Neighborhood Watch:
Working Together

It’s no surprise that the pandemic is hitting the elderly, disabled, and socially isolated people the hardest, and many of those community members rely on Lift UP’s Delivered Food Boxes (DFBs), a service included in Lift UP’s Adopt A Building program, to maintain their access to healthy, nutritious, and satisfying food.

Rewind to March 2020, when Portland first began to feel the effects of COVID-19. At the time, there were a lot of unknowns. Instead of being paralyzed by fear, Lift UP understood that our neighbors were at their most vulnerable and continuing our food services without interruption was essential.

Typically, Lift UP staff and volunteers deliver DFBs directly to building resident’s doors. However, with so many unknowns and unanswered questions about the virus, this procedure had to be modified. Fortunately, Resident Service Coordinators (RSCs) stepped up to facilitate the DFB service.  

According to Jessica Karam, Program Supervisor at Home Forward, and Vice President of the Board at Lift UP, an RSC’s job is usually eviction prevention, self-sufficiency and “the fun stuff”, such community building. In March, everything changed and a small group of RSCs and residents were selected to make the vital food box deliveries within the buildings.

“Seeing RSCs, residents, and Lift UP team rally reminds us that we are all part of a larger and collaborative community. More than ever, we need to look out for our neighbors – you never know who might need help and who will be able to provide it,” Jessica shared.

Because of this mighty team, Lift UP has been able to continue to provide more than 310 residents with the crucial food they need. We salute you.

Sincerely,

The Lift UP Staff