Spade and Archer was able to make a difference in our Portland community by donating to three amazing Charities. We had 35 unused tall bookcases sitting in a storage locker. Instead of throwing them in the landfill, Corey Taylor, our new Managing Principal went looking for a way to help others in need.
Half of the bookcases went to All Good Northwest. They work on a housing first model to find places for houseless individuals and provide programs transitioning people into permanent housing. All Good runs emergency shelters and warming/cooling stations offering programs and support for their guests. In addition to traditional shelters, All Good has dedicated communities for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning). They also operate one of Portland’s new tiny house communities with wraparound services focusing on traditional barriers to permanent housing.
A few more cases went to Cultivate Initiatives. They started in 2018 as a small organization of neighborhood volunteers helping guests at a shelter for veterans gain acceptance in the neighboring community. They go directly to unhoused neighbors to bring supplies, food and, most importantly, human connection. Today Cultivate Initiatives has grown to operate a warming shelter in East Multnomah County and offers programs in workforce development, community health and hygiene response, alternative housing and sheltering and community engagement.
The rest went to Community Warehouse who acts as a “furniture bank” to collect donated furnishings and make them available free of cost to people transitioning to permanent housing or needing to rebuild their homes and furnishings. Their mission to connect essential furnishings to neighbors in need seemed a natural fit for us.
At Spade and Archer, thoughtfulness is one of our core values. We knew we could find a way to turn our discards into something meaningful. Our warehouse manager Derek and crew member James did the heavy lifting, but our entire team was excited to make this meaningful contribution. In our business, we’re always working with people moving, upsizing, downsizing or just moving on. We would like to encourage any of our Portland clients to consider donating unwanted furniture to one of these amazing organizations. As Community Warehouse writes on their website: “The stuff you no longer need becomes the solution for a family in need.”