Skip to main content

I love Portland. I love the warm summer mornings that fade into cozy fall afternoons. I love the yellow leaves that begin to line the sidewalks in Fall, and soon after, the beginning of twinkling lights that will be spiraled around the trees Downtown.

However, there are many of my neighbors who do not love the changing of these things. Many of my neighbors who do not have the opportunity to breeze through the changing of the seasons of life and go unimpacted. Some of my neighbors don’t have the options to receive proper care when flu season rolls around, or lack the ability to afford a coat or proper shelter in the rainy seasons.

I feel this tension. My own neighbors cannot afford to be unimpacted by changes that I barely notice. Honestly, I have a difficult time stepping into this space, because what can I offer these neighbors of mine? By myself I can’t offer them much of anything, maybe a meal here or there, or a coat, but not the attention and care they deserve. I’m not big enough to change the city on my own.

When I started interning for Compassion Connect I was immediately touched and drawn in by their commitment to unite and serve. They too have felt the tension I’ve felt and know that change comes from working together – across denominations and beliefs – to really make a change where it matters most, our own backyard.

When I arrived at 11th and Taylor on Saturday morning, I had something to offer my neighbors. My financial situation hadn’t changed, my occupation hadn’t changed, and I hadn’t changed. However, today I could offer hope and real change by pointing them to Compassion Connect’s Downtown Clinic. There, volunteers were waiting to love and help the people in the community who needed it most. I walked in and was amazed by the sheer volume of resources and care being provided. I could see a roomful of people receiving dental care, and in another room, people receiving vision checks and other medical attention. I made my way upstairs into the main annex, where flu shots, educational resources, thousands of clothing items, hair cuts, and more were all available free of charge. None of these things would be achievable without the countless volunteers, from all denominations and churches, who take the time to serve their neighbors. As I talked to different volunteers, I was deeply moved by their selflessness and love for their communities. This was evident through their interactions with the people they were serving as well as the wonderful conversations and stories I was lucky to share with them.  I want to pass this along and give others the opportunity to meet some of our volunteers and hear their stories and experiences with Compassion Connect’s Clinics.

 

I’ve done this for many years, and my company does not pay me for this time. I just love coming out here.” Anthony

 

 

 

 

 

“Last night my daughter told me she was volunteering to cut hair today, so I asked if they’d have any use for me! I’m a retired secretary, so I could be at home, or I could be out serving the community. I love being able to be apart of this and have whatever impact I can.” Norinda

 

 

 

 

This is my 9th clinic I’ve been a part of. My home state doesn’t have anything like this, and what is happening here is beautiful. I love working with Compassion Connect, I believe in what they’re doing and I love the other volunteers. Over 400 people will be serviced today with dental, medical, and flu shots.” Dorine

 

 

“This is my first time volunteering at a clinic! My bible study wanted to do a service project together and we all decided on this. I work in the medical field, so to see these services provided for people out here is really great. There are a lot more people than I expected!” Rachel

 

I think prayer can be more important and impactful than any of the other services sometimes. People need to be loved and listened to. One gentlemen earlier said the only clothes he owned was what he was wearing. He took an extra pair of pants here so he can wear them for underpants. We get to be a part of people’s stories and understand what we need to provide more of here.” Anonymous

 

 

I was thrilled to see the diversity in experience and background from each of these volunteers. Their involvement ranged from first timers to people who have volunteered with Compassion Connect for nine years.  What unites them all is their desire to see their city transformed through caring for their neighbors in a tangible way. Through their hard work and dedication, we are seeing that dream come true.