04/09/2026
After going to As Is Church for roughly 2 years I felt I was called to serving with the Love Shack Compassion Ministry and started back in October 2018. I remember the first day I showed up. I remember how difficult it was walking in not knowing anyone but an old classmate Kathy was there and we reconnected. Right away I felt at ease and the others made me feel comfortable.
Every week I looked forward to our Wednesday nights when we would park the old laundry truck outside of the Oregon Clinic and serve a meal and give out clothing. You could have been having the worst day but that all changed when we served. The coldest days were the hardest knowing they didn't have a warm place to go back to but the most fulfilling was knowing that someone had food and conversation. I have always believed that while food was great it was letting people know that they were loved and matter. This is the heart that I have seen with EVERY person and partnership that has served with the Love Shack. It doesn't get any better.
Sadly in March of 2020 the pandemic hit and the decision was made to stop going out. Two weeks later it was clear that people on the streets were really struggling as many restaurants they went to were closed and people were afraid to go out to serve. I remember it as being a scary time but myself and others pulled together to get supplies and make this happen. It started with our Powell friends that I had known the best for several years then as we had more volunteers we began hitting camps from I205 up to 174th and from South of Powell to Stark and outside the Oregon Clinic. When I retired 4 years ago then we got even more busy and we added the laundry events.
Serving our homeless community was our entire teams heart. This past couple years have been difficult and each year I say (about myself) "I just want to get through the Winter months". But with that said, the past 6 months has been some of the most trying times and our families have experienced so many personal struggles. Our last laundry event was on September 23rd and later we went to just once a month Outreach to camps and this week the decision was made to stop our Outreach to camps all together.
The only reason I am sharing so much of this story is so everyone understands why this has not been an easy decision, there was a lot of praying and consideration. I know all that have served with the Love Shack have grown because of this ministry. Personally I have ZERO regrets and still believe that if everyone just shows love to each other and maybe buy our friends on the streets a meal (better yet buy and share a meal with them), wave to them, give them a smile its something that we all benefit from. Just be kind.
In closing I would like to say that as difficult as this decision has been I am at peace. I know there will still be times when I am contacted that people want detox, ID voucher or a need I am still here for them and I will reachout to see if others can assist with donations but that will be the extent of it. Thank you to all that have partnered with the Love Shack and for the MANY that have made donations to give a hand up to our friends on the streets.
