Partnership with Neighborhood House

Our classroom is excited to be in partnership with Neighborhood House, a non-profit organization in nearby Multnomah Village! Neighborhood House currently operates the largest food pantry on Portland's west side, providing food boxes to approximately 500 families each month. It is walking-distance from our school, so we are able to go help out regularly throughout the year! Below is information necessary for student and parent volunteers to participate when we serve on location.

Due to the size of the building that Neighborhood House uses, the entire class is not able to serve at the same time. We break up into two groups: Group 1 serves on the first week, and Group 2 serves the next week available. The group that is not serving on that particular week will stay at school at work in their enrichment classes. When each group returns to school, we debrief as a whole class on the experience.

Info about Serving

Click to print waiver

What we will be doing:
 - Sorting donations
 - Placing donations on the shelves
 - Accepting donations from donors
 - Assisting in unloading the truck from Oregon Food Bank
 - Watering, weeding, and harvesting in the garden (seasonally)
 - Sorting bread
 - Bringing donations upstairs

What to wear/bring:
 - Closed toe shoes
 - Clothes that can get dirty
 - Water bottle (if necessary)

  >> Print waiver to serve at Neighborhood House

Info about Donating

There is always a need for donations, but specific items are more beneficial than others. The following items cannot be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (aka food stamps), so they are always in need of these items.
 - Hygiene (basic cleaning supplies)
 - Toiletries
 - Diapers (preferably size 5-6)
 - Pet food

Most-Needed Food Items:
 - Dairy (condensed milk, powdered milk)
 - Tuna
 - Low-Sodium Soups
 - Canned Vegetables & Fruit
 - Tomato Products (spaghetti/tomato sauce, paste)
 - 100% Juice
 - Cooking Oil
 - Cereals (cold cereals)
 - Flour

Testimonials of those benefiting from Neighborhood House

"Before I came to Neighborhood House there were times when I had to skip meals during the last week of each month to get by. My health suffered and even with missed meals I gained weight because I did not have access to nutritious food. Neighborhood House's Emergency Food Box program has made it possible for me to have enough wholesome food. I now have a better diet, I have lost weight and my health has improved dramatically." --Lana, age 64, family of 2

"My husband is self-employed, but was sick for a full year. Without his income the bills piled up and we couldn't keep up with the payments. The food we received from Neighborhood House has helped us bridge the gap, and is helping us stabilize our finances until he can get back on his feet." --Janis, age 58, family of 2

"I am a starving college student and I am thankful for the help I have received from the Neighborhood House Emergency Food Box Program. I am trying to stay in school to build job skills while I look for work, so having this resource has been a big help." --John, age 42

"I work part time and my husband is a disabled veteran. Food stamps combined with my husband's VA benefits and my income were not enough to provide food for the entire month. We are grateful that we have a place to go to in SW Portland for much needed emergency food assistance." --Ann, age 30, family of 4

Diaper Drive

Get Behind Our Diaper Drive during the month of November!

The Neighborhood House Emergency Food Pantry is having a diaper drive for the entire month of November! Why is a food pantry distributing diapers? Federal programs like food stamps and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) do not provide diapers. Diapers cost $18 per week, or $936 per year on average per child. What are the consequences of a lack of diapers? Most child care centers turn away children who arrive without a day’s supply of diapers. Lack of childcare means parents cannot go to work, resulting in loss of pay and possibly loss of their job if they have frequent unexcused absences. Loss of job means loss of income, which can result in loss of home. This is why diaper need is even more distressing to moms than having enough food for their family; lack of diapers can lead to homelessness! An inadequate supply of diapers forces parents to leave their child in a soiled diaper longer than is appropriate which frequently leads to diaper rash, and may cause staph and urinary tract infections.

How can YOU help? Donate diapers to Neighborhood House or make a monetary contribution towards the purchase of diapers. Diaper sizes 4-6 are most needed, but all sizes are welcome. Please drop off donations of diapers at the back door of Neighborhood House, 7780 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland OR 97219 and receive a tax-deductible receipt. Neighborhood House is able to purchase diapers in bulk, often at a lower cost than typical grocery stores prices. Monetary donations can be dropped off or mailed to the above address (please make sure to write “Diaper Drive” in the memo line) or make a donation on-line through Neighborhood House’s secure website, www.nhweb.org (be sure to indicate “Diaper Drive.” Let’s keep SW Portland’s kids covered!