13 Salmon Family Center Always Needs Volunteers!
To volunteers, please go to our on-line Volunteer Calendar and sign up: http://pdxhfs.org/
Please remember to bring these much-needed items, and drop them off in Fuller Hall: diapers, size 4, 5, and 6, deodorant, toothbrushes, and healthy snack food. Also needed: meals for Goose Hollow in August. Thank you!
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Family Shelter Update:
Thanks to your generous support, we have helped more homeless families than ever before. Over the past 8 months, we’ve helped 65 families find temporary shelter, 81.6% of whom were placed in affordable permanent housing. Here’s one example:
Chris, Rose and their two children came to us in October. After staying with us for 35 days, Chris and Rose moved their family into a nice apartment. We also helped Rose start getting the Social Security Insurance (SSI) checks she was due. Now the family feels hopeful for their future. “We have waited so long for an opportunity like this, and we’re not going to lose it!”
We all know that homelessness doesn’t take a summer vacation. Thus, we are happy to report that for the very first time in Portland’s history, homeless families will have access to safe and compassionate shelter over the summer months. In addition, we will organize field trips so our guests can enjoy Oregon’s great outdoors during our rain-free months. If you or your teenager would like to volunteers, please go to our on-line Volunteer Calendar and sign up: http://pdxhfs.org/
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Our Shelter Serves Families Year-Round!
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of staff, volunteers, and community partners, First Unitarian Church is now offering year-round day shelter and services for homeless families. We now operate under the umbrella non-profit group, Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS). Click here to connect with our Facebook page.
Together we offer a continuum of care that includes day and night emergency shelter, as well as important services such as case management, meals, access to clean and affordable housing, Head Start preschool, Friendly House After-School activities, food stamps, and medical care.
The incredible success of 13 Salmon Family Center was recently noted by County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury, who wrote the following in a letter to Rev. Kate Lore:
“I want to thank you and your congregation for all you’ve done for families in need at 13 Salmon. You put forward a herculean effort to make the Shelter system welcoming, safe, functional, and as temporary as possible for families.* On behalf of the County I want to say thank you….Your compassion is clear, your advocacy is strong, and your action is great appreciated.”
* average stay per family = 17 days
Volunteer Opportunities
To volunteer at Thirteen Salmon Family Center, click here or...
click here for Volunteer Form
1) Morning Greeters: 8-10 am, Monday through Sunday
Under direction from the Shelter Manager, the Morning Greeter volunteer helps welcome and assist families as they arrive to 13 Salmon Day Shelter each morning. Activities range from hanging up jackets to helping guests get breakfast foods to reading to toddlers while parents are changing their babies diapers or showering.
2) Preschool activities: 10-11:30 a.m. , Monday through Friday
The preschool volunteer will provide a structured activity for the children. You will have the opportunity to teach arts and crafts, play games or provide other activities to help the children remain engaged and occupied. This time slot is not a daycare or baby sitting position. Parents are expected to be near by.
3) Afterschool Activity Host: 3:30-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
The Afterschool Activity Host spends time with the children at the shelter when they return from school in the afternoon. This time can be spent helping children with homework if they have any, providing structured activities, or reading.
4) Lunch assistants: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1:15-2:30 p.m. Sunday
The lunch assistants help in getting food and beverages out so that the families can assemble their own lunch. Lunch assistants will also help with clean-up. Our goal is, whenever possible, to use non-disposable items for meals.
After the meal is served, the meal providers will clean cooking ware and any additional items. Left over food can be stored in the refrigerator. Please make sure to label any leftovers with the date.
5) Saturday activities: Time (your choice)
On Saturdays, we have the opportunity to provide a variety of classes or workshops, such as Ready to Rent, computer skills, cooking/nutrition, sewing. It is hoped that volunteers will develop their own program, bringing in their own skill set to share with our guest.
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Donation Wish List
Thirteen Salmon Day Shelter Needs (ongoing)
Disposable Diapers
Baby wipes
Gallon jugs of apple juice
Paper Napkins
Canned Proteins (Tuna Fish, Chicken, Beans)
After School Snacks
Art Supplies
Printer Paper
Bus Tickets
Gas Cards
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Notes:
• Donations to Thirteen Salmon Family Center are tax-deductible and can be left at the church office or in the donation box located in Fuller Hall. Questions about donations should be addressed to Kate Lore.
• Thirteen Salmon will not have a clothes closet; however, if you have clothing you wish to donate, please contact Brandi Tuck or Allie Brucculeri at Goose Hollow Family Shelter (503-228-3195).
OUR || PROGRAMS 
