Each card is a real story, a real need, or a real thing you can do this weekend.
After 3 years on the waitlist, Adaeze and her two daughters helped hang the front door themselves. Twenty-two volunteers showed up that final weekend. The youngest daughter drew a sun on the drywall before they painted over it — on purpose, she said, so the house would always know it.
Read their story"I retired from framing houses for thirty years. Figured I'd stop. Then my neighbor told me about Shelter. Now I show up every third Saturday with my own nail gun. The coffee's better than any job site I ever worked."
Raymond T., retired carpenter
SE Portland
Donated directly to the Woodlawn build site. Drop-off Saturdays 8am–12pm.
2×4 studs (8ft)
120 pieces
OSB sheathing panels
40 sheets
Fiberglass insulation rolls
24 rolls
Interior door hardware
6 sets
You don't need to know how to swing a hammer. You need to show up. We'll teach you the rest over coffee before the first nail goes in.
Mutual aid isn't charity — it's survival practiced collectively. No experience required. Just show up.
Retired Framer · 32 years experience
"Brought my own nail gun. Didn't expect to make friends."
Community Organization · Coordinates meal trains
"We show up with food and extra hands every second Sunday."
Renter, First-Timer · No experience
"I came because I'm one bad lease renewal away from needing this program myself."
Brothers, Weekend Regulars · Some experience
"Our dad was a plumber. We know enough to be useful, not enough to be dangerous."
Donate materials, fund a build day, cook for a crew, or spread the word. Every form of showing up counts.
"By the time the form appears, it feels less like registering and more like raising your hand."
We'll match you to the nearest build site based on your zip code.