Photo provided by Community Warehouse
Community Warehouse puts “Used Good to Good Use.” Communication Director, and co-founder of Pause Meditation, Rena Satre Meloy gave a gently impassioned presentation on a grassroots organization that fills a huge need in our community: it provides furniture, small appliances, and household goods for people who have lost everything. In the process, it also helps give them something money can’t buy: dignity.
People who use the services of Community Warehouse have already secured housing but don’t have the means to buy a bed, a table, a chair. “Just think about all of the things in your linen closet,” Rena said. These are the things that people need to live comfortably and perform everyday tasks. Tasks like cooking require pots, pans, and utensils. You can certainly eat while sitting on the floor, but how much nicer to have a table and chairs where you can eat, work, and gather with your family. A video of Katherine’s story perfectly illustrated why certain possessions not only make life easier, but more dignified. “I can sit on the floor [instead of a chair]. There’s not much difference, physically, but there’s a huge difference, psychologically.”
The Warehouse works with 200 social service agencies to connect people with household goods. It also employs a case worker to assess the eligibility of people who might otherwise fall through gaps in the safety network. In 2016, the organization served 7,202 people, including over 2,600 families and some 3,400 children. It kept 460 tons of goods out of landfills. Best of all, recipients get to go to the warehouse to pick out what they want. Volunteers guide them through the process. There is something transformative that happens when a recipient realizes that they’ll be able to sleep on a bed instead of on the floor.
In addition to the warehouses, the organization maintains two Estate Stores that sell antiques and collectables to support its mission. There are donation drop-off locations in Portland and Tualatin that are open seven days a week. They also have a pick-up service for large items. The warehouse accepts gently used furniture, small appliances, lamps, and linens. They cannot accept items needing repair. The items of greatest need include toasters, mattresses, pillows and blankets. The Warehouse partners with mattress and furniture stores who donate floor models or slightly damaged goods. “So many people have extra stuff and so many can benefit from that stuff.”