Volunteer

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

For more than a century, Neighborhood House volunteers have contributed to our mission of bringing neighbors together and strengthening communities by providing resources to support self-reliance, economic independence, and dignity in people of all ages and backgrounds.

Whether as an individual or part of a group, a senior or a teenager, volunteers can leverage their skills, experience, and interests to help reduce hunger and homelessness and to educate neighbors both young and old in the greater Portland area.

Events and Campaigns

We have many events and campaigns throughout the year whose success relies upon the kindness of our community volunteers. Our annual Welcome Home fundraiser, SW Hope Food and Fund Drive, holiday gift drive, and other events would not work without your help.

Free Food Market

Operating the largest community-supported food bank on Portland’s West Side is no small task! We always need community-focused volunteers to help sort, stock, unload, and work with clients. We’re looking for volunteers to help out in the Market, prep large bulk deliveries, deliver food boxes, and pick up food donations.

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When we need you:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
Limited need on Tuesday mornings

Location:

3445 SW Moss St., Portland, OR 97219

Production Garden & Scattered Garden

The Production Garden is located next to our headquarters in Multnomah Village. Each year we grow around 1,500 pounds of fresh, nutritious vegetables that are harvested and then distributed directly through the Free Food Market. Gardeners help plant, harvest, weed, mulch, mow, repair raised beds and irrigation, and all things gardening.

Every bit helps when it comes to providing food to those in need. The Scattered Garden program helps provide significantly more fresh produce by growing in local home and community gardens. If you have a space in your garden, considering growing and donating the extra produce to Neighborhood House! Free plant start giveaways are held in the Spring – click here to get updates. If you can contribute plant starts, let us know!

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VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS

Fill out the appropriate form for you or your group below!

ADULT VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

YOUTH (UNDER 18) VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

GROUP VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

VOLUNTEER RESOURCES

CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE VOLUNTEER MANUAL

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION CENTER (VICNET)

Note: Each program requires some type of background check for volunteers. We will not run a background check until you have been placed in a program. Please reach out for more information.

Senior Center

A home away from home for area seniors, Neighborhood House needs volunteers to assist Senior Center staff by interacting with seniors, providing transportation, and pitching in during special events throughout the year such as the Holiday Craft Bazaar.

Drivers

Our pivotal volunteers escort seniors and disabled persons to medical and personal appointments, recreational trips and errands, and help with shopping. This vital service requires drivers who are willing to use their own vehicle.

Childhood Education and Development

Do you have a knack for connecting with students and preschool age children? Want to help underserved youth succeed in school and build valuable leadership skills? Our childhood education programs throughout the city seek special volunteers to work as receptionists and classroom assistants.

MEET A VOLUNTEER

SUZIE THOMPSON

Suzie, a retired elementary school teacher, always loved teaching children how to read. For the past five years, she has been a regular volunteer classroom assistant in our Head Start program. Every week, she spends a morning at our Children’s Center at Stephens Creek Crossing, helping preschoolers with reading and other learning activities, such as important school-readiness skills like taking turns and being a good friend to others.

Suzie enjoys her time with her 3- to 5-year-old “cutie pies” so much that she convinced her husband, Peter, to join her in the classroom. Together, the Thompsons feel enriched by the opportunity to serve and make a difference in the lives of others by being Neighborhood House volunteers.

Help Around the ‘House’

Like any other home, Neighborhood House has many chores with which we can always use a helping hand. Whether it’s painting a classroom, helping in the community garden, or stuffing envelopes for a mailing, opportunities to help abound.

Language Translation

Volunteers assist with translation services in Chinese, Mandarin, Farsi, Russian, Spanish, and other languages. 

QUESTIONS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?

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Young boy playing with and studying a video camera