In 2007, the Union Gospel Mission fed 114,873 homeless and needy people here in Portland.  With the economy in dire straights, the numbers are sure to increase this year. If you want to volunteer or donate, the above link will take you to their website. Food and shelter are basic needs of the human soul and many people this Thanksgiving won’t have either. There are many places to donate and give, but I know the Union Gospel Rescue Mission here in Portland can use all the help they can get.  Regardless of your religious affiliations, need should be a belief that everyone can understand, especially at this time of year.

A “snapshot” study done by the national organization, Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM) offers insight into the homeless and needy served by Portland’s Union Gospel Mission. While the statistics show that the homeless and needy served in Portland were very similar in some respects to the profile of the homeless and needy nationally, a few statistics were strikingly different. 71% of the homeless in Portland blame the economy for their plight, while 38% nationally state the economy as a reason for homelessness. Also, 64% of the homeless and needy in Portland have lost government benefits in the last 12 months, while the figure nationally was 22%. Nationally, veterans comprised 26% of the homeless respondents, and locally 15%, but Portland had a higher number of Vietnam veterans, 71% as opposed to 41% Vietnam veterans nationally. Those who have been homeless twice before in Portland is 44%, while nationally the number is 17%.

Oregon’s unemployment rate jumped to 7.3% in October; whereas, the national average is 6.5%.  And, our foreclosure rate doubled during October alone. As the economic downturn deepens it is starting to affect people who have never been in this situation before.

Our local Food Bank says need has increased by 43% and has little food to pass out and is in desperate need of donations. You can help.

Fill any grocery bag—paper or plastic— with nonperishable food such as peanut butter, canned meats, canned vegetables, canned fruits, soup, chili and stews. No glass please.

Drop the bag off at your nearest Jiffy Lube. To thank you for donating food, Jiffy Lube will give you coupons worth $60 off a year’s worth of Signature Service ® oil changes. In addition, Jiffy Lube will match every donation — meal for meal.

Or donate food at U.S. Bank locations in Multnomah, Washington, Clark, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties.

Donate funds online at www.oregonfoodbank.org or call (503) 282-0555.

Fill the Bag organizers hope to surpass last year’s total of 200,000 pounds of food. Your donations will help fight hunger in our community. Sponsors include Jiffy Lube, U.S. Bank, Community Newspapers, The Commerce Company, OregonLive.com and PODS.

 

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