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.