Our Streets

Come find us at The Standard Volunteer Expo next Thursday! Join Our Streets and more than 100 nonprofit orgs on Sept. 4 for Oregon’s largest volunteer expo #VExpo25 at Pioneer Square from 11 AM - 2 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about all the different kinds of nonprofits in Portland you can volunteer with. See you there! 🌞

Our very own Cofounder & CEO 🖤

That's a wrap on another successful scholarship season. This year we awarded 14 $2,000 scholarships to Oregon residents pursuing higher education, including general scholarships, scholarships for non-citizens, BIPOC women in STEAM, and trade school. It warms our hearts every year to hear firsthand from the recipients on how our scholarships will help them reach their goals and ease their financial burden for pursuing higher education. These scholarships are made possible by your donations. Thank you for your continuous support of us and these students. 🖤

Since it’s been a minute since we’ve done a team feature–Meet Caitlyn, the Culinary Director for Our Streets. Caitlyn joined Our Streets to engage more deeply with her community and to be a part of a mission grounded in purpose. She’s “always believed in the power of people coming together to create change,” and was drawn to work that prioritizes real, lasting impact. “I wholeheartedly believe that food is medicine,” she says. “I’ve experienced and witnessed how powerful food can be–not only as fuel for the body, but as comfort, healing and connection.” Working at Our Streets has provided the opportunity to channel her skills and knowledge into building sustainable systems that support access to nutritious food. She says, “Being part of a team working to reshape how food shows up in our communities feels like the most honest way to align my work with my values.” Caitlyn hopes that each meal served by Our Streets brings a sense of comfort and familiarity. To her, real impact is grounded in mutual respect, solidarity, and shared commitment. It's about creating space for everyone to belong and thrive.

It was an incredible honor to be awarded, alongside other amazing local nonprofits, $50,000 by the Albertsons Companies Foundation's Nourishing Neighbors program. Nourishing Neighbors, much like Our Streets, prioritizes addressing hunger through meal provision. Thanks to contributions like this one, organizations including our own can continue to provide high quality, nutritious meals for people in need. 🖤

Tyler has been a warm and welcoming constant in the Our Streets kitchen for over a year now. He regularly helps with meal prep, boxing, and cleaning. Since he started volunteering with us, he's boxed thousands of meals for our recipients. What Tyler likes about volunteering with Our Streets is that it makes him feel like he's doing more for his community than just talking. He appreciates the fact that every box he packages is him contributing to keeping someone fed. Volunteers like Tyler are integral to what we do, as well as great company to have in the kitchen with our crew. 🖤

🏳️🌈 Despite the waves of uncertainty we have faced this past year, our commitment to Pride remains the same. Regardless of identity, celebrating Pride becomes more important every day. 🏳️⚧️

Our Streets is launching its first affordable housing project to develop 5733 NE MLK Blvd. This project aims to create safe, affordable, and sustainable apartments for community members historically impacted by gentrification and displacement from NE Portland. Join Our Streets' upcoming in-person open house to learn more about the project and provide feedback on key design elements, including the site's community space and supportive services for residents. The open house will include a family-style dinner and interactive design charrette stations to solicit feedback on key elements of the housing project. Attendees who meet the workshop's participation requirements will receive a $65 virtual gift card. Our Streets needs your insights to build a safe and sustainable affordable housing project for communities historically impacted by gentrification. You have a key opportunity to shape the future of NE Portland — your voice is critical. You can register here: https://lnkd.in/gU4VHwx3

Our next cleanup is happening June 20th! We'll be teaming up with SOLVE Oregon to clear trash out of the Brooklyn neighborhood in SE Portland. Coffee, snacks, and cleaning supplies will be provided. These events are a great opportunity for all ages, friends, families, and coworkers. Enjoy some Friday morning sunshine while keeping your local streets clean. 🖤 Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eaaSksZ9