July 30, 2009

The Portland metro area (Portland, Beaverton, and Vancouver) has been named #2 in the nation in percent of residents volunteering. Additionally, at 47 hours per resident, Portland ranks 4th in the nation in time given. All told, the value of Portland-area residents' volunteering totaled $1.6 billion dollars during the 12-month period between 2007 and 2008 studied.

Despite decreased incomes and increasingly scarce financial resources, folks across America are giving their time more than ever before. Young people in particular are coming out in droves - almost half a million young adults who had not volunteered in 2007 gave their time in 2008.

When ordinary citizens in our community and around the country are struggling to make ends meet and secure their basic needs, the plight of our most vulnerable residents has become even more acute.As non-profit service providers have seen sharp drops in financial donations, volunteers have become more important than ever.

We encourage to give your time however you're able. There are many opportunities to volunteer with the Parks and Housing bureaus, and we'd also like to draw your attention to Hands On Greater Portland, a local organization connecting Portlanders with time to give with volunteer opportunities in our area - these opportunities range from building homes to tutoring to serving on non-profit boards to removing invasive species from natural areas.