Friendly House — Building a Healthy Community

Founded in the late 1920s, Friendly House has been serving the residents of Northwest Portland for 75 years. The mission of this non-profit organization, located on NW 26th and Savier, is to ”create opportunities for people of all backgrounds and ages to meet essential needs, to grow, to play, to contribute, and to strengthen the community.“ The center’s many programs focus on the needs of children, youths, adults, and seniors in Portland’s Northwest neighborhood. Their programs include:

• Preschool: A half-day education program for children ages three to five. This program offers family support services, hot meals, and some transportation to and from preschool.

• Playgroup: An informal program for parents and children ages three and younger giving both time to play and meet friends. Parents can also receive on-site parenting education.

• Friendly Chaps: A school-age care program designed to meet the Chapman School community's need for affordable, quality school-age care. Activities include arts and crafts, group games, sports, field trips, and free-choice time.

• Youth Activity Program: A program for older youth that includes homework clubs, neighborhood volunteering, and a variety of artistic and social activities. The Youth Activity Program is open after school and on most school closure days.

• Senior Services: This supports seniors by helping them
maintain their independence with counseling, emergency services, and social activities. This past year, Friendly House helped 94% of the frail elderly it served remain in their homes.

• Community Services: A program that provides transitional housing and living skills to families transitioning from homelessness. Qualified participants receive life skill counseling, short-term rental assistance, low-income energy assistance, water and sewer assistance, emergency shelter through a voucher system, and a free farmer's market voucher.

The Friendly House’s community center is also open to the public and includes both athletic activities and rental facilities. With all these programs, Friendly House estimates that it touches the lives of 30,000 people each year. By offering in-depth services to all ages, Friendly House helps to ensure a connected and healthy community.

For a full list of all the programs Friendly House has to offer or for volunteer and donation information please visit www.friendlyhouseinc.org or call (503) 228-4391.