Category Archives: Uncategorized

Join the East Columbia community by supporting Boxes of Hope to give gifts to kids this holiday season.
Newsletters, Uncategorized

Shoebox Gifts for Kids Around the World

TL;DR:
Our neighbors at Columbia Community Bible Church (420 NE Marine Drive) are inviting the broader East Columbia community to join them in collecting small gifts for children in need through the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox program. Drop-off times: Sundays 10 AM–12:30 PM or Tuesdays 2–3:30 PM. Boxes will be packed on Sunday, November 16.

What’s Happening

Each year, the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child project sends shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items to children around the world who might not otherwise receive a gift during the holidays. This simple act of kindness can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

Read Rev Steven Boyle’s message and guide for participatingDownload

Columbia Community Bible Church—a valued part of our East Columbia neighborhood and a generous host for some of our ECNA meetings—is inviting the community to take part in this year’s effort. Neighbors are encouraged to drop off new, small gifts that can fit inside a standard shoebox—one for either a boy or a girl aged 5–9. Suggested items include small toys, school supplies, and hygiene items like soap, toothbrushes, gloves, and scarves.

All items will be gathered and packed on Sunday, November 16 from 10 AM to 12:30 PM before being shipped to children in need around the world. Community members are warmly welcome to stop by during that time, or to attend the church’s “Sweet Hour of Prayer” (10–11 AM) or worship service (11 AM–12:30 PM).

How to Participate

Drop-off times:
• Sundays: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Tuesdays: 2:00 – 3:30 PM
A blue collection tub is located just inside the front doors of the church at 420 NE Marine Drive, Portland.

Optional online shopping: Prefer to order online? Visit Amazon.com and search “Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Children’s Shoebox” to find gift ideas for kids aged 5–9. Choose delivery options early to ensure your items arrive in time.

Why It Matters

This community effort is a reminder that generosity transcends boundaries. By filling shoeboxes with small gifts and big care, we can bring joy to children around the world—and strengthen the bonds right here in East Columbia. Whether you’re a church member, a neighbor, or simply someone who wants to help, your participation is welcome and appreciated.

⸻

Questions?
Reach out to Rev. Steven Boyle at s.sboyle91@gmail.com or by phone at 503-292-1081.
Learn more about the global project at samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/.

Let’s come together to share a little kindness this holiday season—one shoebox at a time.

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Expo Sponsorship
City wide issues, Uncategorized

Expo Future Sponsorship: Funding Opportunity for North Portland Communities

TL;DR:
Metro is offering sponsorship funds—up to $5,000—for nonprofit organizations hosting events that uplift history, culture, and sports in connection with the Expo Center. Priority is given to North Portland neighborhoods, including East Columbia. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through June 30, 2025.

A New Opportunity to Celebrate Our Community

If you’re part of a local nonprofit—or know one doing great work in North Portland—there’s a timely opportunity to receive financial support from Metro’s Expo Future sponsorship fund. The program is focused on honoring cultural histories, promoting competitive events, and uplifting historically marginalized communities. This is a chance to bring meaningful activities to our neighborhood and beyond, with support from one of the region’s largest public agencies.

What’s Happening

Metro’s Expo Future project is offering sponsorships to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations (or groups with a fiscal sponsor). These funds are designed to support events and activities that connect to the Expo Center’s past and future—through community storytelling, sports, and more.

A total of $40,000 is available now through June 30, 2025. Awards typically range from $500 to $2,500, with a maximum of $5,000 per recipient per fiscal year.

The East Columbia neighborhood, along with 13 other North Portland communities, is included in Metro’s priority list.

What Kinds of Events Qualify?

Metro is looking to support activities that meet at least two of these seven goals:
Honor the site’s history: especially Indigenous, Japanese American, or Vanport histories.

  • Host sports competitions: especially events with equitable access or held at the Expo Center.
  • Celebrate culture and tourism: events that draw visitors to North Portland.
  • Uplift North Portland neighborhoods: especially those recognized by the City of Portland.
  • Promote play and sports tourism: including local tournaments and recreation.
  • Expand access for marginalized groups: increasing inclusive participation in events.
  • Support the Expo Center: including its redevelopment or future vision.

Even if your event doesn’t qualify for Expo Future, it may still be eligible for other Metro sponsorships.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online at any time:
👉 Apply here through Metro

Get Involved or Spread the Word

If you or your organization is interested in applying—or if you know a group that might be—now’s the time to share this opportunity.

Questions?
For Expo Future project-specific inquiries, reach out to:
Stephanie Redman (she/her or they)
Project Manager, Metro
📞 503-347-4587

For general sponsorship questions:
✉️ sponsorships@oregonmetro.gov

Let’s keep building a vibrant, inclusive, and active community together—rooted in our past and looking toward the future.

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City wide issues, Local Issues, Uncategorized

Help Shape Houselessness Solutions in Portland

The Homeless Solutions Coalition of the City of Portland District Four Coalition is seeking your input!

Please take a moment to rate candidates’ responses by completing these quick online surveys:

Your feedback helps guide our community toward better solutions! Learn more about the initiative here.

Link to YouTube Recording

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Uncategorized

District 2 Candidate Forum

This is probably our last opportunity to listen to City Council Candidates before the election. This forum is being sponsored by both the East Columbia and Bridgton neighborhood associations and hosted by the Portland Yacht Club. There will be no food or bar service but we will have cookies and light snacks.  There will not be a Zoom link.

Thursday, October 10
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Portland Yacht Club
1241 NE Marine Drive

We expect 15 candidates to be with us and I hope you can find time to attend.Portland and Multnomah County.

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Uncategorized

Join the Effort to Shape Our City’s Homelessness Response!

Want to have a say in how Portland and Multnomah County address homelessness? Now’s your chance! The newly formed City-County Homelessness Response System is recruiting community members for two important committees. Your participation can directly impact our community’s approach to this critical issue.

Steering & Oversight Committee

  • Positions Available: 2 non-voting members
  • Who They Need:
    • A Behavioral Health Expert (who doesn’t work for an organization contracted with the City or County)
    • A Supportive Housing Services (SHS) Taxpayer (must live in Multnomah County but outside the City of Portland)
  • Commitment: One-year term
  • Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, August 14

This committee will work alongside local leaders to guide the Homelessness Response Action Plan, a roadmap developed as part of a three-year agreement between the City of Portland and Multnomah County.

Apply for Steering & Oversight Committee

Community Advisory Committee

  • Positions Available: Up to 16 community members
  • Who They Need: Individuals with lived experience of homelessness, business community reps, homeless service providers, health care providers, and more
  • Commitment: One-year term, with meetings starting in September 2024
  • Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, August 21

This committee will identify emerging issues, trends, and help ensure the community meets the goals outlined in the Homelessness Response Action Plan.

Apply for the Community Advisory Committee

These committees are vital to shaping our homelessness response. Whether you’re a behavioral health expert, an SHS taxpayer, or simply a concerned community member, your voice matters.

Let’s work together to make a difference! Apply today and help guide our city’s future.

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