The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our community in ways many of us never imagined possible. And while we have to hold off on gathering in groups and going out in order to slow the most recent surge of the virus, we can still take tangible steps to keep each other safe and help us get through this difficult winter. 

Find resources about the three best ways we can show a little love this holiday season, even when we’re apart:

Staying home

We can show love by doing the responsible thing, even when it's the hard thing, to keep each other safe. Throughout Multnomah County’s four-week “freeze,” which is effective through at least December 16, please plan to stay at home as much as possible and limit your outings to essential tasks. To learn more about the freeze, please see this announcement from Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury or view Governor Brown’s press release here

And while you’re home, you can still support the community by ordering food for take-out or delivery from a local restaurant:

Lastly, there’s help out there for those who may face difficulty meeting their basic needs while staying home.

  • Sunshine Division
    If you or someone you know is homebound, medically fragile and/or unable to leave their home, call 503-609-0285 to request a food box delivery. (Portland and Gresham addresses only.)
     
  • Store to Door
    Supports independent living for seniors and adults with disabilities by providing an affordable, personal, volunteer-based grocery shopping and delivery service in Portland. Call 503-200-3333.
     
  • TriMet LIFT Grocery Delivery
    For LIFT paratransit customers. Get groceries and essential goods delivered to your door. Current LIFT-eligible customers can get orders from grocery stores or food banks delivered to their front door by LIFT.

Shopping local

Many locally owned small businesses now offer online shopping for delivery or curbside pickup. If you are planning to purchase holiday gifts, use the resources below to find what you’re looking for. By supporting locally owned retailers, you’re helping your own neighbors and ensuring that the dollars you spend remain in our community and the small businesses that make up the heart and soul of Multnomah County’s economy.

  • PDX SOS: Take the Portland Pledge
    Put your money where your heart is. Visit this website for a list of small Portland brick-and-mortar businesses that need your support. Click or tap on “Participating Businesses” to find a retailer in a category of your choosing.
     
  • Mercatus My People’s Market
    A yearly event showcasing multicultural vendors that has moved into an online marketplace format this year. Shop dozens of My People’s Market businesses online. Includes entrepreneurs, makers, artists, culinary wizards and beverage crafters.
     
  • Portland Indigenous Marketplace
    An online platform that contains links to online shops for local Indigenous artists and vendors, as well as a Black Friday digital marketplace. 
     
  • Built Oregon
    An online shopping destination filled with Oregon products built with a commitment to craft and community. Curated lists of gifts made and/or sold by Oregon-based vendors and companies.
     
  • Shop Small PDX
    A searchable directory of local Portland restaurants, retailers, craft makers and an array of other businesses.
     
  • #BeTheChangePDX
    Follow the hashtag on Twitter and Instagram for posts highlighting Portland BIPOC-owned businesses. 
     
  • Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce
    Directories to local businesses that are members of the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce. Find links to retail businesses here and restaurants, food service and bars here.
     
  • West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce
    A directory of businesses in Fairview, Wood Village, Troutdale, Cascade Locks and the small communities of Springdale, Corbett, Vista House, Bridal Veil, Multnomah Falls and Bonneville Dam that are members of the West Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Filter the directory by business type.

Supporting neighbors in need

Crises often reveal the character of a community. This has never been more true than in the ways we’ve shown up for our neighbors time and again throughout this difficult year. There are many ways you can help support our community, even during the freeze. See below for opportunities to donate to the nonprofits who are providing critical, life-saving services to our neighbors who are struggling, as well as information on how to donate winter gear or volunteer at a severe weather shelter.  

  • Willamette Week Give!Guide
    A list of 174 nonprofits serving the Portland area. Donors can also receive incentives from the campaign, as well as the organizations they donate to.
     
  • Donating winter gear and volunteering at winter shelters
    Please don’t wait until temperatures drop to contribute. Cold weather gear, and even your personal commitment to volunteer at a shelter site, are incredibly helpful to have ahead of time. Visit 211’s website for lists of items that local service providers need. If you’re interested in volunteering at a severe weather shelter, visit Transition Projects.