Southwest Outreach offers compassionate and inclusive connections with unhoused neighbors in outer Southwest Portland. We act as allies and advocates in a framework of mutual aid and support, to ease loneliness and isolation, to meet basic needs, and to address policy reform.
Who Are We
Southwest Outreach is an all-volunteer group of friends and neighbors from the Hillsdale- Multnomah Village area. Since December 2022 we have been coming together to help the unhoused people camping or living in makeshift structures in our community, providing support in a variety of ways as the opportunities present themselves.
We regularly visit to check on people and bring them essential supplies. For the last few years, with the help and support of faith communities and neighborhood groups in our area, we have been able to offer a respite from life on the street one day a week, with free showers and a hot meal. As important, we offer moral support and companionship – letting them know that someone cares about them.
What We Do
Tuesday meal and shower program
Every Tuesday we are in the Hillsdale Hall of Village Grace Church (address). We organize a supply table for some basic needs like new underwear, socks, some clothing, community resource information and other donated items. We provide a meal from noon to 4 pm. A mobile shower unit is on site from 11 to 4 pm (last shower at 3:30 pm). It is a place to relax, recharge and visit with others.
Outreach
Once or twice a week, a team of two volunteers will do outreach to folks living outside in our area. We bring some essentials like water and blankets and other supplies as we are able like tarps, backpacks, hygiene and first aid kits and community resource information.
Advocacy and Political Action
We stay up to date on city and state policies and actions that affect our houseless community. We advocate for fair and humane policies that improve all neighbors lives, not just those who are housed. Some activities have included: meeting with city council members, holding a press conference, supporting letter writing campaigns and testifying at council meetings.
WAYS TO HELP
Southwest Outreach connects with vulnerable neighbors through visits, conversation and relationship-building. Our volunteer teams regularly distribute supplies to neighbors living outside; we meet new friends, hear their stories and find out how to support them in their goals.
WAYS TO VOLUNTEER
- Sign up for a two-hour shifts at the Tuesday Program handing out supplies, assisting with the shower sign-ups, providing towels, chatting with participants, helping with supply distribution or lending a hand in the kitchen.
- Join an outreach team to visit people and distribute supplies. Find out what they need and how to help. Our outreach teams have been warmly welcomed time after time by our friends who live outside.
- Work supplies ordering and inventory maintenance.
- Work on publicity, special events or fundraising
- Manage Donations – Connect with community partners who are learning about our work and are looking for ways to donate funds or supplies.
HOW MUCH TIME WILL IT TAKE?
- Our outreach teams can spend from 2-8 hours per month, they can choose as many or as few shifts as they desire.
- Tuesday Program volunteers work two hour shifts in the kitchen, set-up or clean up, or just visiting with participants throughout the day.
DO I HAVE THE SKILLS NEEDED?
Southwest Outreach welcomes everyone. Those with expertise in healthcare, counseling, organizing and social work will find a place to volunteer. Artists, poets and community collaborators will also feel at home in our programs. Those who want stretch their understanding, meet neighbors and lend a helping hand belong with us. We learn a lot as we support those experiencing homelessness and poverty. As we learn we are more able to work towards community-led solutions.