January 2015 - In This Issue:
Holiday Time at PHFS
We've had a blast celebrating the holidays with our families in shelter. From a trip to Zoo Lights to the annual Holiday Village party, we're thankful to have the opportunity to make some good memories with wonderful guests.
Zoo Lights at the Portland Zoo
Megan Jones of First United Methodist Church (FUMC), as well as some of the FUMC congregation, made it possible for our families and their kids to enjoy one of Portland's favorite holiday traditions: Zoo Lights! Thanks so much to FUMC for your generosity and thoughtfulness!
Holiday Village at PHFS
Every year, PHFS hosts a Holiday Village for all the families that we served throughout the year. We made gingerbread houses and ornaments, shared a delicious meal catered by Elephant's Deli, had parents pick out and wrap presents for their kids, and even had an appearance from Santa Claus himself!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, January 6th

Wednesday, December 21st

Monday, February 2nd
SHELTER NEEDS
  • Tissues
     
  • Towels
     
  • Cold & Flu Medicine (over the counter)
     
  • Volunteers! :)
The Results Are In...
$23,920 from Give!Guide!!!

Thanks to everybody that donated to PHFS in 2014 through the Willamette Week Give!Guide. The site officially closed at midnight on December 31st, making well over $2.6 million for nonprofits city-wide -- a new record for the campaign!!

 

But Willamette Week wasn't the only record breaker this season: PHFS exceeded our goal by almost $8,000! We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate our 6th consecutive year of participating in the Guide, or to start off 2015. Thanks, again, for your unbelievable generosity!! Until next year...

Give!Guide 90's Prom Night

Did you get a chance to stop out to Community Warehouse on the night of 12/13/14 to celebrate PHFS and Community Warehouse's first joint Give!Guide fundraiser?? If so, THANK YOU: we certainly had a blast, and hope you did, too!

 

If not, don't fret! Click here to check out the fun pictures and feel like you didn't miss a thing.
Volunteer Spotlight: 
Pam Wimmer

How long have you been volunteering with PHFS and what got you involved initially?

Just about 9 months. The owner of my company asked me to find an organization in our Goose Hollow neighborhood that we could get involved with and support.  I found PHFS and have been so impressed it.

 

In what position/shift do you typically volunteer and has that changed or evolved over the years? Why?

At my office, I coordinated a drive for Community Warehouse in the spring and subsequently 2 drives for PHFS this year.  We participated in the Community Connect Fellowship as a business partner, and then progressed to a Meal Provider once a month. I have also recruited people in my office to help with dinners. Most recently, I volunteered at the Holiday Village to help wrap gifts.

 

What's your favorite thing about volunteering with PHFS?

Working with such an amazing group of people. The great staff and volunteers are all working toward one purpose of helping others. This is so rewarding. 

 

Can you share any advice for new volunteers?

Relax.  Find what you feel comfortable with.  Do everything you can. Keep up the good work!

 

Outside of PHFS, what do you do for fun/to unwind/relax?

I like to spend time with my friends and my cat. Also, I make and sell jewelry. 

 

What's something nifty or fun that few others would know about you?

I write music and sing. And play the marimba.

 

Anything else you wish to share?

I am so impressed with the entire organization and the holistic approach to ending homelessness.  Getting to know the volunteers who have been working in shelter for years and years is amazing and inspiring.  I can see myself working with PHFS for a long time. :)
Thank You to Our Local Businesses
Much of what happened in December wouldn't have been possible without the support of our local businesses. Thank you for representing the 'season of giving' last month:

Dunn Carney Allen Higgins & Tongue LLP, Bank of America, Kaiser Permanente, Metro Montessori Middle School, Elliott Powell Baden & Baker, Urban Nest Realty, Blitz LADD, Tumac Lumber, Blind Tortoise Adaptive Services, Schonman Signs, Think Real Estate, Resource Recycling, C&R Real Estate, Multnomah Curves, Banfield Animal Hospital, Chestnut Grove Montessori, Montessori Northwest, Greene & Markley, P.C., Girl Scout Troop #2633, Asian Professionals of Portland, The Freshwater Trust, Youngset Preschool, Stumptown Coffee, Puppet Labs, Adidas Employee Store
Congratulations! You made it to the bottom.
Written on Christmas Day of this year, a brave and hardworking mother shares her heartbreaking story of how her and her small family suddenly became homeless, and what the impact of community can have on others.

Click the picture above for the full article.

Thanks for all you do!

- PHFS Team

Portland Homeless Family Solutions
503.915.8306


Helping Homeless Families 
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