Caring for Houseless Neighbors – One Block at a Time

by | Mar 16, 2022 | Ripple Community | 0 comments

By Kristi Koebke

I co-founded the Block Aid Project in December of 2020 because of the increasing number of people who were visibly suffering in neighborhoods all over Portland and Vancouver.

It occurred to us that if our neighbors next door desperately needed help, we would give it to them. That’s when we realized houseless people in our own neighborhoods were no less deserving than any of our other neighbors. We are not separate. We are not better. And we have more than enough resources to share to relieve suffering.

The Block Aid Project is about caring for unhoused neighbors – one city block at a time – with home-cooked meals and basic supplies. Each month, we organize, cook, re-package and deliver relief meals and supplies to those who are struggling on the streets. We do this to fill the gaps left where our social services and safety net systems egregiously fall short.

We also see the immense waste that is a product of people forced into living on the streets, and we execute our relief efforts in ways that reflect our environmental values. We try to unpackage and recycle packaging materials as much as possible. We reuse and refill jugs and bottles with fresh water. We sometimes join the SOLVE volunteer cleanup projects a few weekends a year.

Our little project is grassroots, and it won’t solve the systemic problems that cause houselessness. However, we can cook and redistribute resources where they are needed right now. And each time we look a suffering neighbor in the eye, introduce ourselves by first name, give them a smile and a care package, we know that it’s making a difference in someone’s life. At least for that moment.

The Block Aid Project is on Facebook Groups and Instagram. We regularly accept donations of nutritious food, clothing, hygiene supplies, tents, blankets and other essential gear for weathering the outdoors. Reach out if you’re interested in becoming a supporter.