Agency: Operation Nightwatch

Description: Join a group of volunteers on a done-in-a-day project led by a Hands On Greater Portland project leader. No advance training or ongoing commitment required, so sign up and participate in a project that fits your schedule. Need help signing up? Call 503-200-3355.

Do you like playing scrabble? How about blackjack? Enjoy handing out snacks or helping give out free clothing? Perhaps you like conversing, or listening to fascinating life stories? Then come on down and spend an evening volunteering with the diverse patrons of Operation Nightwatch!

Volunteers play an important role in providing assistance, openness, and social companionship to those who come through our doors each night. Upon your arrival at 6:30 we will provide an orientation so you'll know how the evening will proceed. This orientation provides important information about safety, so please arrive on time!

Operation Nightwatch is an ecumenical night ministry of friendship and community for the street population of downtown Portland. The Nightwatch Hospitality Center is a sanctuary for the lonely, mentally ill, homeless and impoverished in downtown Portland. It is open from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Serving coffee, lemonade and sandwiches to up to 150 guests, we provide a comfortable atmosphere for guests to socialize, play games, develop friendships and for our volunteers to be able to reach out to people who are disenfranchised from others. Our Hospitality Center offers our guests a safe, warm place to go when nothing else is open, and know they can find a welcoming, respectful environment.

Whereas other agencies exist to provide services such as housing, food, and clothing to the homeless, low-income, and mentally ill, ONW’s unique vision is that these populations also suffer from simple social isolation. Our simple mission is to reach out to them, nurturing relationship.

We welcome each person who comes to us, just as they are. No one is required to conform to any particular belief or faith practice in order to receive our services.

Please note, this project is only open to those ages 18 and over.

Impact Areas: Homelessness/Hunger, Community Enrichment, Homelessness/Hunger

Interests: The interests recommended for this project are:
Hunger, Community Enrichment, Homelessness, Aging & Disability Services: Disability Services

Skills: The skills helpful for participation in this project are:
Language Skills, Working with People, Recreation, Facilitation/Conversation