Portland, OR. United Way of the Columbia-Willamette (UWCW) is expanding into a new area by supporting the Bybee Lakes Hope Center. A $1.2 million donation from UWCW will help expand the existing facility at the Jordan Schnitzer Campus. It’s a transitional housing facility run by the Oregon nonprofit, Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers. The funds will complete the renovation of the 155,400-square-foot Wapato Correctional Facility in the Port of Portland into a trauma-informed, data-driven transitional housing facility to support Portland Metro community members experiencing homelessness.
Helping Hands provides services to those experiencing homelessness who are, “ready to make sustainable changes to achieve self-sufficiency.” Referrals to the Hope Center are accepted from the registered community partners, listed at the end of this article. The Hope Center serves homeless men, women, and families with children. Participants must be ready to be clean and sober (even if today is day one), and they cannot be registered sex offenders of any class since the program also serves children.
Here are current photos of the facility:
UWCW has a history of investing in Oregon and Washington’s children and families through early learning and housing stability/safety net programs, facilitating the collaboration of community organizations and strategic grant making. Putting racial equity at the center of its mission, UWCW focuses where the need is greatest and identifies and implements the most effective solutions to build a more inclusive and equitable region where all families have the resources and opportunities to thrive.
“We know that housing stability is a key contributor to family resiliency,” says Cindy Adams, president and CEO of UWCW, who joined the Bybee Lakes Hope Center advisory board this week. “Our support of Bybee Lakes Hope Center will more than double the number of individuals who can transition from houselessness to having a more sustainable living environment. Housing stability is fundamental to positive education outcomes for kids and health and employment outcomes for individuals and families.”
Bybee Lakes Hope Center uses an innovative approach to houseless services with its trauma-informed, data-driven and person-centered practices. At the center, clients receive three meals a day, access to technology, gardens, playgrounds for kids and a customized Individual Reentry Plan, in addition to dorms for men, women and families and coming soon, an LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Dorm. Using proprietary software to track utilization of services, as well as gather each individual’s unique story to create a plan for them to work toward sustainable housing, Bybee Lakes Hope Center has proven the success of its individualized model for changing lives and is setting a nationwide standard.
This grant from UWCW will go toward additional amenities and services, including:
Dorms for men, women, families and LGBTQIA+
On-site dog kennel and dog run with volunteer veterinarian services
1.5-acre therapeutic garden with orchard, exercise paths and raised bed gardens
Two playground/play areas for children and families
Medical, dental, mental and behavioral health care
Professional kitchen with vocational training
Multiple classrooms
Crisis Management, case management and resource navigation
“With nearly 20 years of serving the homeless, Helping Hands has enjoyed a long-time partnership with United Way in several Oregon counties,” says founder and CEO, Alan Evans. “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with United Way of the Columbia-Willamette through our work at the Bybee Lakes Hope Center at the Jordan Schnitzer Campus. This meaningful contribution will help ensure the long-term sustainability of this facility, so we can continue to bring hope to community members experiencing houselessness.”
United Way’s $1.2 million grant to Bybee Lakes Hope Center is made possible by a $20 million gift from MacKenzie Scott as part of the philanthropist’s first round of The Giving Pledge. The center opened in October 2020 after the land was donated by Jordan Schnitzer. The economic uncertainty of 2020 caused construction to be halted after one-third of the center was completed.
“Bybee Lakes Hope Center is a perfect example of different sectors, including government, nonprofit, and private philanthropy, stepping up to find solutions for one of the true challenges Oregon and the entire country are facing today,” says Oregon State Senator Betsy Johnson. “Now Alan’s vision for that innovative model is both being realized and expanding in Portland with this generous donation from United Way today.”
For 100 years, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette has been working to meet the needs of vulnerable families. No matter the crisis, we have always remained steadfast to our commitment to LIVE UNITED. Together, we’re helping our community recover, become more resilient, while building a more inclusive and equitable region where all families have the resources and opportunities to thrive. For more information and to get involved, please visit www.unitedway-pdx.org.
Portland, OR. Meals on Wheels People has introduced a new vehicle into its fleet – an all-electric van with a refrigeration unit powered by solar energy. The van was funded by a grant from the Portland General Electric (PGE) Drive Change Fund and was built by Lightning eMotors of Loveland, Colorado.
The Lightning Electric Transit Van is a zero-emission electric vehicle. The van is believed to be the first electric van deployed in the United States to have a fully functioning solar-powered refrigeration system, used to keep meals fresh for delivery. The refrigeration unit is powered by a 12-volt battery pack that is charged by the vehicle when the van is plugged in and by a solar panel when the vehicle is in the sun.
The refrigeration unit is powered by a 12-volt battery pack that is charged by the vehicle when the van is plugged in and by a solar panel when the vehicle is in the sun.
The PGE Drive Change Fund is funded via the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Clean Fuels Program and is awarded annually through a competitive grant process. Meals on Wheels People received the grant in 2020. The PGE Drive Change Fund allowed Meals on Wheels People to purchase two electric vehicles and install electric vehicle charging stations at its headquarters in Multnomah Village, allowing staff, volunteers and the public to charge their vehicles while on location.
“Sustainability is part of our corporate culture and Meals on Wheels People is committed to reducing its impact on the environment,” said Meals on Wheels People CEO Suzanne Washington. “Converting to electric vehicles is just one step in our Green Initiative and helped us earn a spot on the list of 100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon. We are extremely grateful to PGE for providing us the funding for our new electric vehicles and charging stations.”
The van will be used for the Meals 4 Kids, which serves qualified children and families within the City of Portland experiencing food insecurity and is funded by the Portland Children’s Levy.
Here’s a video about the program:
“We’re thrilled to support the Meals on Wheels People mission,” said Eva DeCesaro, manager of PGE’s Clean Fuels Program. “This electric van and charging infrastructure will contribute to the reduction of emissions not just for the wonderful people at Meals on Wheels, but for everyone they serve, and the larger community here in Oregon.”
To build the Class 3 vehicle, Lightning eMotors partnered with refrigeration manufacturer Volta Air, based in Canada, and solar-panel supplier Merlin Solar of San Jose, California. The van is capable of traveling delivery routes while maintaining cargo at refrigerator temperatures – all with zero emissions. Emerald Transportation Solutions of Fayetteville, Georgia installed the refrigeration unit, its battery pack, and insulation liner.
“Last-mile delivery of chilled food via electric vehicles is expected to be an emerging trend as more zero-emission vehicles are deployed,” said Bill Kelley, chief technical officer, Lightning eMotors. “Our engineering team worked very closely with Volta Air to assure seamless integration of this innovative battery charging and refrigeration functionality. It’s a pleasure to be able to deliver this innovative van to Meals on Wheels People.”
About Meals on Wheels People:
Meals on Wheels People has been changing lives, one meal at a time, since 1970. We provide more than a meal to thousands of older adults in the greater Portland metro area. Our service not only alleviates hunger and social isolation but allows seniors to live independently with dignity in their own homes. Aging in place reduces depression, falls, and hospitalization as well as the high cost of institutional care. For more information, visit mowp.org.
About Portland General Electric:
Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is a fully integrated energy company based in Portland, Oregon, with operations across the state. The company serves approximately 900,000 customers with a service area population of 2 million Oregonians in 51 cities. PGE has 16 generation plants in five Oregon counties, and maintains and operates 14 public parks and recreation areas. For over 130 years, PGE has delivered safe, affordable and reliable energy to Oregonians. Together with its customers, PGE has the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the U.S. PGE and its 3,000 employees are working with customers to build a clean energy future. In 2019, PGE, employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated $4.3 million and volunteered 32,900 hours with more than 700 nonprofits across Oregon. For more information visit portlandgeneral.com/news.
Portland, OR. Bank of America is offering additional support for Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center’s vaccination efforts. A $150,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will be used by the nonprofit to support infrastructure designed to better reach Oregon’s Hispanic-Latino populations, which have been among those hardest hit by the pandemic. Virginia Garcia offers health care at 17 locations across Washington and Yamhill counties. The grant is part of Bank of America’s ongoing efforts to support the equitable distribution of coronavirus vaccines in Oregon and Southwest Washington,
As families look to get vaccinated before going back to school Virginia Garcia will continue to host ongoing vaccination events across Washington and Yamhill counties, providing both first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at key locations such as school-based health centers and high schools.
As of July 26, 45.7 percent of the Hispanic-Latino population is vaccinated, according to state data.
“Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center relies on partnerships like the one with Bank of America to ensure vulnerable communities continue to have access to high-quality care – even during a pandemic,” said Stefanny Caballero, Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation Interim Executive Director. “The investments into our community as well as the PPE donations they have provided have helped increase our ability to serve our Latino/a/x communities.”
This is the second grant the bank has awarded Virginia Garcia since the onset of the pandemic. In 2020, Bank of America awarded the nonprofit $100,000 to help it scale mobile coronavirus testing capabilities to prevent the spread of the disease. The bank’s partnership has also helped Virginia Garcia improve its distribution of language and culture-specific information about the virus to Hispanic-Latino communities.
“The historic, systemic challenges communities of color face have been compounded and accelerated by the pandemic,” said Roger Hinshaw, president, Bank of America Oregon and Southwest Washington. “We have a role to play in helping communities move forward. By directing philanthropic capital and resources to our local nonprofit organizations, we are helping address the most pressing needs while working to mitigate some of the disproportionate economic and health risks these communities face.”
In communities across the country, Bank of America also worked with local partners to provide resources — namely, personal protective equipment (PPE) in the form of face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer — to vulnerable and underserved communities hardest hit by the coronavirus. In Oregon and Southwest Washington, the company supplied 255,000 masks to local partners serving those in need.
The latest local recipients of the bank’s PPE distribution efforts include Central City Concern, the Albany School District and the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla. The bank’s PPE donations build upon $2.7 million in funding distributed in Oregon and Southwest Washington last year as part of the bank’s local coronavirus relief and economic mobility efforts.
“Even though we are on the cusp of widespread vaccination, community partners continue to play a critical role in the face of ongoing uncertainty,” says Juliana Lukasik, Director of Public Affairs, Central City Concern. “As we work to help those experiencing homelessness and in need of our assistance, Bank of America has been an instrumental partner in our continued efforts. Being named as their Neighborhood Builder was a big boost for us. And their donation of critical PPE has allowed CCC to continue safely providing our counseling, housing and other support services at a time of unprecedented need.”
Thus far, Bank of America has donated more than 25 million masks, 160,000 eight-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer, and 4 million gloves to underserved communities across the country. These local investments are part of Bank of America’s $100 million global effort to address coronavirus-related challenges in local communities and are connected to its nationwide $1.25 billion, five-year commitment to address racial equality and economic opportunity.
From Virginia Garcia:
Virginia Garcia serves more than 47,000 people in the community each year. We have 18 clinics providing care in two counties. There are more than 60 languages spoken at the clinics and our more than 600 employees work every day to provide high quality, culturally-appropriate care to our patients.
We work hard every day to provide this kind of care, but we couldn’t do it without the support of our generous donors. Want to get involved but don’t know how? Check out our Friends of Virginia Garcia and Corporate and Community pages for more information.
From Bank of America:
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. For more information on how the bank is supporting employees, clients and communities during this time, see latest updates here.
Lake Oswego, OR. Saturdays through Oct. 2nd you’ll find thousands of locals meeting their favorite farmers in Millennium Plaza Park. The Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market is one of 123 farmers’ markets operating throughout the state, and each has its own local flavor. The Oregon Farmers Market Association works to give the community access to a wide variety of fresh, local, in-season farm products direct from the producer and to provide a centralized location for local producers to market directly to the buying public. It also provides an interactive map so you can find one near you: Click here for a map of farmers’ markets.
Many farmers markets across the state have adopted OFMA’s COVID-19 Pledge, which means they have created safe and essential marketplaces for local food shoppers.
Farmers markets provide families of all income levels access to nutritious locally and regionally produced foods. More than 70 Oregon markets accept SNAP benefits and other critical food assistance because we believe that fresh, healthy food is for everyone.
Farmers markets are small business incubators. Data recently collected by OFMA suggest that over half the vendors at a typical rural farmers market are brand-new entrepreneurs with less than three years of experience.
Check out highlights from OFMA’s 2019 Census of Oregon farmers markets.
Did you know…
…only $0.15 on the dollar goes to farmers when you buy food at a grocery store? Support your local farmers by shopping at the market, where they keep 100% of those dollars!
…customers at farmers markets have 15 to 20 social interactions compared to one to two at a grocery store? Farmers markets are great for their communities. Visit your farmers market this week and chat with your neighbors.
…farmers market food is WAY fresherthan food from traditional retailers? Farmers market fare averages half a day since harvest, compared to 13 days at a traditional retailer. That’s a delicious reason to support your local farmers market!
…the United States loses one acre of farmland every day? Support the vendors at your local farmers market to help keep working lands in production!
Portland, OR. Artists and arts organizations in Oregon are receiving a $4 million gift from Pacific Northwest philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Her most recent donations total more than $2.7 billion for 286 nonprofits, most with missions that have historically received little from philanthropy.
Scott is the former wife of Jeff Bezos, and one of the world’s richest people. They were married for 25 years. She was one of Amazon’s first employees and was heavily involved in the company’s early days. The couple are parents to four children.
The donation to the Oregon Community Foundations (OCF) Arts and Culture Recovery Fund will help arts organizations and individual artists impacted by Covid-19, with an emphasis on communities of color, people with disabilities, immigrants and refugees, and rural, LGBTQ+ and low-income populations.
“We’re humbled and grateful for this incredibly generous contribution to support the arts and culture community across Oregon,” said Jerry Tischleder, OCF program officer for arts and culture. “The Oregon Arts and Culture Recovery Fund has provided significant support to the field so far, but the losses and need related to COVID-19 are staggering. We look forward to continue putting these much-needed funds out into the community.”
OCF was among 286 “high-impact organizations in categories and communities that have been historically underfunded and overlooked,” according to Scott’s blog post announcing the gifts.
Scott announced that she has focused the latest giving on two- and four-year colleges and universities with a record of successfully educating students who come from low-income and marginalized backgrounds and to religious and other nonprofits that are focused on working with organizations of other faiths and ethnic backgrounds to bridge divides between ethnic and religious groups.
Scott, a novelist and philanthropist, holds tens of billions of dollars in Amazon stock. In 2019 she signed the Giving Pledge to give away most of her wealth. The Giving Pledge is a commitment by the world’s richest individuals and families to dedicate the majority of their wealth to giving back. It was started by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett in 2010 and other signatories such as Star Wars creator George Lucas.
In the spring of 2021 Scott married Dan Jewett, a science teacher at the private school that MacKenzie’s four children have attended.
Together Scott and Jewett spent the first quarter of 2021 identifying and evaluating equity-oriented non-profit teams working in areas that have been neglected. The result was $2,739,000,000 in gifts to 286 high-impact organizations in categories and communities that have been historically underfunded and overlooked.
Scott wrote the following: “Putting large donors at the center of stories on social progress is a distortion of their role. Me, Dan, a constellation of researchers and administrators and advisors — we are all attempting to give away a fortune that was enabled by systems in need of change. In this effort, we are governed by a humbling belief that it would be better if disproportionate wealth were not concentrated in a small number of hands and that the solutions are best designed and implemented by others. Though we still have a lot to learn about how to act on these beliefs without contradicting and subverting them, we can begin by acknowledging that people working to build power from within communities are the agents of change. Their service supports and empowers people who go on to support and empower others.”
“People struggling against inequities deserve center stage in stories about the change they are creating. This is equally — perhaps especially — true when their work is funded by wealth. Any wealth is a product of a collective effort that included them. The social structures that inflate wealth present obstacles to them. And despite those obstacles, they are providing solutions that benefit us all.”
Below is a list of the recipients of the donation:
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