I'm a Portlander.

My great-grandmother with her four daughters had a boarding house in North Portland.  A young man named Seth moved from Cascade Locks to attend Portland University (now U of P). He lived in the boarding house and fell in love with one of the daughters.  In 1900, my grandparents, Seth and Blanche, were married. (It's easy to double check this date, since it's inscribed on his wedding band, which I wear.)

My husband, John, and I own several small apartment houses. I wonder if any romances have blossomed there over the years.

Our buildings, built between 1909 and 1925, need constant repair and maintenance. Coordinating this is my job, which I enjoy. And, with our maintenance manager, Binh Nguyen, we always have a big project going - enclosing a sun porch, restoring original Edwardian architecture, etc.

I'm in my late 60's and appreciate that this part-time work leaves time for family, friends and activities.

Five years ago, when our Unitarian Church Social Justice Minister announced plans for a day shelter in our church, I joined the start-up committee and furnished the rooms. My nephew, Bill Leavens, and I now volunteer as meal providers every other month at the Goose Hollow evening shelter.

Over time, we've developed a nice routine. Bill and I each spend a few hours preparing a healthy dinner at home before bringing it to the shelter to enjoy in each other's company, and as well with the guests and other volunteers.

Family. Home. Community. These are so important to me. I'm very grateful that PHFS is helping many homeless parents and children weave these elements together.