About the Shelter

The Goose Hollow Family Shelter, a winter emergency shelter, started at First Church in 1994, and is one of the few family shelters in the Portland metro area that allows homeless families to stay together while living in a temporary shelter. Activities of the Shelter are guided by a Shelter Council whose members represent First Church, Beth Israel, First Congregational UCC, First Christian Church, The View, St. Mary's Cathedral, and other community leaders.

Families staying at the Shelter are provided an evening meal and a light breakfast. They have access to showers, laundry facilities, sleeping areas (partitioned for families), and constructive activities for kids. Thanks to many donations received throughout the year, we maintain a pantry of personal toiletry items and a clothes closet of re-cycled clothing for shelter families.

People from many faiths and traditions, community organizations, businesses and from the secular community, serve as volunteers. Goose Hollow Shelter relies on the services of more than 5 volunteers each evening. More than 150 volunteers are needed a month. Volunteers prepare and serve the evening meal, provide activities for children, serve as extra hands to coordinate the schedule for guests who wish to use the laundry, showers, and pantry and clothes closet. Two Volunteer Hosts are needed to sleep with Shelter families each night and set out a light breakfast in the morning for guests.

You are invited to explore ways to fully participate in the life and community of the Goose Hollow Family Shelter, which is housed at First Church. A complete description of Volunteer Positions can be found by clicking on the Goose Hollow webpage.

As a participant in the Multnomah County Winter Shelter Network, Goose Hollow Family partners with a day shelter where our families can go between during the day for support services and to meet with advocates who can assist their transition back into permanent housing. The Goose Hollow Shelter Council is a participant in Oregon's Then-Year Plan to End Homelessness. This year 26 of the 51 families who stayed at Goose Hollow were successful in moving into housing.

To learn more about the Shelter, and ways to participate, please contact Director, Brandi Tuck at btuck@fumcpdx.org or 503-288-3195 x 215.