This month we kick off the school year by giving back to our community, dive into the world of LEGO® dinosaurs with our School Age program and gear up for our Senior Center move to Neighborhood House's new facilities on Barbur with a garage sale you won't want to miss!

This time of year is a reminder of the power of community and the joy of giving back. Last weekend, St. Luke Lutheran Church hosted their annual Back-to-School Giveaway, bringing together families, students, and neighbors to start the school year with the supplies, support, resources, and encouragement they need.

Our dynamic staff had the opportunity to represent Neighborhood House at the event, connect with families and engage with other Portland community members who share a passion for early childhood education and community involvement.

Events like these are about much more than backpacks and school supplies. They’re about building connections, uplifting one another, and strengthening the community we all call home. Here’s to a school year filled with learning, growth, and meaningful relationships that last well beyond a single day!

The Neighborhood House School Age Summer Camp just wrapped up as the new school year begins! Our kids made memories to last a lifetime, including a recent trip to OMSI to explore the limited-time LEGO® Jurassic Park exhibit. Thanks to supporters like YOU, Neighborhood House is able to continue important, meaningful work through our School Age Program, supporting children and families every step of the way.

The day was filled with learning, laughter, and creativity as kids marveled at intricate LEGO builds, discovered tiny details in the exhibits, and even worked together to build their own creations. It was a perfect mix of fun and discovery, sparking curiosity and imagination at every turn.

Our Summer Camp is designed to give children experiences that go beyond the classroom, helping them grow not only academically, but socially and creatively as well! Trips like this one are just one way we make learning come alive!

Brand new artist rendering of the new Senior Center.

The Senior Center will temporarily close beginning TODAY, September 5th as we prepare to move into our beautiful new space. While we know this pause may cause some disruption, our team is working hard to keep our community connected and supported during the transition.

We’re aiming to reopen this Winter once the move is complete, and in the meantime, we’ll be offering remote options, alternate locations, and staff support to make sure services remain accessible. For more information, please contact our office here!

Join us for our Community Garage Sale! We’re cleaning house and saying goodbye to gently loved treasures from home goods and books to décor and everything in between. Every purchase helps raise funds to support programs and activities at Neighborhood House!

🗓️ Date: Friday, September 12th - Sunday, September 14th

⏰ Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm 

📍 Location: Neighborhood House Senior Center in the Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy 

Come find a bargain AND support a great cause. One person’s “old stuff” could be your new favorite find, all while helping keep our senior community thriving!

As we take this exciting step forward, we’re looking for volunteers to help with the move. If you’d like to lend a hand, kindly email Julia, Volunteer Specialist at JMayfield@nhpdx.org. Please include the days and shift(s) you're available. 

Volunteers Needed!

> Garage Sale Prep 

Thursday, September 11

Shift 1: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Shift 2: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Shift 3: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM est.

> Garage Sale On-Site Support

Friday, September 12, Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14

Shift 1: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM (includes some set-up)

Shift 2: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Shift 3: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (includes some tear-down)

> Post-Garage Sale Clean-Up & Organize 

Monday, September 15 through Thursday, September 25 (weekdays only)

Shift 1: 8 AM - 10 AM

Shift 1: 10:00 AM – Noon

Shift 2: Noon - 2 PM

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Neighborhood House staff Julia Mayfield (Volunteer Specialist), Hannah Lee (Director of Development), and Chris Chiacchierini (Executive Director) enjoying time at our table during this year’s Multnomah Days.

As always, this day was filled with energy, laughter, and community spirit from start to finish. Our team had such a wonderful time connecting with neighbors, greeting familiar faces, and meeting new ones throughout the day.

We are so grateful to everyone who stopped by to chat, learn more about our programs, and share in the celebration. Events like Multnomah Days remind us how strong and supportive our community truly is. Your presence and encouragement fuel the work we do every day, from providing food and housing assistance to creating opportunities for children, families, and seniors.

Thank you for making this year’s festival such a memorable experience. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year!

September is Hunger Action Month, a time when neighbors come together to fight hunger and ensure everyone has access to healthy food. You can take action by joining our Food Drive from September 5–11 in honor of National Food Bank Day.

All donations will go directly to the Neighborhood House Free Food Market, helping to stock our shelves with much-needed items for families across Portland.

Items most needed include: canned soup, chili, and stew; plant-based milk; canned tuna and chicken; fruits and veggies; whole-grain cereal; brown rice and pasta; nuts and nut butter; and household supplies.

Drop-off locations: All Neighborhood House Head Start sites. Please note, we cannot accept homemade, expired, unlabeled, open, used, frozen, or refrigerated items.

Together, we can make a real difference this Hunger Action Month!

Mark your calendars for Monday, September 30, and join us for an evening of community, creativity, and giving back!

We’re thrilled to share that Neighborhood House’s Free Food Market has been selected as a nonprofit partner by the Bridgeport Shake Shack. This special event will be full of fun while raising awareness for neighbors in need.

Bring the whole family to enjoy live music (featuring a special performance by School of Rock!), hands-on kids’ crafts, and of course, delicious food starting at 6:00 pm.

Even better, 25% of your meal purchase will directly support our Free Food Market, helping families access fresh, nutritious food. While our event begins that evening, all sales throughout the entire day will benefit Neighborhood House.

It’s the perfect chance to gather with friends, meet fellow community members, and make a real impact.

We can’t wait to see you there! 

We’re committed to ensuring neighbors have access not just to food, but to fresh, organic produce grown right next door. In just one day, our garden yielded over 66 pounds of healthy fruits and vegetables. All good and ready to nourish our community!

It’s not too late to get involved. If you have a garden at home, you can join our Scattered Garden Program and help feed neighbors. Sign up to donate any surplus produce before the season ends and make a meaningful impact.

If you know someone who should know about the work Neighborhood House is doing in your community, please forward this newsletter to them. We love sharing stories about the work we do!