Portland neighbors, non-profits feeding the homeless on Thanksgiving ‘a good way to love people’

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Susan Slaughter describes herself as an “empty nester,” with her son out for the Thanksgiving holiday. However, she’s not alone after being moved to give back to those less fortunate.

“There’s always somebody who’s ready to receive a Thanksgiving plate,” Slaughter told KOIN 6 News.

Slaughter said that at first, she thought her only companions during this holiday would be her pets, her cat Tinny Boo and pup Piper. However, she was inspired to do more while taking Piper for a walk. 

“I saw a bunch of people sitting outside and I thought, 'Oh wow, I know what to do,'" Slaughter said.

She said that's how her solo dinner turned into a Thanksgiving feast for strangers in need. That includes turkey, sweet potatoes and all the fixings, prepping plates for the homeless.

“Making a dinner, like you do, and just helping some people out. That's about it. But it comes from my heart,” Slaughter said. "Let's serve and help each other out and just be there. We're all people."

And she's not the only one hoping a small act of kindness can make a big difference.

With prices rising and temperatures dropping, the Union Gospel Mission said their teams have been out bringing warm food to people in tents. They’ve gifted more than 900 basket meals to families ahead of their Thanksgiving celebration on Thursday morning.

"Today, we're bringing in our homeless guests and residents in the neighborhood that want to join us and have a great meal in our dining room," said Union Gospel Mission Executive Director Matt Stein. 

Stein said more than 40 volunteers shared their holiday to help neighbors in need with plenty of stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey and pumpkin pie. 

"Everyone loves Thanksgiving and it's nice to share it more broadly than in just your inner circle," he said.

The Union Gospel Mission's Thanksgiving day meal at their downtown location is just one of the ways they're giving back and it extends past the holiday itself. Since November 14, they began giving out Thanksgiving meals at their winter overnight shelter in Southeast Portland. And their mobile Search Rescue outreach team has been serving holiday plates to people all week.

Volunteers with UGM cooked, in total, 100 turkeys, 300 pounds each of mashed potatoes and stuffing and 50 gallons of turkey gravy. You can find out more about how to volunteer or donate to the non-profit's year-round cause of helping the homeless community by visiting the Union Gospel Mission’s website

Allan Shrader and Crystal McGowen are volunteering for the cause for the first time this year at the downtown event on Thursday.

"My perspective on Thanksgiving has changed over the years and there's so much more that I want to give back," Shrader said.

"I've been very fortunate in my life. It's just a good way to love people who maybe don't have a warm meal on a cold day like this," added McGowen.

From large organizations powered by volunteers and donations to one woman and her kitchen, the greater Portland area's focus on helping the homeless community is prevalent nearly everywhere. But it doesn't stop at serving up a free meal once a year.

At Francis and Clare Place, a new permanent supportive housing program run by Catholic Charities of Oregon, residents like Henry Johnson are finding new beginnings. After surviving homelessness, he now has a place to call home.

"When I first came to Portland, I slept at the Greyhound station. I had two knives tied to my wrist because I was worried about my safety," Johnson said. "Now it's a blessing. I am warm. I'm safe. I'm around people that care. It's up from here"

Residents receive case management, peer services and access to food pantries and community events.

Meanwhile, Portland Rescue Mission continues to serve the city's most vulnerable population all year round.

"No matter what the storm is, no matter what the weather is, we are going to have breakfast and dinner seven days a week, 365 days a year," said Portland Rescue Mission Burnside Services Director Timothy Desper.

At the Salvation Army Gresham Corps, spokesperson Iliana Montes said they serve people you'd never imagine being homeless due to issues in recent years, such as a difficult economy.

"People are having a hard time making ends meet," Montes said.

Check out the websites for Portland Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, Francis and Clare Place and Union Gospel Mission for opportunities to volunteer or donate to charitable causes.