Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood Assn.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Jun 06, 2000

Neighbors Helping Neighbors
By Debra Kennedy

We all know what a great neighborhood we live in. Our community is filled with caring involved neighbors, great local businesses and many beautiful homes. Our local economy is strong and the unemployment rate is at its lowest level in a very long time.
Our Neighborhood Association is involved in many projects throughout the year that help keep our neighborhood a great place to live. We should all be proud of the participation and the volunteer spirit that so many of you show when asked to help out.
For many in our community though, just trying to make ends meet every month is a real challenge. Consider the elderly widow living on a fixed income having to choose between purchasing medications or heating her home, or the single parent worried about feeding her family after paying for housing and heat with a minimum wage job.
Former Senator Mark Hatfield once said, ?“We cannot close our eyes to our neighbors?’ needs because we all face times when we need to lean on someone else.?” If we want to maintain the livability in our community, we need to be good neighbors all year long.
It doesn?’t take much to be a good neighbor. Is there an elderly person on your block that could use a ride to the store for groceries (or to the next neighborhood meeting)? Maybe you could trade that ride for a batch of home made cookies. Is there a single working parent who could use a little help getting the lawn mowed? Maybe she would trade an hour of babysitting.
Most of us don?’t like to ask for help, but it is easier if we can give something in exchange.
On a larger scale, area food banks need food all year long, not just during the holidays. In-kind donations such as food and clothing are always welcome at helping agencies in our area. Donations of cash provide rental assistance, utility bill payment assistance, bus tickets, etc. Volunteering is always a great way to make a difference. You not only get to help, but you see first hand how your contribution makes a difference.
Below is a brief list of agencies in the area that provide assistance to those in our area who need it. Any and all of them are also happy to provide information about how to contribute time, money or goods. I will also provide resources at our next General Meeting.

FOOD & CLOTHES
Salvation Army Fam Svcs ?–
Food only
1712 NE Sandy Blvd.
503-239-1226

Albina Ministerial Alliance
1425 NE Dekum
M-F 8:30 AM ?– 5 PM
503-285-0493

Sunshine Division
Food and Clothing
687 N. Thompson
503-823-2102


St Vincent de Paul
North & Northeast
503-233-5589

DELIVERED MEALS
Loaves and Fishes Centers-
Meals on Wheels
6125 SE 52nd Ave.
777-6741
Call for locations

MEDICAL
Multnomah Co. Health Clinic
Latest Info on clinics
M-F 8 AM ?– 5 PM
503-248-3816

Medication Clearing House
Prescriptions up to $50.00
503-288-5995

Salvation Army Family Svcs
1712 NE Sandy Blvd.
503-239-1226
Prescription assistance
for low income seniors

SENIOR / COMMUNITY CENTERS
Hollywood Senior Center
1820 NE 40th Ave.
288-8303

Salvation Army Rose Center
211 NE 18th
239-1221

Multi-Cultural Senior Center
5325 NE MLK Blvd.
248-5470

COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY
Albina Ministerial Alliance
1426 NE Dekum
503-285-0493
Serves Zip Codes 97212, 97213

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Multnomah Co. Crisis
Providence Triage Center
503-215-7082

Multnomah County.
Information and Referral
(United Way)
503-222-5555