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Carrie Kaufman’s mother was a volunteer at the William Temple House and Carrie grew up with a heart for helping underserved communities.  The WTH helps “the whole person” by providing services such as mental health counseling, medical care, food, clothing, and spiritual support.  Their $3.4 million annual budget is small but mighty.

According to Ms. Kaufman, Portland, Oregon has the distinction of having the highest rental rate increase in the nation: rents rose 63% between 2010 and 2016.  The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the Portland Metro area is $1,355, and 1 in 4 tenants pay more than 50% of their monthly income in rent.  Oregon is also the 12th hungriest state in the US.

The WTH counseling program is the cornerstone of the organization’s work.  This is important because Portland’s suicide rate is three times the national average.  Counseling is offered on a sliding scale, with an average cost of $5 per session.  Last year, William Temple House provided over 5000 hours of counseling to 500 individuals, couples, and families.

In addition to counseling, WTH provides emergency social services including food, clothing, medical care, and help with utility bills.  In partnership with Medical Teams International, they also provide dental care and a periodic vision clinic.

The William Temple House was founded 54 years ago by a group of Episcopal Church members.  It is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and volunteers to function.  The WTH Thrift Store provides 30% of the organization’s annual revenue.

Carrie Kaufman is the director of marketing and development at WTH.  Previously, she served as development manager of the Cedar Sinai Park Foundation.  She is a native Oregonian and past member of East Medford Rotary Club.  Carrie is currently a member of East Portland Rotary.  She is also a mixed media artist who as exhibited her work throughout the Pacific Northwest.