization,Central City Concern. Both could use your help, and Urban Nest is here to make giving even easier. Follow us on Facebook to stay updated! 

And to make things a little more festive, when you swing by and drop off your donations, you'll be entered into our Holiday Raffle! At the end of the drive we'll draw names, and lucky winners will receive vouchers to some of our favorite local shops, including Pip's Original DoughnutsBaby Doll PizzaTin Bucket,Alma Chocolates, and Ink & Peat.

So stop by one of our two offices between Monday, November 17th and Friday, December 19th, and bring your non-perishable food items for Oregon Food Bank, or one of the listed items for Central City Concern.

Oregon Food Bank Donation Needs

Central City Concern Donation Needs


Urban Nest Realty Drop Off Locations

3041 N Williams Ave.
Portland, OR 97227

 

233 NE 28th Ave.
Portland, OR 97232

 


Keeping Your Pets Safe On The 4th Of July

July 4th is fast approaching, and many of us are already planning a weekend of backyard BBQs and bright, explosive fireworks. Except not everyone is excited about the upcoming celebrations. Just ask any local animal shelter, and they'll tell you that more pets go missing on Independence Day weekend than any other time of year - and that many of those who do are never reunited with their families. The commotion and fireworks might be thrilling to us, but to our beloved pets, they can be confusing, frightening, and disruptive. We cannot completely isolate them from their once familiar neighborhood being filled with strange flashes and loud noises, but we can take several simple precautions to protect them from the additional anxiety, danger, and stress.

1. Bring your pets indoors. Keeping them inside is the best way to avoid your kitty bolting up a tree, your pup getting stuck where they don't belong, or either of them running away from home in fright. Ensure that any identification tags and collars are up-to-date and secured.
2. Act normal. Animals can sense when their owners are stressed or excited, and react to these emotions. Talk to them in calm voices, make sure they can easily access their safe, quiet places, and don't forget to give them plenty of hugs and love...and the occasional treat!
3. Play music or have the television on to help mask loud noises, and keep the windows and doors closed for extra soundproofing and security. Birds and other small pets such as hamsters and ferrets can also suffer firework anxiety, so make sure the whole family is together and looked after!
4. Consider calming treatments. If your pet is especially nervous or high-strung, speak with your vet about what can help keep them calm on the 4th of July. Devices such as Thundershirts can help your dog or cat feel safer (acting as a firm 'hug' to comfort your pet), and Feliway offers many products that can calm and soothe. 
Urban Nest hope you and your families have a wonderful long weekend, full of fun, festivities, and fireworks, and that your furry friends are safe and happy for the Fourth of July.