October 2014 - In This Issue:
Think you know PHFS? 
Show us what you got!
What is the most popular dinner brought in to Goose? What is the most popular activity with the kids? How many tattoos does PHFS staff have collectively?

Answer these and several other fun, quick questions to help us create our PHFS Celebrity Family Feud for the Family Reunion Fundraiser. Even better -- attend the event and see how your answers played out in the rankings!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, October 7th

Wednesday, October 15th
5:00 PM - Dual Shelter Orientation (Thirteen Salmon + Goose Hollow)

Friday, October 24th
SHELTER NEEDS
  • Trimet bus passes
     
  • Shampoo and conditioner (travel-sized)
     
  • Breakfast bars
Welcome [back], Karina!

 

PHFS is proud to welcome Karina Hernandez Gallo [back] to the team! Karina may be familiar to guests, volunteers, and staff as an active supporter of PHFS for the past few months, but now she's back with a different role! As part of a work study program with the University of Portland, Karina will be working with Matt as the Volunteer Program Assistant through the school year.

 

Karina spent the summer with PHFS as both a UP Intern for Justice and Community Connect Fellowship participant. Over the course of three months, Karina logged almost 250 hours, volunteering as an Overnight Host and Kid Time Host, and through outreach and educational sessions with the CCF program.

 

Karina serves in leadership roles in two clubs on campus and works a second job, in addition to being a full-time student. She's an accomplished and sharp student, and we're excited to see bring her considerable skills and talent to the Volunteer Program.

 

Please join us in welcoming Karina!
Don't Miss Out! 
Family Reunion Fundraiser: 10/24

Have you bought your tickets to the PHFS Family Reunion Fundraiser yet? It's our 7th year hosting this large-scale fundraiser, but it's anything but traditional. We are so excited to be introducing so many NEW aspects of this year's event to you, some highlights including...

  • GAMES! Rather than hosting a silent auction this year, we will be featuring 8 family-inspired games, like cornhole, mini golf, and a ring toss (but with wine!). We are also getting our very own PHFS-style Plinko board made just for the event!
  • VENUE! We are excited and honored to be one of the first to hold our event in the brand new, beautiful ballroom in The Eastside Exchange building along the Burnside bridge.
  • LIVE AUCTION PACKAGES! We have some really great, exciting new packages for our Live Auction this year. Highlights include a romantic hot air balloon ride, a star-studded trip to LA, and a jam-packed winter getaway on Portland's very own Mt. Hood. 
We hope to see you there as we remember the true meaning of 'family', and raise support for the families in our city that are striving for self-sufficiency.

 
Volunteer Spotlight: 
Mike Soltani
1. How long have you been volunteering with PHFS and what got you involved initially?
It's been about a year I think since I first volunteered with PHFS... wow, time flies fast!

2. In what position/shift do you typically volunteer? Has that changed or evolved over the years?
I volunteer as Overnight Host and I like it very much. I get to prepare the cubicles, welcome the guests, mingle, check supplies, sleep in the same church basement, prepare breakfast, and say good day to our guests. I get lots of satisfied smiles, each one worth a million bucks.

3. What's your favorite thing about volunteering with PHFS?Helping guests out in the morning and wishing them a good day, packing my stuff, locking up, and sipping my cup of coffee as I head out home, thanking the universe for having a place to call home.

4. Can you share any advice for new volunteers?
You receive way more than you give, so give it your 110%.

5. Outside of PHFS, what do you do for fun/to unwind/relax?Clean my home, cook, garden, exercise, and write friends and family.

6. What's something nifty or fun that few others would know about you?
I am not a "fun or nifty" person, but I love poetry reading or discussions.

7. In rainy springtime Portland, what's your favorite thing to do?
Enjoy the rain! When I was new to Portland, I was getting depressed by the rain. Then I accepted that rain was here long before I came, so I better respect and seek its beauty. I now think: "Rain cleanses the leaves and soothes my soul with its gentle melody."

8. Anything else you wish to share?
If you have not volunteered yet... dive in, do not procrastinate. You will love it. And if you do not, you will at least know that it is not for you and you will do something else with your life.
Home Builders Does It Again!
We are thrilled with the progress that's been made with the downstairs kitchenette at the Goose Hollow Family Shelter (FUMC) over the past few months!

Thank you so much to the Home Builders Association for your dedicated work to making PHFS feel a bit more like home for our guests. We appreciate all that you do!
Congratulations! You made it to the bottom.
In the spirit of Halloween coming up, 
here's a little "ghost" video for all of you dare devils out there...

:)
Click the image above to watch the video.

Thanks for all you do!

- PHFS Team

Portland Homeless Family Solutions
503.915.8306


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