For the month of February, First Unitarian shares our plate collection with the Portland Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Good Neighbor Project. As a coalition of several downtown organizations and community members, The Good Neighbor Project helps approximately 200 unhoused downtown neighbors by distributing essential goods for survival such as water, cold and wet weather clothing, and bedding.

Teams of 2-3 volunteers regularly visit the same section of blocks to build relationships and trust necessary for mutual care, and provide referrals and information to help neighbors access resources that will lead to more permanent shelter and self-sufficiency. In addition to volunteers and donated items, First Unitarian partners with the Good Neighbor Project to offer pastoral care to our unhoused siblings.