If you or someone you know is experiencing hunger and homelessness, please feel free to use this list of resources. If you do not need help, please consider volunteering or donating supplies or money to nonprofits if you can. Please let us know if there are additional resources to add. (Created March 18, 2020. Last updated March 7, 2025)
Resources for Portland State University students in need
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Calendar: Food & Other Resources in Portland
Calendar created & updated courtesy of a community member
Shelter
The city and Multnomah County fund year-round shelters for people experiencing homelessness. As of March 2022, shelters in Multnomah County have room for roughly 1,600 people a night, in motel shelters, traditional shelters, and village-style shelters. Shelters are open 24 hours and available via reservation, meaning people seeking shelter don't have to line up day after day to find and then keep a bed. Most shelters also now offer access to meals, laundry, showers, classrooms and other amenities. And shelters, unlike in years past, are available and open all across the community. Read more about county efforts on: overnight shelters & services and alternative shelters.
- For more information on where to find shelter and services, call 211 or visit this website.
- A map of most publicly-funded Multnomah County shelters is available here.
C(3)PO: The city created three temporary camp villages - Creating Conscious Communities with People Outside, or C(3)PO - to provide access to a supportive environment with water, food, hygiene supplies, and other services for vulnerable adults without shelter. The Joint Office of Homeless Services, a shared partnership between the City of Portland and Multnomah County, has assumed oversight of the C3PO villages. The City of Portland’s Emergency Coordination Center worked with community-based nonprofits, the Joint Office and other City staff to develop and oversee the initial village sites. In November 2021 the operation of the three C3PO villages was turned over to Sunstone Way (formerly All Good Northwest, originally the sites were run by JOIN PDX, then Right 2 Dream Too).
There are 2 remaining village sites with 35-40 sleeping pods at each site. One site prioritizes LGBTQ+ participants and the other prioritizes people of color. The Sunstone Way website has info about both villages, and you can email info@sunstoneway.org for more details. Check these websites for location and intake details:
- Weidler Village - NE 1st and Weidler (84 NE Weidler), focused on serving people of color
- Naito Village - SW Naito Parkway and SW Grant, focused on serving LGBTQIA2S+ queer and transgender community
- Old Town Village - closed 2022, All Good NW helped several villagers move into affordable housing apartments, others moved to the Multnomah Safe Rest Village and other alternative shelters around Portland.
PSU CARES program in Student Affairs connects students with resources when they are experiencing distress or other concerns that might impact their personal or academic success. CARE Advocates meet with students to hear about their concerns and collaborate on a plan to optimize their ability to continue and succeed at PSU. Contact PSU CARES office by phone 503-725-4422 and email askdos@pdx.edu.
Emergency Funds
Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program helps eligible low-income households with their past due rent and utilities. In most cases, approved applications will result in payments made directly to landlords and utility providers. Apply online, or get more info about rental assistance & eviction protections.
PSU Student Emergency Funds webpage provides information about emergency funds available to help students during times of financial hardship including due to COVID-19.
SEIU 503 COVID-19 Hardship Fund provides cash assistance to local SEIU 503 union members who have faced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon's (APANO) created the Covid Relief Fund to serve community members and families in the Jade District & Portland Metro area who have been affected by the impacts of the coronavirus. Update: APANO has wrapped up this project and is not seeking further donations. They continuing to support communities in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by other means. Any further funds received from this page will support their broader COVID relief efforts.
Black Resilience Fund is an emergency fund dedicated to healing and resilience by providing immediate funds and resources to Black Portlanders for basic needs such as food and unpaid bills.
Oregon Workers Relief Fund Causa, Latino Network, Voz Worker Education Project, and Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN) have created this fund to provide cash assistance to Immigrant Oregon workers who are being left out of the Federal Stimulus package.
Food
Symbiosis Hub & Resource Exchange is a project run by Symbiosis PDX that is dedicated to distributing hot food, groceries, hygiene supplies, and PPE to community members who need it. Every Tuesday & Thursday from noon-6 pm, the group sets up at the Social Justice Action Center (400 SE 12th Ave) to distribute goods to those in need.
Portland Free Fridge is a mutual aid project that sets up covered refrigerators and pantries in different neighborhoods throughout Portland, where neighbors can drop off groceries, prepared meals, and basic household supplies for those in need. Their map includes the full list of fridges and their cross-streets for those looking for food & supplies.
Urban Gleaners has partnered with local providers & schools during the pandemic to distribute food around Multnomah & Washington Counties at food box drop sites, and is also delivering directly to families. Visit the website for more info or call (503) 226-8061.
Rahab’s Sisters provides to go meals and hygiene supplies to women and gender non-conforming people marginalized by poverty, houselessness, sex work, violence and substance use. During COVID-19 they are offering to go meals & supplies to anyone in need, regardless of gender, on Friday evenings from 7-9:30pm at Saints Peter & Paul Episcopal Church (247 SE 82nd Ave). Rahab's Sisters supports unhoused neighbors in the Montavilla area with food & supplies once per week. For questions/needs, contact (971) 208-3176 or community@rahabs-sisters.org.
Store to Door delivers groceries to homebound seniors who are at even greater risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. To enroll in the delivery program call (503) 200-3333, or fill out their online form.
PDX Concierge was started by a Portland high school student, to provide a free grocery delivery service for seniors and the immuno-compromised during the pandemic. The group serves communities around the Willamette Valley. To request grocery delivery please call 971-347-7778, email pdxconcierge2020@gmail.com.
Feed the Mass teamed up with local partners, farms & businesses to create The Fed Project, serving hundreds of meals/week. Pick up food Monday-Friday from noon-4pm at: 80 NW Davis St. Portland, OR 97209 (corner of NW Davis St. & 1st Ave). Anyone who needs a meal is welcome, no questions asked. Request food pick up or sign up to receive meals delivered to your home, submit a request form.
Oregon Food Bank will continue to update its Food Finder interactive map for free groceries, meals, produce and more by area. Or call 211 to find meals near you.
Food boxes can be picked up at Snowcap, Sunshine Division, or Salvation Army
Lift Urban Portland programs provide access to healthy food in Portland to low income neighbors via Preston's food pantry and monthly free food market. They also offer food box deliveries and emergency food closets at low income buildings around Portland that are 'adopted' by local organizations and businesses through their Adopt a Building program. For more info, contact Teresa Steichen, Program Manager: teresa@lifturbanportland.org, 503-221-1224 ext. 105.
PSU Food Pantry serves PSU students in their location at Smith Memorial Student Union basement Monday-Friday noon-4pm (open until 5pm Mon/Wed/Fridays). Students can shop by appointment or simply stop by.
Blanchet House Founders Cafe, 310 NW Glisan Street, serves free meals for people experiencing homelessness and anyone needing a meal Monday-Saturday.
Sisters of the Road Cafe, 133 NW Sixth Avenue, serves low cost meals or free meals via their volunteer/barter credit system.
Meals on Wheels continues service to the homebound elderly with a 'no contact' meal delivery system Monday-Thursday from 10am-2pm. Submit an online meal request, or call 503.953.8111 to discuss eligibility for the program. They also provide meal service at all their dining centers in Clark, Multnomah and Washington counties.
Clackamas Service Center is an inclusive "one-stop" community center for individuals and families seeking food relief and resources for improved health, dignity, and stability. The center provides a variety of services for people in need including groceries, free meals, hygiene and medical/dental services, and more. For more info, visit their website or contact: (503) 771-7914, info@cscoregon.org.
Potluck in the Park has been serving a free hot meal to anyone in need since 1991. Rain or shine, 52 weeks a year, they provide a hot meal, every Sunday from noon-2:30pm, now at 8th Ave and Park Ave on NW Glisan.
Feed the Hungry, Inc is a community-based, non-profit that provides a hearty sit-down meal every Sunday afternoon for all who are hungry for the past 25 years at St. John’s Episcopal Church in downtown Milwaukie (2036 SE Jefferson St). All are welcome including those who are homeless, hungry or simply looking for companionship are received with understanding and respect.
Multnomah County posted resources available to residents and businesses:
WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women and children under 5 years old. Dads, grandparents, foster parents, or other guardians may apply for WIC for their children.
Hygiene Stations
Social Justice Action Center teamed up with community partners to create a hygiene station and provide the following services: open bathroom hours, disability affirmative bathroom, handwashing station, free PPE, and other hygiene resources. The station is open at the Social Action Justice Center (400 SE 12th Ave) on: Fridays/Saturdays 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, and Sundays 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
Portland placed portable toilets & hand washing stations at over 40 sites across the city for people who don't have regular access to bathrooms. The need for access becomes even more critical as public spaces close their doors. Check out an interactive map of the sites.
Portland Parks & Recreation and the Homelessness and Urban Camping Impact Reduction Program (HUCIRP) partnered together to keep 54 parks restrooms open to the public during this emergency. We expect these restrooms to be accessible at all hours of the day, check out the Emergency Parks Restrooms list.
Bathrooms and Handwashing Stations (check out the interactive map for all sites)| East | - SE Division before entrance of the multi-use path
- SE 92nd and SE Flavel
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| North | - N Going and Interstate Ave
- N Rosa Parks Way and N Interstate
- N Lombard Blvd and N Peninsula Crossing Trail
- N Oswego and N Lombard
- Peninsula Crossing Trail at N Columbia
- Peninsula Crossing Trail at N Fessenden
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| Northeast | - NE 13th and NE Holladay (near Lloyd Center)
- NE Cesar Chavez and NE Halsey
- NE Cully and NE Prescott
- NE 82nd Ave and NE Webster St
- NE 122nd and Sandy Blvd
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| Northwest | - Blanchet House - NW Glisan and NW 3rd Ave
- NW 9th and NW Glisan
- NW 14th and NW Davis
- NW 18th and Pettygrove
- NW 17th and NW Savier
- NW 2nd and NW Davis
- NW 6th and NW Davis
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| Southeast | - SE Water and SE Morrison
- SE 3rd and SE Morrison
- SE 6th and SE Alder
- Entrance to Springwater Corridor at SE Ivon
- SE 12th and SE Washington
- SE 88th and Powell
- SE 85th and SE Foster
- SE Foster Rd and SE 110th Ave
- SE Reedway and SE 122nd Ave
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| Southwest | - SW Oak and SW Naito Parkway
- SW 4th and SW Pine
- SW Harbor and SW Naito Parkway
- SW 6th and SW Jackson
- SW 11th and SW Clay
- SW 13th Ave and SW Montgomery Ave
- SW 18th Ave and SW Market St
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Standalone Handwashing Stations| East | |
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| North | - Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard and Union Court (near Delta Park)
- N Pittsburgh and N Crawford
- N Rosa Parks and N Interstate
- I-5 and N Lombard
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| Northeast | - NE 13th and NE Holladay (near Lloyd Center)
- NE Cesar Chavez and NE Halsey
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| Northwest | - NW 3rd and NW Glisan (310 NW Glisan)
- Sisters of the Road Cafe - NW Davis and NW 6th Ave
- NW 29th and NW Industrial
- Westside of Steel Bridge near Day Storage facility
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| Southeast | - SE Grand and SE Alder
- SE Water and SE Main
- SE 3rd and SE Ash
- SE 11th and SE Oak (near Saint Francis Dining Hall)
- SE Burnside entrance to the I-205 multi-use path
- SE 37th and SE Oak (near Laurelhurst Park)
- SE 79th and SE Powell
- SE Powell and SE 122nd Ave
- SE Foster and SE Holgate
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| Southwest | - SW Terwilliger and SW Nebraska
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College and University Students
Student Campus Resources: Find help for students at Portland State University, including food pantry hours, emergency funds, and other campus resources.
The Hope Center at Temple University has created a guide for colleges and universities to help address the needs of students, including information on supporting students experiencing hunger, homelessness, or financial crisis. Download the guide here.
Federal Student Aid and Homeless Youth Q&A's document provides answers to questions students' have about their federal financial resources.
Resource article posted by Social Work License Map - How to Address Mental Health for Students Experiencing Homelessness
Health Services
List pulled from the Sisters of the Road website.
Portland Fire & Rescue's Meds on Wheels program is a prescription pick-up and delivery service for older adults and individuals with disabilities in the city of Portland.
Homelessness Prevention
Portland, Multnomah County, and now the state of Oregon have halted evictions of tenants who fall behind on rent due to coronavirus-related challenges to prevent additional homelessness. Renters will have up to six months to pay back their rent. Renters do not need to sign supplemental agreements with their landlords. Renters should notify landlords as soon as reasonably possible. There is no language saying you have to provide proof to the landlord.
If you need assistance with knowing your rental rights, Oregon Community Alliance of Tenants can help. Learn more at oregoncat.org or call (503) 288-0130. You can also find help by calling 211.
Oregon launches COVID-19 Rent Relief Program to provide rent assistance to people across the state who are at risk of homelessness due to COVID-19. For more info or to apply, contact a Community Action Agency (CAA) for your area (see CAA Map) or call 211.
Emergency Childcare
If you are an essential worker in need of emergency child care during the COVID-19 crisis, contact 211info to receive a customized referral to emergency child care programs with available openings.
Information about Coronavirus
COVID-19 or novel coronavirus has symptoms similar to the flu. People with symptoms have fevers, coughs and also shortness of breath. CDC added 6 more symptoms associated with COVID-19: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.
The virus spreads mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact, within about 6 feet.
This happens by droplets from an infected person’s coughs or sneezes getting into another person’s mouth, nose, or lungs. If a well person touches a surface, object, or a sick person’s hand that has the virus on it from the sick person’s cough/sneeze droplets, the virus can infect the well person when they touch their own mouth or nose.
Most people recover without medical intervention and have mild symptoms.
But certain people do face a higher risk of having more severe symptoms, including pneumonia. Those folks tend to be older, have weakened immune systems or have underlying medical conditions (things like heart or lung diseases).
Limit the spread of infections:
- Hand-washing is important, but we recognize that access to hand-washing facilities is limited for folks living without shelter. Sanitizer is also effective. If someone is sick, it will help them not spread germs from their lungs or nose to other things they touch. If they are well, it will help them not pick up germs from things they touch and spread them to their mouth, nose or eyes.
- Folks should do what they can to avoid touching their noses, eyes, and mouths.
- Cover coughs: Any cough, even if someone otherwise feels well, should be covered — not with someone’s hands but by coughing into an elbow, a mask or a bandana.
- As much as possible, encourage those you’re working with to limit sharing personal items, particularly cigarettes, food, phones, utensils and other items."
Free COVID-19 Testing & Vaccination Sites:
For more information:
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