Family Reunion Fundraiser:
ONLY 8 Days Away! |
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The 2015 Family Reunion Fundraiser is right around the corner! Please join us on Friday, October 16th, from 5pm-9pm for a night of family reunion fun, including:
A family-style catered meal by The Melody Ballroom
Fun games (and a chance to win 1 of 6 amazing prize packages!)
A live auction
A paddle raise
And, as normally promised at a PHFS event, fantastic all-around entertainment!
For questions, please contact Sophie at
sophie@pdxhfs.org.
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 We are excited to announce Monica Smith is the new Operations Director at PHFS. Monica was a Shelter Coordinator/Family Liaison for both our day shelter and evening shelter and she is excited about her new role. We believe that her experience working in shelter is an important lens moving into Operations. Monica is also pursuing her Masters in Public Administration at Portland State University and hopes to use her experiences to impact social policy.
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| Making Strides in the Fight for Housing Rights |
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| Protesters congregate outside of City Hall. |
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PHFS' own Mobile Housing Coordinator, Carl, joined impacted tenants and supporters of the Renter State of Emergency movement at City Hall on October 7th. It is amazing to see so many gathering in opposition of the extreme rent hikes and building-wide evictions that can make finding permanent housing difficult for our families.
Learn more about the Renter State of Emergency
here.
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Inside the Portland City Council Session.
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We need you to sign up to be Helping Hands, Kid Time Hosts, Lunch Hosts, and Meal Providers!
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- Deodorant
- Combs/brushes
- Shaving cream
- Multi-blade razors
- Travel-sized conditioner
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Join Us on 10/16 and YOU could win...
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A Weekend of Fun in New Orleans
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Take a trip to the Big Easy and embark on an amazing vacation full of jazz, history, and exploring the magical city of New Orleans, Louisiana. You'll enjoy a 2-night stay in an amazingly beautiful cottage for 4 in the French Quarter. While you're in New Orleans, you'll get to enjoy a New Orleans Jazz Cruise on the Mississippi River and an Isle of Orleans City Tour. When you come back to Portland and miss the energy of NOLA, enjoy dinner at two New Orleans themed restaurants here in Portland! Round trip airfare provided by Southwest Airlines.
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An Interactive Music Festival Experience
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Touted as one of the Top 25 Music Festivals to go to before you die, Oregon Music News says it feels like as much of a spa getaway as a weekend full of live music. What The Festival is an annual three-day interactive music and arts festival held 90 miles east of Portland, taking place during summer solstice. The festival provides the perfect getaway from the daily grind by offering attendees a full-sensory experience on a breathtaking 250-acre Oregon ranch, surrounded by the Mt. Hood National Forest and full, unobstructed views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.
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Enjoy a "Taste of Europe" with this selection of fine wines from the continent of Europe. With over 48 bottles of wine included in this package, you'll be the house that everyone wants to come over and drink wine at. Share these lovely wines with your family and community, or save them for yourself to enjoy over the years!
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Volunteer Spotlight:
Annicca Jones
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How long have you been volunteering with PHFS and what got you involved initially?
I have been volunteering with PHFS for about 4 months. I got involved with PHFS because I have volunteered with various organizations, but I was looking for one where I could work with families on a more consistent basis. PHFS had many different opportunities, which makes it easy to find a good fit for my skills and schedule. I really like PHFS' dedication to helping the clients learn skills and helping them reach their goals.
In what position/shift do you typically volunteer and has that changed or evolved over the years (and why)?
I like to work the opening shift, in particular the Sunday morning shift. I like this shift because I get to cook breakfast and eat with the clients. I really enjoy cooking and getting to know the families. I tried out a couple of different shifts, the opening shift, lunch shift and the overnight shift. I like all of the shifts and will probably find myself working some of the others from time to time as my schedule permits.
What's your favorite thing about volunteering with PHFS?
My favorite thing about volunteering with PHFS is learning about the families. I enjoy hearing about the things they are working on and the programs they are involved in. I like hearing the children talk about school, friends, and the things they are looking forward to.
Can you share any advice (pro tips/best practices) for new volunteers?
My advice for new volunteers is to try out the different shifts. Each shift has the potential to utilize different talents/skills. Also, chat with the clients and get to know them, they are pretty cool people.
Outside of PHFS, what do you do for fun/to unwind/relax?
I like to hike, bike and run in my free time. I really like the outdoors and all of the trails throughout Forest Park. I also go to school part time and I am part of a couple of clubs focused on neuroscience and psychology. I can be found reading a book centered around one of those two subjects as well.
What's something nifty or fun that few others would know about you?
I have a 15 year old son. Another reason I volunteer is because it gives me a chance to utilize my nurturing side, which I don't really get to utilize with my son these days. I think focusing my energies helping in the community combats the empty nest syndrome that starts to take place around the high school years in parenting.
What is your favorite thing about living in the Pacific Northwest?
My favorite thing about living in the Pacific Northwest is the ability to hit a forest trail and then urban hike down to get some good food, all without driving your car if you wish because of the fantastic transit system we have.
Anything else you wish to share?
I also wish to share that PHFS is a great facility because they not only provide the physical things that the clients need, but they also help provide training.
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Brandi, Janelle, and 4 PHFS Board members attended the Friday Forum at City Club last week. The topic was the Renters State of Emergency in Portland. Rent prices in Portland have increased by 30% over the last 5 years, but low wage workers have seen a decrease in wages by 5% (adjusted for inflation) over that same time period. We need change! We need more affordable housing, Rent Control, Inclusionary Zoning, and an increase in wages!
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