Resource Directory
Tzedakah, derived from the Hebrew word for righteousness and justice, is one of Judaism’s most basic beliefs. It defines the obligation to create a more perfect world and to help those in need.
OJMCHE’s Oral History Collection has a number of wonderful stories about community members helping one another and the community at large. Among the best of these stories is one that takes place in south Portland, the area that housed Jews who began emigrating from Eastern Europe and Russia at the turn of the 20th century. Every Friday afternoon, before the start of the Sabbath, two women would walk the immigrant neighborhood, each carrying a paper sack. One sack contained items for the Sabbath meal – potatoes, challah, cake, meat, etc. – and the other sack was empty. The women knocked on doors and offered up the two sacks. The resident had an opportunity to either take something from the sack because they were in need, or put something in the sack because they had something to give.
OJMCHE does not guarantee your resources will be posted.
OJMCHE doesn’t endorse this list. Please Note: This list is provided only as an information service of the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education (OJMCHE). It does not constitute a recommendation by OJMCHE of any event or event organizer. OJMCHE will not be held responsible for the services or functions provided by anyone on this list, nor will OJMCHE be held responsible for any omissions from the list.
QTBIPOC Business in PDX
QTBIPOC PDX local businesses to support
- https://icequeenyouscream.com/
- Ice Queen is an Indigenous-owned popsicle shop in SE Portland, with all vegan and homemade treats! Rotating flavors and the occasional pastry sale makes this shop feel fresh and exciting on the daily.
- https://www.bisoncoffeehouse.com/
- Bison coffee is the only Native-owned coffee shop in Portland, located in the Cully neighborhood. You can choose your espresso roast, light, medium, or dark, and the flavors are worth travelling across the city as the sun rises.
- https://www.mimisfreshteespdx.com/
- Founded by Kamelah Adams, this local Portland apparel company creates clothing that supports conversation around social justice and human rights. Check it out for some holiday deals now!
- https://akidsbookabout.com/
- This book company was started by a Black father who wanted more resources to talk to his mixed-race children about their world, and began with writing A Kids Book About Racism. Now, this line of books covers all sorts of topics for parents and caregivers to help the next generation of kids approach some difficult and important topics.
- https://www.facebook.com/jk.partnership/
- J&K Partnership is a duo of young entrepreneurs that build planter and garden boxes by hand, and continue to support the green thumbs in Portland city.
- https://www.rootsandcrowns.com/
- The apothecary of your queerest dreams! This shop is local and queer-owned, and can even create custom blends for specific needs. Of course, the “You’re OK” collection is often sold out, but restocks quite often to get us through the collective turmoil of 2020.
Food Access
Organizations to donate to, volunteer for, participate in, or promote!
Food policy and zoning in Portland: The City of Portland’s policies and projects focus on food access and resources to improve the availability and affordability of fresh, healthy, locally produced food. These policies and projects work to promote community resiliency, equity, and environmental, economic, and personal health. https://www.portland.gov/bps/food-policy-and-zoning-portland
Urban Gleaners: 1 in 5 Oregonians live with food insecurity. At Urban Gleaners we collect delicious, fresh food before it can go to waste. And we get it to people who need it. addresses hunger by collecting edible waste food and bringing it to food distributors. Urban Gleaners relies predominantly on volunteers to pick up food and bring it to organizations, which include hunger relief agencies and schools in need. http://urbangleaners.org/
Portland Parks & Recreation, COMMUNITY GARDENS: Portland’s Community Garden Program. There are 57 community gardens located throughout the city, developed and operated by volunteers and Portland Parks & Recreation staff, offering a variety of activities. https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/39846
Oregon Rural Action has found its niche at the intersection of social justice, environmental stewardship, and agricultural sustainability. A grassroots organization, ORA’s 10,000 members advocate for large scale policies and field projects that help transition Oregon to a reliance on local food and sustainable energy. https://www.oregonrural.org/
Rogue Valley Farm to School is partnering with Fry Family Farm to Feed Families in Our Community. Access to fresh, healthy, and particularly organic food, has been something out of reach for many families in the Rogue Valley for years. That has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. And while many families are struggling to put food on the table after losing their jobs, farmers are being forced to destroy their surplus food because there are limited restaurants and other institutions that are purchasing products. https://www.rvfarm2school.org/
Food Fridge
A reciprocal exchange of resources and services for mutual benefit, people take responsibility for caring for one another and changing political conditions
Food Fridge PDX: is a project by the community for the comminity. These fridges and pantries are located throughout Portland to in an effort to give access to food. For more information check out their Intagram @pdxfreefridge. They have an Interactive map of pantries and fridges.
James Luna Video Collection
Sara Siestreem (Hanis Coos) is lending her James Luna video collection for your enjoyment while you occupy the lab. James was Sara’s dear friend and it is with the upmost love and respect that she shares these treasures with you. (loan duration: July 2019-July 2020)
Image Title: ALL INDIAN ALL THE TIME
Luna’s performance garb
2016
Zine Collection
Bubby Ramona Siestreem is lending her zine collection for your enjoyment while you occupy The Lab. (loan duration: July 2019-July 2020)
