Home Original - Because People Matter

BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER IS A HUMAN DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION

We Love People, Because People Matter

OUR MISSION:

Loving People Because People Matter

Because People Matter exists to develop, demonstrate and sustain love and generosity lived out in the world within groups and individuals. With the generous support of our volunteers and donors, we work to create relational environments that provide and deliver Mobilization, Relief, and Development.

Because People Matter is a human development organization!

Night Strike

Night Strike is a community gathering that mobilizes volunteers/services, meets felt needs, and develops relationships that transform lives. It is a unique opportunity for people to spend time under the Burnside Bridge every Thursday night to love people because people matter. It is an opportunity for members of Portland’s homeless community to hang out, enjoy a hot meal, receive a free haircut or shave, have their feet washed and have their old shoes/clothes/sleeping bags replaced. Night Strike is also a chance for you to come down and share in the experience, help serve the needs of the homeless in our community, and more importantly, invest in lives and build relationships with the people you meet.

Beyond the Bridge

Because People Matter believes in developing people. It is behind the core of our mission statement of loving people because people matter. Beyond the Bridge is our effort to go deeper with the vulnerable populations we serve at our Night Strike Program. We have partnered with our friends at Samaritan and are utilizing their app to walk alongside our friends and help them overcome the hurdles keeping them from lasting change. This exciting new tool allows you to join one of our friends teams on the app, and support them in various ways along their journey. All you have to do is scan the QR code here and you are on your way to being part of the solution!

Transformation Trips

Through Transformation Trips, teams of volunteers do more than come to Portland to serve. They fully participate in the mantra above and are invited to leave the comfort of their homes, churches, and socioeconomic statuses in order to GO with us on a journey of LEARNING. Together, we peel back layers of stereotypes, judgements, and fear as we build relationships with some of Portland’s most marginalized populations and delve into a series of interactive learning activities that are designed to break down the barriers between us, teach radical love, and inspire intentional living. Afterwards, teams RETURN home and RESPOND creatively to the unique cry of their own city.

BTown Kids

BTown Kids sites happen on Saturdays throughout the summer, from late morning until 3pm, including setup and teardown. The fun begins with interactive stations open for kids: face painting, bubbles, hula-hoops, etc. Very positive, qualified adults and staff greet and encourage the children and invite them to PLAY!The program also includes a free lunch for kids (usually a BBQ style picnic.) Next, we move into some group and individual games where the kids can win prizes, and it all culminates in a short 10-15 minute teaching of one of the 4 internal or 4 external assets from the Search Institute. We end each BTown Kids by giving everyone a snow cone!

Love Your Neighbor

On the last Saturday of each month, BPM is partnering with Cityteam to coordinate a Love Your Neighbor monthly outreach on the East Side from 12-2pm. This collaborative event focuses on creating a relational environment in which our unsheltered friends and our volunteers can gather on the east side and share stories. We provide clothing, hygiene kits, blankets, hair cuts and more. This event is also largely organized and operated by the men in City Team's Renew Recovery Program. Volunteer space is limited so please sign up below.