Dan had been volunteering at the Neighborhood House food pantry when the pandemic struck; as the city began to lock down, he worried about the people who relied on the pantry and hoped there would be a way for him to continue working to combat food insecurity in Portland. Luckily, he did not have to worry for long. In real time, Dan watched Neighborhood House lead the way in quickly and creatively responding to the challenges the pandemic presented. Neighborhood House efficiently and effectively mobilized individuals, communities, and nonprofit groups to shift the food pantry from an in-person shopping model to a remote delivery system. Dan quickly stepped back in as a volunteer, assisting clients with the new system, fielding questions, and coordinating food donations via phone.

He enjoyed helping clients navigate the delivery program, regardless of their access to internet or regular phone service. Every call offering donations reaffirmed Dan’s belief in the kindness and generosity of the Portland community.

“I was initially concerned that Neighborhood House would be overwhelmed as winter came, that the already fragmented safety net would crumble,” Dan said. “However, seeing the resilience, dedication, and creativity of Neighborhood House’s staff, volunteers, and the entire Portland community, I felt fortunate to be part of the solution. Neighborhood House proved to me again that it is an efficient and creative organization that continues to represent the highest hopes and ambitions of the Portland community.”

Everyone deserves safe, convenient access to fresh and healthy food. Will you join Dan and the Neighborhood House team in combatting food insecurity by supporting the Partnership Campaign this year?

Support your food-insecure neighbors now!

I started using the Free Food Market. I learned about more programs that could help us. But the biggest change wasn’t the services themselves.

It was how I was treated. 

For the first time in my entire life, I was met with dignity. 

I wasn’t talked down to. I wasn’t made to feel ashamed for needing help. I wasn’t forced to “prove” I deserved to survive. At Neighborhood House, people spoke to me with genuine respect, something I have so often not been given, simply due to my circumstances. That changed everything. Even now, it still brings tears to my eyes. 

When you’re disabled, when you’re parenting alone, when you’re just trying to get through the day without falling apart…asking for help is hard. Being treated with kindness backed by action? It’s life-changing. 

That kindness empowered me. 
I joined the Head Start Policy Council. 
I became involved in statewide advocacy work. 
And eventually, when someone asked if I would consider joining the Neighborhood House Board, I said yes. 

Being on the board fills a need I’ve carried my whole life: the deep need to give back. There is so little any one person can do alone. But when we connect, when we come together as a community, everything becomes possible. 

People sometimes ask me why services like Neighborhood House still matter. 

My answer is simple: 

Because income inequality is growing. 
Because our systems do not prioritize people in poverty. 
Because without places like Neighborhood House, people really would go hungry. Children would go without resources necessary to thrive. Housing insecure families would be turned out into the streets. 
And that is simply not acceptable.

Until we change the systems that create these conditions in the first place, we need community-based organizations that keep people alive, keep families housed, and treat every neighbor with dignity.

And there’s one more thing I want you to know:

No one chooses this. 

Everyone is doing the best they can. 
Sometimes people just need a little boost.

When you donate or volunteer at Neighborhood House, it is truly life changing. You may never meet every person you help—but please know there are so many of us who feel overwhelmed with gratitude because these services exist.

I am one of them.

So today, as we close out the year, I’m asking you to help more neighbors like me.

Here’s how you can help right now: 

  • Make a gift today — your support goes directly to families who need it most.
  • Start a food dr​ive — our Food Security Program is a lifeline and always needs support. 
  • Share my letter with a friend who believes in a more just and caring community.

Thank you for believing in this work.

Thank you for believing in people like me. 

With gratitude,

Love 
Board Member & Program Participant 
Neighborhood House 

Home > News > Everyone deserves access to nutritious food. Dan helps provide that access.