Volunteer Opportunities

Sarah Knuth, Outreach Coordinator
503 222-5720 ext 4
sk@macdcenter.org

As a volunteer with the Macdonald Center, you will have the opportunity to:

Meet and visit residents of the single room occupancy (SRO) hotels in Old Town and downtown Portland -
Learn about and experience the issues surrounding poverty and low-income housing from those who live it -
Break down stereotypes and fear of the other -
Debrief and reflect over your experiences with Macdonald Center staff -
Participate in community-building and social activities with our friends in Old Town -
Build wonderful relationships, listen to, and share stories -

The Macdonald Center works to serve the poor and forgotten in Old Town and downtown Portland. We welcome volunteers to help us foster the sacredness and dignity of all individuals and build community by breaking down social isolation through outreach and hospitality. Please consider joining us!

Our Visiting Program

Help us reach out to socially isolated residents in Old Town. We send teams of two volunteers to visit residents in single room occupancy (SRO) hotels in our neighborhood. Volunteers visit the same individuals each week to build relationships and break down barriers. They then report back to the Center for debriefing. Volunteers can also participate in monthly reflection times to foster personal reflection and growth. Orientation and ongoing training are available as well.

Birthdays and Birthday Parties
Sponsor a monthly birthday party at one of the hotels we visit, or provide cake and supplies for a party. Or, write birthday cards that we can give to our friends each month. Help folks feel special on their birthdays!

Recreational Activities
Plan or sponsor recreational activities (movies, sporting events, music events, picnics, etc) for residents in Old Town. Help foster community and positive forms of recreation! Or join us on one of our many adventures around town and help residents enjoy their time.

Personal Partners
Help our residents maintain their independence by escorting them to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, court dates, etc. Partners accompany individuals and help them navigate the sometimes very confusing systems of healthcare and social services. Transportation and other costs are covered.

Professional Services
Legal work, massage therapy and energy work, dental hygiene, medical care, and many others are all skills valuable to our friends in Old Town. Your talents and passions can truly make a difference in peoples’ lives!

Hygiene Kits, bus tickets, meal coupons, gift cards, etc…
Help us provide needed transportation, food, hygiene items and household items to residents on the margins. Please see our “Wish List” for a more complete look at our current needs.

Please also check out additional volunteer opportunities posted through Hands on Greater Portland!

Wish List

We are always grateful for the many ways the Center is supported: volunteers, donors, friends, and on and on. Here are some specific donation needs that we have. Any help you can offer would be so greatly appreciated.

Ongoing needs
TriMet bus tickets: Honored Citizen and All Zone
Gift cards to Fred Meyer, Dollar Tree, etc.
Stamps
Socks
Underwear
Twin size sheets
Bath towels
Bedspreads
Shampoo and conditioner
Deodorant
Other hygiene items
Party supplies: plates, cups, napkins, forks, etc
Coffee, cream, sugar

Center in-kind donations:
Please bring donations to our office at 605 NW Couch St. Our office hours are 9am-5pm.

Independent Living Services in-kind donations:
Please bring donations to our office at 207 NW 3rd Ave. Our office hours are 9am-5pm.