About Us

Northwest Portland Ministries (NWPM) was founded in 1980 by a group of lay people from churches and synagogues in Northwest Portland as a way of providing assistance to neighborhood residents through coordinated volunteer efforts.

Initial activities included conducting food drives and distributing government food commodities, helping people connect with existing social services, and providing opportunities for neighborhood residents to socialize.

One of the early traditions, which started in 1985 and continues today, is the annual NWPM Christmas dinner. More than 150 congregational and community volunteers turn out to prepare and serve turkey dinners and provide fellowship and small gifts to about 500 people—both on-site at Congregation Beth Israel and via Meals on Wheels home delivery.

As volunteers became involved in the community, they saw the need to provide services unavailable through traditional sources. In 1988, NWPM obtained a contract from Volunteer Transportation Inc. (later becoming RideConnection), to provide transportation for those elderly and disabled persons who are unable to drive or to manage public transit. NWPM operates this transportation program with a combination of paid staff and volunteers.

NWPM entered a partnership with the Housing Authority of Portland (HAP) to provide socialization and other services to residents of HAP apartment buildings through an “Adopt-a-Highrise” program. Volunteers from churches and synagogues provide community-building and enrichment activities, including social events and classes.

NWPM also matches volunteers and residents for one-on-one assistance that helps elders and people with disabilities to live independently.

Since 2005, NWPM has partnered with Loaves & Fishes and First Immanuel Lutheran Church to operate a weekday Senior Meal Site that serves hot lunches to 50 or more elders.

In December of 2007, NWPM acquired a community emergency food pantry and—with the support of donors, the Oregon Food Bank, and local businesses—expanded the program to provide staples and fresh food in an environment that emulates a small grocery store. The Food Pantry serves 460 people each month with an additional 95 people receiving fresh produce monthly.

In 2008, NWPM established a “Food for Kids Backpack” program that provides weekend food for school children who live in shelters and depend on school lunches for nutrition. This program feeds 160 each weekend.

NWPM was incorporated January 30, 1986 and received its 501(c)(3) tax- exempt status in July 1987.