Portland, OR. The Kuni Foundation awarded just over $1 million to support 19 projects that advance cancer research and promote vibrancy and inclusion for people experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Portland-based PHAME, a performance and arts school for people with developmental disabilities, pictured above, received a $25,000 for current programs and a $50,000 grant to help support the planning and development of the region’s first fully accessible community and arts building. The community and arts building will be purpose-built for the needs of people with IDD and other disabilities and will include art studios, classrooms, rehearsal spaces, a kiln room and a black-box theater with an accessible light and sound booth. People without disabilities will also be welcome and rehearsal spaces will be open for use to local organizations.
PHAME was founded in 1984 by a group of families who were interested in creating performance opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Imagination Grants reflect our commitment to investing in people and projects that inspire, innovate and experiment,” said Greg Goodwin, Kuni Foundation Board Chair. “We’re excited about the range of creative approaches expressed in this most recent round of grants.”
Oregon nonprofits received just over $350,000 including three grants to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). A $50,000 grant will help launch a Center of Excellence for Autism Research at OHSU.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one out of every 54 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder and Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability. Access to diagnosis and intervention is often delayed and reduced for people of color and those living in remote, rural areas. OHSU has the state’s largest clinical program for the treatment of autism, and the grant will be used to help build capacity, collaboration and expand services through the Center of Excellence for Autism Research.
“This capacity-building grant from the Kuni Foundation will provide us with the launch pad we need to start our Autism Center at a critical time.” Eric Fombonne, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, OHSU.
OHSU also received $149,000 to advance two cancer research efforts. Dr. Lara Davis, Associate Professor of Medical and Pediatric Oncology and the Director of the Sarcoma Program at the Knight Cancer Center, received $75,000 to pursue better outcomes for women diagnosed with Uterine leiomyosarcoma. This rare and aggressive cancer affects thousands of women each year with a mortality rate of more than 50 percent.
The Leukemia Lymphoma Society (Oregon) received $50,000 for research to improve diagnosis and treatment for Multiple Myeloma, with an emphasis on improving access and outcomes for African Americans. The risk for Multiple Myeloma increases with age, and with the population in the United States steadily aging, the incidence of new diagnoses is expected to increase by 60 percent over 20 years (2010 to 2030). Nearly 13,000 Americans die from Multiple Myeloma each year; African Americans are more than twice as likely to receive a diagnosis, and at a younger age.
Expanding Housing Access in Washington
A new co-housing model in Shoreline, Washington led by Community Homes, Inc. received $50,000 to help plan an inclusive community for people who experience IDD. The nonprofit provides affordable and supportive housing, in addition to navigation and support.
Open Doors for Multicultural Families provides culturally and linguistically relevant information, services, and programs to culturally diverse people experiencing IDD. Based in Redmond, Washington, the organization received a $50,000 planning grant to support a new housing effort.
“People experiencing disabilities are the drivers of the planning, design, and development of the Multicultural Village housing project, said Ginger Kwan, Executive Director of Open Doors for Multicultural Families. “By gathering their feedback and lifting their voices, we will build options that provide opportunities for homeownership and create a multicultural community center. Kuni Foundation has played a critical role in realizing this vision, planting the seed for this project to grow.”
Ten cancer research initiatives received just over $700,000 for efforts ranging from treatments for brain and bladder cancers to the use of artificial intelligence. Christoph Lee, MD, MS, MBA, and professor of Radiology at the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine received $75,000 for the regional expansion of artificial intelligence-driven breast cancer screenings.
Here are more specifics:
Oregon Grants ($356,988):
Grace Commons Consortium, Portland: Pre-Development for Community Arts Building, $50,000
Home Life, Corvallis: Quality Assurance Program $7,000
Christoph Lee, MD, UW Medicine: Regional Expansion of Artificial Intelligence-Driven Breast Cancer Screenings, $75,000
Brent Wise, MD, UW Medicine: Predicting Medication-Resistant and Atypical Pituitary Adenomas Using a Cell-Free DNA Approach, $75,000
About the Kuni Foundation:
Based in Vancouver, Washington,theKuni Foundation funds cancer research and supports programs and initiatives that enhance the lives of adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more at www.kunifoundation.org or via Twitter: @KuniFoundation.
Portland, OR. After a few years’ hiatus, Playworks Pacific Northwest brought back a fan favorite, Footgolf. A combination of golf and soccer, the Footgolf event brought out close to 100 participants and 20 teams battling for the win while raising awareness about the organization’s impact on elementary schools across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
The event took place at Glendoveer Golf Course on May 22nd. The winning team was a group of employees from The Standard (seen above). Raising a total of $23K, donations will help Playworks continue to create a space on the playground for every kid to feel included and build valuable social skills.
Playworks has supported schools by working to keep kids playing virtually and in hybrid settings while helping to prepare for when they return to full-time in-person instruction.
Playworks creates spaces for every kid to feel included and build valuable social skills by leveraging the power of play.
Footgolf is a family-friendly event to raise awareness of Playworks Pacific Northwest’s impact on elementary schools across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska.
FootGolf (sometimes referred to as, “soccer golf”) is a combination of the popular sports of soccer and golf. The game is played with a regulation #5 soccer ball at a golf course facility on shortened holes with 21-inch diameter cups. The rules largely correspond to the rules of golf. This sport is a relatively new concept (since 2008), and is being played at golf courses throughout the world.
Playworks Pacific Northwest, a leading non-profit organization founded in 1996, leverages the power of play to transform children’s social and emotional health throughout Oregon, Washington and Idaho schools through year-round, and on-site support services, creating healthy environments for kids through recess. Through Playworks programs, they reduce bullying and enable social-emotional learning by leveraging the power of safe, fun, and healthy play at school every day. Creating a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills, Playworks is helping grow healthy and happy youth. Over the 2020/2021 school year, Playworks is providing two school districts-seven total schools, across Oregon and Washington, with direct services, impacting the lives of 3,150 kids daily. Additionally, the non-profit has impacted more than 18,450 kids in the past 8 months through professional development training and digital support services across the region. Plaworks has provided services in 15 school districts across Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska and impacts over 21,850 students and more than 960 staff/teachers annually.
Portland, OR. The Salvation Army hosted the All About Kids Virtual Silent Auction and Fundraising Event on June 16th. This event was a special time to highlight local kids and celebrate their potential through hearing stories of success and change.
Last year, The Salvation Army in the Portland Metro area provided services to 88,133 individuals. This included serving over 298,285 meals and snacks to families.
The Salvation Army’s youth programs place special emphasis on activities that encourage the development of life skills and strong character. Through mentoring, education, and recreation, kids are shown the possibility of a better life and future. Together We Can provide safety, security, guidance, and a place of belonging for at-risk youth in the Portland Metro Area.
From The Salvation Army:
This is made possible through the generosity of our donors and corporate partners.
Presenting Partner ($20,000): Miller Family Foundation Game Changer ($10,000): True Sense Marketing, Walmart Hope Grower ($5,000): Franz Spark Starter ($2,500): Coffman Excavation Video Partner: Weston Dealerships
Many folks plan to watch fireworks displays online or on broadcast TV. One favorite coming back with gusto is Macy’s July 4th Fireworks Show. “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” will air on KGW starting at 8:00 pm. The show is returning this year to its pre-pandemic levels of pyrotechnics for July 4th. Below is a video from pre-covid times.
PBS will stream a show as well, check out this link for more info: https://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/. The show is broadcast to millions of viewers on PBS and streaming platforms as well as to our troops watching around the world on the American Forces Network. Where to watch: PBS, Sunday, July 4, from 8-9:30 p.m. ET. NPR member stations nationwide will broadcast the audio, and the show will also stream on Facebook, YouTube and on PBS’ webpage, and be on video on demand from July 4-18.
Below is a list from the Statesman Journal of other community firework displays that are set to return in 2021.
Detroit Strong Revival Celebration
A weekend of celebration including a barbeque, parade and pancake feed will finish up with fireworks over Detroit Lake.
When: Fireworks start at dusk, about 10 p.m., on Saturday, July 3.
The league may be new but the fireworks tradition at Volcanoes Stadium will continue this year with fireworks displays following the evening games on Friday and Sunday.
When: Following games on Friday and Sunday, July 2 and 4.
Location: Volcanoes Stadium, 6700 Field Of Dreams Way Northeast, Keizer.
After putting a pause on over 60 years of fireworks last year, the annual display returns with two opportunities. A fireworks display will be offered Saturday over Devils Lake followed by the city-sponsored event on Sunday over Siletz Bay. Both shows offer plenty of viewing opportunities from parks or beaches in the vicinity.
When: Fireworks start at dusk both Saturday and Sunday, July 3 – 4.
Location: Devils Lake on Saturday, Siletz Bay on Sunday.
Turner will be celebrating with a fireworks display over Turner Lake. No viewing of the fireworks will be allowed from on the lake. There will be a charge to park. Proceeds from parking will go to volunteer organizations from Cascade High School.
When: 9:45 p.m., Sunday, July 4.
Location: Turner Lake Park, 6801 Turner Road SE.
Cost: $10 to park at Turner Lake Park, $5 to park at businesses on Third Street.
Portland, OR. Did you know the Fourth of July is one of the busiest holidays for DoveLewis? From pets running away due to the loud noises to eating food they shouldn’t have. While fireworks, picnics, and other festivities can be fun for people, the events can be especially frightening and even dangerous for animals. According to experts at the DoveLewis Emergency and Critical Care Facility, loud noises from exploding fireworks, unfamiliar guests, as well as fire hazards, and holiday food can result in stress and injury to pets.
It’s important to keep pets safe during Fourth of July celebrations.
“Make sure pets are safely secured indoors and in a cool place if left at home during Fourth of July celebrations,” said Dr. Sarah Tauber, a veterinarian at DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital. “Keep your dogs on a leash if you’re out watching fireworks, and keep a safe distance away from any live fireworks shows.”
Pet Hazards:
Fireworks danger – Animals can mistake fireworks in shiny packaging for food. Additionally, flames from falling fireworks and sparklers can burn pets.
Lost pets – When pets are scared by fireworks or loud noises, they can jump fences or dig their way out of yards, causing them to get lost.
Stress – Exploding fireworks, house guests, or routine interruptions can cause stress and anxiety. Stressed pets may experience vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal issues, a decrease in appetite, or aggression.
Food – Pets often sneak food during a holiday barbecue or picnic, which can lead to digestion mishaps. Many foods (chocolate, grapes, onions, etc.) can be toxic to animals, while other foods (corn cobs, chicken bones, etc.) can get stuck in the intestines and require surgery.
Safety Tips:
Safely secure pets indoors while fireworks are going off. If you have to take your dog outside, make sure to use a leash.
If your pet is extra sensitive to loud noises, do not leave your pet alone for extended periods of time. It’s best to keep them in a quiet, sheltered, and escape-proof room or crate. Create your own noise and block outside sights and sounds by lowering blinds, turning on the TV, or playing soothing music.
Keep all used and unused fireworks away from animals at all times.
Make sure your pet is microchipped and wearing identification tags so that you have a better chance of being reunited in the event that your pet gets lost.
If your pet is sensitive to noise, talk to your veterinarian in advance about whether the use of a mild sedative is appropriate.
Keep all food out of pets’ reach and make sure trash bags are tightly secured.
If your pet needs emergency veterinary care, DoveLewis is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It is located at 1945 NW Pettygrove Street in Portland or call at 503.228.7281.
Portland, OR. Every year, Independence Day serves as a reminder that our freedom is due to the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces. In the last 16 years, 2.5 million men and women have been deployed overseas, all serving voluntarily. They all face the challenges of military service: from multiple deployments that separate family members to recovering from the wounds of war.
If you need help, you will find resources and organizations that help veterans and their families below. If you can donate, supporters say you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of courageous military families, starting today.
We support the healing and health of our veterans and military communities by connecting post-9/11 war zone veterans, service members, and their military families with free, confidential mental and physical health services. Returning Veterans Project (RVP) clients use our online directory to access individualized care from a network of highly qualified volunteer health providers, without any fees or strings attached. Since our founding in 2005, we are removing the barriers to mental and physical health services so that those we serve can have free, confidential access to the care they need.
Returning Veterans
Oregon Paralyzed Veterans of America:
Oregon Paralyzed Veterans of America (OPVA), incorporated in 1976, is a chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America. OPVA serves the needs of its Members–U.S. military veterans with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D)–& helps them enjoy the highest possible quality of life. OPVA, Members, Associate Members, Family Members, Volunteers, & allied organizations work to provide leadership and advocacy in • Improving health care & SCI/D research & education • Protecting veterans rights & benefits • Improving awareness of disability rights • Offering sports & health-promotion activities • Increasing accessibility & removing architectural barriers in Oregon, SW Washington, & Idaho. A 501(c)(3) charity, OPVA relies on grants and donations from members of the public.
Dedicated to 1st Lt Travis Manion, USMC, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of his patrol in 2007, The Travis Manion Foundation unites and strengthens communities of veterans and families of the fallen by training, developing, and highlighting each individual’s strengths as role models through programs, events and other training opportunities.
Dog Tag Inc. (DTI) is a fellowship program for service-disabled, military spouses, and caregivers who are looking to find community outside of the military. This five month fellowship offers learning labs and a more holistic, wellness-oriented approach to finding personal and professional fulfillment in the civilian world.
Miriam’s Kitchen strives to end chronic homelessness through four key elements that starts with dignity, happens through belonging, continues through change, and is completed with housing. They connect with homeless guests, by providing them nutritious meals, the accessibility to work with case managers to help build a community where each individual feels safe getting the help that they need, and partnering with other service providers and government agencies to change the way homeless services are delivered in Washington.
The Skatepark Project, formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation, has been working with municipalities and community groups to help develop public skateparks that support disadvantaged communities and at-risk children. For Tony Hawk, the organization’s Founder, skateparks provide a safe and inspiring avenue for skaters to practice and excel at their sport, and the process of developing their local skatepark encourages and teaches young people about how to make positive changes within their own communities.
With over 200 events a year, Blue Star Families is always in need of passionate volunteers. Blue Star Families’ wide range of programs includes career development for military spouses, fun and educational events for children, caregiver support and most importantly, the chance to build community with their Blue Star Neighbors – individuals, business owners and organizations who create a network of support for military families. Learn more about different volunteer positions that are currently available.
Housing presents special challenges for disabled veterans who require wheelchair accessibility or other adaptive measures. HFOT builds new mortgage-free homes for disabled veterans so that they, in turn, can build new lives. There are many ways to help HFOT including, acting as a fundraising volunteer, becoming a building partner or running a full or half-marathon with Team HFOT.
The HEADstrong Foundation offers a wide variety of support to cancer patients and their families. Through programs that offer nourishing meals and entertainment to patients, residential housing to the families who may be far from home while their loved one is pursuing a life-saving treatment, and financial aid and a relief fund program to help get through the financial hardships that may arise with a cancer diagnosis.
Team Red, White & Blue helps veterans increase their mental and physical health together as a team. Volunteers at local chapters offer fitness activities, social gatherings and community service events that help facilitate the building of strong local connections with other members and organizations within their communities.
The National Military Family Association was founded in 1969 by a group of military wives who wanted to make sure their widowed friends were properly taken care of. Today, they continue their now wide range of support through a multitude of resources and programs including a Spouse Scholarship program, and Operation Purple which offers a children’s camp, family retreats, healing adventures and buddy camp.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has many ways to volunteer time or donate funds to help our nation’s veterans, including the Volunteer Transportation Network, Welcome Home Events, Stand Down for Homeless Veterans, National Cemeteries Volunteer, National Salute to Veteran Patients and Student Volunteer Program initiatives.
Veterans Coming Home, a campaign to bridge the civilian-military divide through public media, has teamed up with nonprofit partners to aggregate a wealth of resources for active military service members, veterans, and their families. Find assistance with everything from healthcare to healing through the arts.
Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for veterans in crisis and their families and friends. If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of emotional distress, including thoughts of suicide, immediate help is available by calling 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1). Confidential help is also available in a chat online, or by sending a text message to 838255.
This foundation currently has seven programs serving defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. R.I.S.E. provides adaptive homes and vehicles, and wheel/track chairs; Lt. Dan Band lifts morale for service members at home and abroad; Resiliency + Relief Outreach is for those recovering from trauma and in urgent need; Invincible Spirit Festivals are family celebrations held at military medical hospitals; the Ambassadors Council raises awareness; and Serving Heroes feeds service members in transit at major airports. The foundation supports numerous charities as well.
Portland, OR. As Oregon reopens, one activity Oregonians are eagerly anticipating is the return of concerts and live music. The Portland nonprofit, Friends of Noise is a local organization making a return of live music possible, and accessible for anybody who wants to get involved. It provides sound equipment to performers, hosting free age-inclusive shows, and helping creative youth navigate the local music scene. Now starting its summer 2021 season, the nonprofit has a fresh slate of performances and events to bring the joy of communal music experiences back to Portland youth, including a dance battle, hip hop cypher performance, and multiple outdoor concert events for youth artists.
Friends of Noise provides programs, workshops, and other professional development opportunities for teens and young adults to gain experience with sound equipment, and performing so they are more prepared to navigate the music industry.
An integral core foundation to Friends of Noise is the belief that getting young performers and audience members involved in music is essential to the growth of the local and global music community.
The nonprofit offers a variety of services to support Portland’s musically-oriented youth, including professional development workshops providing skills for involvement in the music industry, paid opportunities for youth musicians to perform, and offering sound equipment services for independent, youth-organized concerts, teaching those interested how to operate such equipment and offering youth paid opportunities for work with sound technology. According to Friends of Noise executive director André Middleton, the nonprofit’s mission is to “facilitate healing and growth in the community” for Portland youth artists, with a focus on BIPOC individuals.
Middleton admits that the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for Friends Of Noise, with the nonprofit completely halting operations like most other businesses at its start. However, the organization still found ways to utilize its services mid-pandemic to further its commitment to justice by providing sound equipment to local Black Lives Matter protests and marches to “lift up the voices of the unheard.” Friends of Noise even helped host a BLM protest event on labor day 2020 in Portland’s Cathedral Park, providing and setting up sound equipment for speakers.
Middleton says that his organization’s greatest challenge of the pandemic has been the recruitment of new youth performers and sound technicians to work with, stating that reconnecting with the musical youth of Portland is the current “highest priority” for Friends of Noise. Thankfully, they were still able to support independent young musicians of Portland through the pandemic by recording isolated performances in various Portland music venues from a wide range of talented youth, editing them, and uploading these performances to the Friends of Noise Youtube channel as part of their “Friends of Noise TV” series.
Here’s a video from ‘Friends of Noise TV’:
Behind the scenes photo depicting the filming of a live performance by Arietta Ward/”Mz. Etta” at Jack London Revue for the Friends of Noise TV YouTube concert series.
Middleton says what he was most excited for about the return of live music, but for Friends of Noise, concerts have been back for a while as they have done sound equipment for and hosted a series of concerts for youth artists in parks around Portland, following COVID safety procedures such that youth could still gather, connecting to both music and one another, safely. He is most eagerly anticipating the Friends of Noise Summer Jam being held for free at Oregon Contemporary on July 11th from 6-10pm, where the organization will be hosting a variety of talented young performers. Middleton also noted that he is currently working with a youth graphic designer in a paid opportunity to create a poster for the event, highlighting his organization’s commitment to uplifting creative youth and getting them involved in as many ways as possible.
Middleton hopes support for Friends of Noise will take off this summer in comparison to last year, as the organization has its eyes set on a large, yet important project— the creation of a free, youth-led, all-ages, all-inclusive space for performances, music, workshops. and creativity as part of public housing in Northeast Portland. He expressed disappointment in the fact that Portland currently has no all-ages, youth-inclusive concert spaces, and hopes to change that by saving the organization’s funds and donations to establish the community center.
More information about Friends of Noise can be found at the nonprofit’s website, friendsofnoise.org. Here, supporters of FON’s mission can find times and locations for all of the organization’s upcoming events mentioned in this article and many more. Further, readers can donate funds through the website via posted PayPal, Venmo, and Cashapp to help make André Middleton’s dream of an youth led and focused, all-inclusive community concert center a reality— one which places the importance of creative expression above alcohol sales.
Portland, OR. The Oregon Humane Society celebrated the groundbreaking of its New Road Ahead Project on June 16th. This is the most ambitious expansion of programs and services in its 153-year history. On hand to break ground were OHS Chief Operating Officer Brian August, Campaign Vice-Chair Marc Grignon, Honorary Campaign Chair Dolorosa Margulis, Board Chair Dave Hansen, OHS President and CEO Sharon Harmon, Campaign Chair Lynn Loacker, Dean of the OSU Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Susan Tornquist, and OHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Stephen Kochis (Photo credit, Teran Buckner with Phido Photography)
Honorary Campaign Chair Dolorosa Margulis, OHS President and CEO Sharon Harmon, OHS Board Chair Dave Hansen and New Road Ahead Fundraising Chair Lynn Loacker.
The New Road Ahead includes the construction of two new buildings next to OHS’s Ernest C. Swigert Animal Shelter. Due to open July 2022, the facilities will house a Behavior Rehabilitation and Rescue Center, Animal Crimes Forensic Center, and a Community Teaching Hospital. “The Community Teaching Hospital will give local veterinarians a critical option to offer clients who are not be able to afford care for their pets,” says Dr. Stephen Kochis, OHS Chief Medical Officer. “These situations can sometimes lead to people giving up their pets, delaying care or opting for euthanasia. This is heartbreaking for pet owners as well as veterinarians and we are looking forward to filling this important need with the Community Teaching Hospital.”
Nearly $31 million has been raised of the $36 million goal. More information about how to contribute to the project can be found at oregonhumane.org/newroadahead.
OHS President and CEO Sharon Harmon and Former OHS Board Chair Marc Grignon
OHS Board members Dr. John Gustavsson and Betty Norrie celebrate with the Board of Directors and New Road Ahead committees.
OHS Board Chair Dave Hansen, OHS President and CEO Sharon Harmon and New Road Ahead Fundraising Chair Lynn Loacker toasting the future of OHS.
From Oregon Humane Society:
The Oregon Humane Society rescues, heals and adopts more than 11,000 pets each year. We never place a time limit on how long cats, dogs and other pets stay at our shelter. OHS relies on donations to support our adoption, education, and animal rescue programs.
Portland, OR. Neighborhood House‘s largest fundraiser of the year, the Welcome Home Hour of Hope, was a success this year. Although the event was entirely virtual for the second year in a row, community members stepped up and helped raise $20,000 more than the original goal, for a resounding $185,000. Jared Shuman (NH Board Member), Dr. Doreen Dodgen-Magee, Chris Chiacchierini (Executive Director) helped hosted the online event. (Photo Credit, Ellen Field)
Eric Wiser (Neighborhood House Board President)
The evening featured stories of everyday heroes whose actions and efforts during the pandemic were anything but ordinary. From volunteering at our Food Pantry to support its recent shift to food delivery to raising funds to provide tablets to low-income families with preschoolers, to providing affordable, safe child care to essential workers, our neighbors made a huge difference this year.
Liz Burns, Development Data Base Administrator
Jared Shuman
Attendees joined from across the country to hear these stories, participate in some Hour of Hope Trivia, and more. Neighborhood House is so grateful to our community for making our important work possible.
From Neighborhood House:
Neighborhood House brings neighbors together to reduce hunger and homelessness and to educate both young and old, strengthening our community by providing resources to support self-reliance, economic independence, and dignity in people of all ages and backgrounds.
Portland, OR. Portland had its hottest day ever recorded – reaching 108F (42.2C) on Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. (The previous record was 107F, a mark hit in 1965 and 1981.
Leading up to the weekend of 6/25-6/27 and Monday 6/28, Multnomah County announced an “excessive heat warning,” anticipating temperatures reaching above 110 degrees.
Multnomah County opened three cooling centers in the Portland metropolitan area, which will be open for 24 hours throughout the duration of the heat warning period and will accept anyone inside who needs to cool off and escape the scorching temperatures.
The Arbor Lodge Shelter was purchased in 2020 to be used as shelter during extreme weather events, offering community, services, and safety to homeless Portlanders. More information about the shelter can be located here.
Exterior of Arbor Lodge Shelter
The Sunrise Center is a community center located in the Rockwood neighborhood of Gresham that— outside of use as an extreme weather shelter— offers rental event space, a community kitchen, and workspaces. More information about the Sunrise Center can be found here, or by contacting them at (503) 847-9163.
In addition to 24-hour cooling centers, Multnomah county library branches will be open for those seeking air-conditioned respite from noon to 8 PM. Their locations can be found below:
According to A Home For Everyone, a Portland nonprofit dedicated to supporting and housing solutions for the city’s homeless population, their JOHS supply center located at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd #600, Portland, OR 97214 will be open on Saturday and Sunday between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM to distribute water and protective equipment to those in need.
Further, resources on the Multnomah County website offer a number of strategies for staying cool during the intense heatwave. Several recommendations include staying far more hydrated than one usually would be, avoiding alcoholic beverages, using fans for air circulation, and taking a cool shower or bath. For outdoor activity, high SPF sunscreen, hats, and staying in shade are advised, as well as a general notice to keep outdoor activity to morning and evening hours if possible.
County officials are particularly concerned for residents of high-rise apartment buildings lacking air conditioning, encouraging those in such circumstances to make a plan. During such weather events, it is important that Portland residents take care of each themselves and each other, whether that be checking in on the health of elderly neighbors, or inviting friends who may be at risk to air-conditioned indoor activities or swimming spots (a map of which can be found here.)
Just as it is crucial to look out for other humans, it is essential to watch over pets and animal friends. Multnomah County has released a guide to keeping pets safe during the heatwave here, including tips to keep them in cool indoor places, constantly hydrated with cold water, signs of heatstroke, and more.
Two dogs rest in shelter from extreme weather and wildfire smoke at an Oregon Red Cross shelter during September 2020.
Data from Meteorologist Ryan Maue that he posted to twitter indicates that the climate phenomenon Oregon is undergoing to experience such unseasonably high temperatures is that of a “heat dome.” The National Ocean Service (NOAA) characterizes a “heat dome” as a bubble of hot oceanic air trapped under the atmosphere like a lid, causing temperatures of the air to rise towards dangerous temperatures over the region it is trapped above. Thankfully, it is currently estimated that temperatures in the Portland area will decrease from the triple digits after Monday June 28th.
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