Shelters are a crucial step in resolving the humanitarian crisis of homelessness in Portland. They are not a substitute for permanent housing. Rather, they are entry points to a system that promotes safety, connects people to care, and helps them get off the street.
Thank you for joining our compassionate mission to repair, restore, and revitalize our city by helping our most vulnerable neighbors on their journey home.
Our shelters need and deserve your support. Here's what you can do to help.
Volunteer
We offer volunteer opportunities for anyone with the following skills:
- Skilled Trades: ADA accessibility, carpentry, painting, electrical, landscape.
- Wellness: haircuts, medical screenings, counseling support.
- Event Management: set-up, service, clean-up for community meals and homeless outreach.
- Employment: training, resume writing, skill building, employer connection.
- Life Skills: cooking, financial literacy, tenant/landlord relationships, conflict resolution, and other training.
- Pet Support: veterinarian medical screening, pet care, pet training.
- Outreach: Volunteer with daily outreach project We All Have a Name.
Donate
We need donations. Top priority items include:
- Food: canned goods, proteins, dry goods, disposable plates, cups, personal utensils, kitchen utensils.
- Outreach: chips, sodas, bottled water, tobacco products.
- Hygiene Kits: travel-size toiletries, socks, underwear, towels, laundry supplies.
- Clothing: seasonal clothing, coats, rain gear, shoes, shower shoes, underwear, socks, wallets.
- Pet: animal cleaning supplies, pet food, leashes, muzzles, toys, towels
- Reunion: spendable gift cards for travel.
- Health: lice treatment, basic wound care.
Major gift opportunities
- Vans for transportation and outreach workers
- Shower trucks for guest sanitation and dignity
- Commercial-grade appliances for meal preparation and safe storage
- Laptops, tablets, and printers for services and case management
Start a “Friends” group
Are you interested in connecting with your local shelter operator to provide ongoing volunteer support for the following? Reach out today.
- Holiday celebrations
- Regular clean-ups and beautification
- Skills building
- Special events, meals, treats
- Community-building
Contact
To volunteer or donate, contact:
Shelter Services Team
shelterservices@portlandoregon.gov
Learn more
Learn more in our information kit: Support Shelters through Gifting and Volunteer Opportunities