Wear Your Best Garden Hat!

Tuesday, August 28, Lift Urban Portland is holding a new fundraiser: the Garden Party.  It celebrates our community gardens, which enhance our food programs, prevent disease in our food recipients, and inspire volunteerism. Our keynote speaker is Portland Commissioner Nick Fish. He will discuss his goal of 1000 new community garden plots this year, both to serve the needy, and in support of the city/county Climate Action Plan.  The party will be outdoors at the World Forestry Center. 

Guests will receive a garden start or seeds and plant a row of fruit or vegetables in their own gardens dedicated to our pantry.  Chefs' demonstrations will employ fresh, local ingredients. Dine al fresco in the soft, summer air.  Enter a raffle for a vacation package, beach weekend or NIKE product.

We will present our annual Spotlight Award to a standout volunteer.  Our M.C. will be K.C. Cowan.

It will be a lovely time to both support our food programs and build community.

Thank you to our sponsors so far, Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center . and SELCO Community Credit Union.

Lift Urban Portland Food Drive

Throughout the month of May, the Lift Urban Portland Food Drive helps feed hungry families in the Pearl District, Northwest Portland, downtown and in Old Town. Refer to our updated list of convenient donation sites.
 
With our partners – the Nob Hill Business Association and Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center – we collect food and cash donations to replenish our food warehouse. In turn, it stocks our emergency food pantry and nourishes homeless children on weekends, when they cannot eat school meals. In fact, this year, those children also received food to carry them through spring break, through our Food for Kids Backpacks program.
 
The pantry and food box delivery offer a five-day supply of nutritious fresh and non-perishable food each month for those who qualify. Pantry hours are Tuesdays and Fridays from noon to 2:00 p.m.
 
Surplus produce, baked goods and non-perishables are also available weekly through our Community Share program. Fresh produce is distributed monthly through a Harvest Share from the Oregon Food Bank.

Most-Needed Foods

  • dry or shelf-stable milk (needs no refrigeration before opening)
  • peanut butter
  • oil
  • canned fruits and vegetables
  • canned meat or fish
  • boxed cereals

Lift Urban Portland: A New Name, the Same Mission

In February of this year, Northwest Portland Ministries became Lift Urban Portland. Our new name communicates our mission of lifting up neighbors in need. We lift up neighbors by helping meet physical, emotional and social needs. We lift up neighbors by honoring their dignity.
 
Our new name better describes the expanded geography of our service area, which is no longer limited to Northwest Portland. We now also serve neighbors in the Pearl District, Old Town and Downtown. Our organization also includes congregations beyond the boundaries of Northwest Portland.  This new name gives us greater flexibility in fulfilling our mission.
 
Our new name also carries spiritual significance, reflecting our roots in local faith communities.  People may lift up their hands in prayer or blessing.  To be lifted up means to be inspired.  Caring for and supporting others – lifting them up – is central to people of faith.  Our shared mission of helping neighbors is an uplifting experience for everyone involved.
 
Our essential mission has not changed: We are an interfaith community of volunteers who Lift Up neighbors in need. We Lift Up neighbors by helping meet physical, emotional and social needs.Volunteers from congregations and the local community empower neighbors to live with dignity and purpose. We welcome your participation in fulfilling our mission to meet the evolving needs of our community.