When Multnomah County funding for the St. Johns Drop-In Center ended August 31, people experiencing homelessness in the neighborhood lost more than a place to access food, showers, and other resources. They also lost a place to gather, maintain relationships, and connect with social workers and others who support them.
In response, St. Andrew’s, Portland accelerated plans to expand its community lunch, which began in August and now takes place every Wednesday. While the weekly gathering cannot replace the services provided by the former drop-in center, the community at St. Andrew’s hopes to offer a consistent place of welcome, connection, and holy rest for neighbors who have few other resources available nearby.
The congregation was already deeply connected with unhoused neighbors through the WeShine tiny-home community located on its property. With much of the support infrastructure already in place, including a commercial kitchen, it was not a stretch for the congregation to provide expanded support for more of their neighbors. At Wednesday lunches, the Rev. Charlotte Cramer, community chaplain, offers pastoral care and helps ground the gathering in conversation and connection. The Rev. Dcn. Mel Foresman collects prayer requests from those gathered, which are then carried into the congregation’s Prayers of the People on Sunday.
St. Andrew’s is inviting the wider community to help sustain and grow the ministry. Current needs include hats, coats, and gloves, as well as volunteers for Wednesday lunches. Volunteers are particularly needed to prepare a hot main dish serving approximately 35 people. Financial contributions are also welcome.
The Rev. Jennifer Creswell, vicar at St. Andrew’s, says, “We are grateful for the blessings this project has received and provided.”
Together, the congregation, WeShine community, and their neighbors are working to create a place of dignity, belonging, relationship, and holy rest in North Portland.