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Sponsored special section presented by participating nonprofits.
Special thanks to our Volunteer Guide Sponsor: United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
Opens in new windowAt United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, we believe that volunteer-ing isn’t just about helping—it’s about transforming. That’s why our Hands On Greater Portland team is dedicated to connecting pas-sionate individuals with meaningful opportunities to support local nonprofits.
Hands On Greater Portland works directly with nonprofits to under-stand their needs and match them with volunteers who can make the biggest difference. This thoughtful, mission-driven approach ensures that your time and skills go where they’re needed most.
Whether you’re looking for a one-time project, a weekend activity, or an ongoing commitment, we make it easy to get involved in ways that fit your schedule and interests. Volunteer on your own, with fam-ily, friends, or coworkers. No matter how you join in, you’ll gain new perspectives, develop valuable skills, and become part of a diverse community dedicated to creating a better region for all.
When you volunteer with Hands On Greater Portland, you’re not just helping others—you’re helping yourself grow, connect, and thrive. Discover the power of doing good and the difference it can make. Let’s build a stronger, more vibrant community—together.
EDUCATION
Minds Matter Portland
How does this organization help Portland?
Minds Matter Portland empowers high school students to reach their fullest potential through mentorship, academic support, and college preparation. Each year, dedicated vol-unteers help sophomores and juniors access transformative summer programs that build confidence and spark future dreams. Seniors are offered personalized guidance in navi-gating college applications and financial aid, opening doors to brighter futures and endless possibilities.
How can volunteers help?
Volunteers play a vital role in shaping the futures of high school students: Tutors can join in on Saturday mornings (10 am-12 pm) to help students with writing, math, and study skills, offering support that empowers their academic growth. On Saturday afternoons (12:30 pm-2:30 pm), mentors guide students through the college and summer program appli-cation process, explore career interests, and build essential skills like resume writing and interview preparation. Provide Operational Support and become part of their leadership, recruitment, or administrative teams, and help create opportunities that transform lives. Every role is an opportunity to make a lasting difference!
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Nancy Vidal Martinez at volunteer@mindsmatterportland.org.
Oregon Rail Heritage Center
How does this organization help Portland?
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center connects Portland’s com-munity through rail history, educational programs, and family-friendly train rides. By preserving steam locomotives and sharing their stories, ORHC inspires meaningful con-nections across generations. From volunteer camaraderie to cherished family traditions, ORHC celebrates the past while creating opportunities for the future—making history a part of everyday life.
How can volunteers help?
Oregon Rail Heritage Center is always on the lookout for pas-sionate individuals ready to make a difference. Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Enginehouse, keeping the museum running smoothly and accessible to the public. Whether as docents, gift shop operators, train crew members, or part of the mechanical team, every role is vital to preserving Portland’s rail heritage.
No need to be a rail expert—just bring your enthusiasm for community connection and history!
Join Oregon Rail Heritage Center, and be a part of some-thing truly special by helping to preserve Portland’s historic locomotives, railroad equipment, and artifacts for generations to come.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Lisa Thornton at lthornton@orhf.org or (503) 233-1156.
ENVIRONMENT
ReBuilding Center
How does this organization help Portland?
Since 1997, the ReBuilding Center has kept more than 60 mil-lion pounds of useful, unique building materials out of the landfill, taught thousands in our community to do basic, safe home repairs, and served as a tremendous resource for a thriv-ing community of artists, makers, and DIYers who find creative and inspiring uses for our reclaimed materials every day.
How can volunteers help?
Volunteers play a vital role in the ReBuilding Center store by sorting, pricing, and organizing donations, ensuring the space remains accessible and safe for all. In ReBuilding Center’s education shop volunteers serve as teaching assistants, help-ing instructors prepare materials, support students during classes, and assist with various tasks as needed. Companies, businesses, organizations, and groups of friends are also wel-come to engage in group volunteer activities!
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Volunteer@rebuildingcenter.org or 503-542-5054.
Friends of Tryon Creek
How does this organization help Portland?
Friends of Tryon Creek tend the land, teach youth and adults, and make Tryon Creek State Natural Area a place where EVERYONE can find or build a connection to nature.
How can volunteers help?
ndoor and outdoor volunteers support park programs in a variety of ways. Regardless of how much free time you have, there is a role for you to deepen your connection to this spe-cial urban forest. Tend the land and improve forest health on Saturday mornings. Lead groups of school-aged youth in the forest on field trips in the spring and fall. Welcome visitors into the Nature Center with park maps and information all year long. Support annual events like Owl Fest and Trillium Festival. Reach out to Friends of Tyron Creek to learn more about these volunteer opportunities.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Amy Stout at amy@tryonfriends.org or (503) 636-4398.
Thimbleberry Collaborative Farm
thimbleberrycollaborativefarm.org
How does this organization help Portland?
Thimbleberry Collaborative Farm advances individual, com-munity, and environmental health in East Multnomah County by providing healthy, locally grown produce; access to land; educational programs; and community-led events.
How can volunteers help?
Volunteers can participate in farm tasks, assist with chicken care, help lead field trips, and participate in event set-up.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Brianna Brawley at brianna@thimbleberrycollaborativefarm.org.
Forest Park Conservancy
How does this organization help Portland?
Forest Park Conservancy is the leading community-funded nonprofit working to address the pressing needs and manage the health and well-being of Forest Park, Marquam Nature Park, and surrounding lands. Its volunteers contribute 7,000 hours, managing the 55 miles of soft-surface trails, monitoring more than 85 miles of trails, fire lanes, and access roads, and engaging and educating thousands.
How can volunteers help?
Join one of Forest Park Conservancy’s regular volunteer work parties! These happen every first, third, and fourth Saturday, second Wednesday, and second and fourth Thursday of the month. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience level and almost any physical capacity. There are also many training and leadership opportunities to engage at any skill level!
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Tyler Ellis at volunteer@forestparkconservancy.org or (503) 223 5549.
SOCIAL ACTION
Family Promise of Metro East
How does this organization help Portland?
Family Promise of Metro East provides 24/7 emergency shel-ter, rapid rehousing and case management for families with children in Multnomah County who are experiencing home-lessness. It also provides a range of rent assistance programs to prevent eviction, divert families from shelter and help them achieve stable living situations.
How can volunteers help?
Volunteers are an essential part of Family Promise of Metro East program operations, providing meals, participating in activities with families receiving help, and providing coverage for overnight shifts in the shelter.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Flame Rayhawk at volunteers@pdxfp.org or (503) 208.6050.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES
Sunshine Division
How does this organization help Portland?
For over 100 years, Sunshine Division has provided free, immediate food assistance to families and individuals in times of crisis. Each year, nearly 100,000 households rely on Sunshine Division as a critical safety net to access groceries they otherwise might not be able to afford. Sunshine Division distributes food across the Portland metro area through its food pantry, weekly food box home-delivery service and vari-ous other programs.
How can volunteers help?
Sunshine Division offers many volunteer opportunities, with the greatest need at its Food Pantry near SE Stark Street and 122nd Avenue. This facility is the heart of Sunshine Division’s mission. Pantry volunteers work alongside amazing staff to serve community members facing food insecurity. Volunteers can assist directly with clients or help behind the scenes pre-paring food boxes in the warehouse. Volunteering provides a firsthand view of your impact while developing valuable skills in communication, organization, multitasking, and attention to detail. Shifts are available Tuesday through Saturday each week. Reach out today to learn how you can help!
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Jennifer Singleton at jsingleton@sunshinedivision.org or (971) 325-2490.
Blanchet House of Hospitality
blanchethouse.org
How does this organization help Portland?
Blanchet House alleviates suffering in the community, one relationship at a time, through food, clothing, and transition-al shelter programs. The Blanchet House team serves anyone who comes to its doors without judgment, because they believe everyone deserves dignity, hope, and community.
How can volunteers help?
Volunteers are needed to serve meals and drinks in Blanchet’s free cafe to people experiencing homelessness and hunger Mon-Sat. Volunteers can choose one of the following shifts: 6:30-7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., or 5-6 p.m. Sign-up and orientation is easily done online at BlanchetHouse.org/Volunteer.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Blanchet House’s Volunteer Manager at volunteer@blanchethouse.org or (503) 241-4340.
Ukandu
How does this organization help Portland?
Ukandu supports Portland families battling childhood can-cer. It offers free-of-charge vital services like community programs and will be opening a family resource center in the winter of 2025. By easing the burden of illness, Ukandu empowers families to focus on healing and hope, strengthen-ing the community.
How can volunteers help?
Volunteers can engage in diverse programs, from virtual events to week-long summer camps. This winter, Ukandu’s new family resource center will offer opportunities to lead workshops, conduct tours, provide hospitality, and maintain the center’s cleanliness and organization.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Joanna Miu at jmiu@ukandu.org or (503) 308-9028.
Guardian Partners
guardian-partners.org
How does this organization help Portland?
Guardian Partners’ mission is to protect the dignity and safety of Oregonians under guardianship, including seniors & adults with disabilities, and support court-appointed fiduciaries with case monitoring, education, and resources.
How can volunteers help?
Guardian Partners trains local, dedicated community mem-bers with an interest in advocating for adults who have cognitive impairments and are under the legal protection of a guardian. Volunteers have a short-term involvement in each case they monitor, but they also have a big impact. Volunteers visit the person in their home to ensure they have a safe place to live, ensure the adult under guardianship is being treated with dignity and respect, and identify any resources or inter-ventions needed. If you are looking for a flexible yet fulfilling volunteer opportunity, reach out to Guardian Partners’ now!
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Contact Hannah Maerowitz at staff@guardian-partners.org or (503) 597-8839.
Volunteers of America Oregon
How does this organization help Portland?
VOA Oregon focuses on creating thriving environments for everyone to grow, be healthy, and be safe. From the young-est child to the eldest community member, its services meet people where they are while supporting the individual and building stronger families. VOA’s social services provide resources, reduce barriers, and help individuals find their pathway to wellness.
How can volunteers help?
Join VOA Oregon’s mission as an on-going volunteer and experience the sense of belonging and exhilaration that comes from con-necting to others committed to making change in their lives and communities! Some of opportunities include: advocat-ing for people experiencing domestic violence through VOA’s hotline, supporting men and women in recovery by working at the front desk at residential treatment centers or assisting families in need by helping children learn and play in the class-room. To learn more about other volunteer opportunities visit voaor.org/volunteer/.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Camille McDaniel at volunteer@voaor.org or (971) 806-0633.
Meals on Wheels People
How does this organization help Portland?
Meals on Wheels People nourishes and connects older adults in Portland, delivering over 1 million nutritious meals annually. Their services reduce hunger and isolation, offering vital social connection through meal delivery, dining centers, and Friendly Chat calls. With the help of volunteers, they ensure every older adult they serve feels cared for and supported in their community.
How can volunteers help?
Meals on Wheels People relies on more than 200 volunteers every day and over 2,000 volunteers every year, including indi-viduals and groups, to deliver meals to homebound seniors, make Friendly Chat calls to reduce isolation, serve lunch at dining centers, assist with special events and projects, create placemats and cards to brighten someone’s day, and more. With flexible opportunities to fit any schedule, Meals on Wheels People volunteers can help make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Ryan Lum at ryan.lum@mowp.org or 503-953-8125.
Clackamas Free Clinic - Volunteers in Medicine
How does this organization help Portland?
Clackamas Free Clinic serves the health needs of uninsured, low-income adults in the Clackamas County area by providing free and inclusive medical care through dedicated medical and community volunteers. That incudes primary care and vision care services for those in need. Visit www.clackamasvim.org for more info.
How can volunteers help?
Medical volunteers work alongside students to provide direct patient care to under-resourced populations. Clackamas Free Clinic is looking for: Providers (MD, DO, NP, & Specialists), Optometrists, Nurses & Medical Assistants, Interpreters, Phlebotomists, & Scribes. Apply at www.clackamasvim.org!
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Sarah at volunteer@clackamasvim.org or (503) 722-4400.
Tualatin Food Pantry
How does this organization help Portland?
TFP is a community organized food pantry that serves 11,200 households (over 41,700 individuals) annually and a partner agency of the Oregon Food Bank. It’s driven by the belief that Nutritious Foods Fuel Well-Being, and relies on a team of ded-icated volunteers to operate our emergency food distribution program which is open to clients 13 hrs/wk.
How can volunteers help?
Donation pick-up drivers (requires large vehicle), home deliv-ery drivers (requires vehicle), client check-in (logging guest visits and organizing volunteer), Pantry Hosts (assisting cli-ents shopping in the pantry), Pantry Warehouse ops (stocking, receiving donations, etc). To sign up online, please visit: events. civicchamps.com/organizations/3036/calendar/month.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Danielle Schneider at pantry@tualatinfoodpantry.org or (503) 783-0721.
ANIMALS
Fences For Fido
How does this organization help Portland?
If you’ve ever felt sad about a neighborhood dog and wished someone could do something, Fences For Fido are your people. With a mission to build free fences to get dogs off chains, Fences For Fido also provides essentials like pet food and vet care. Serving over 30 OR & WA counties, Fences For Fido is fences and MUCH more!
How can volunteers help?
Volunteering with Fences For Fido is good for a dog-lover’s soul. When you sign up to help build a fence, you get to change the world and be finished by lunchtime. That’s because the average fence only takes about two hours and no special skills or tools are required. Fences For Fido provides all the guidance you need! Sign up at FencesForFido.org/ChangeTheWorld.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Michelle Blake at michelle@fencesforfido.org or (503) 621-9225.
Cat Adoption Team (CAT)
How does this organization help Portland?
Cat Adoption Team provides love, laugher, and companionship to Portland cats and people! With support from the communi-ty, CAT offers adoption, fostering, and veterinary services to cats and kittens in need. It also has programs to help people care for their pet cats. Thousands of cats and people find love at CAT each year. Join CAT in the feline fun!
How can volunteers help?
Make matches as an adoption counselor, foster kitties in your home, represent CAT at events, provide daily care for shelter cats, assist spay/neuter clients, help with administrative tasks, or become a kitty chauffeur. Bring your people skills and love of cats to CAT and save lives together! To learn more about volun-teer opportunities, visit catadoptionteam.org/volunteer.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Nancy Puro at volunteer@catadoptionteam.org or (503) 925-8903.
COMMUNITY
Habitat for Humanity Portland Region ReStores
How does this organization help Portland?
The ReStores are home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, home decor, appliances, building materials and more at discounted prices. Proceeds generated from the ReStores support local Habitat for Humanity homebuilding and home repair programs. By donating and shopping at the ReStore, usable items are kept out of our local landfills. In 2024, ReStores diverted 7,988 tons of reusable materials from landfills!
How can volunteers help?
Volunteers can gain new skills, meet new people, and have fun all while making a difference. Habitat for Humanity ReStores offer individual and group volunteer opportunities any day of the week at any ReStore locations (Beaverton, Gresham, Portland, Tigard) and at its online warehouse (NE Portland). There are fun and meaningful projects available for volunteers ages 14 and up. No experience required!
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Courtney Jones at Volunteer@habitatportlandregion.org or (503) 287-9529.
Transition Projects
How does this organization help Portland?
Transition Projects helps people experiencing homelessness transition successfully into permanent housing. With 55 years of experience providing shelter, housing, and services for low-income people, it is recognized for its work with vet-erans, women, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Transition Projects’ team assists nearly 10,000 people each year through programs designed to help people leave the streets for permanent housing.
How can volunteers help?
Volunteers are essential to Transition Projects’ mission, helping support the critical work their team accomplishes. There are opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved: on a regular, on-call, or one-time volunteer basis. The greatest need (and the most popular!) is for Meal Provider Groups who plan and provide nutritious dinners to eight shelters located throughout the Metro-area. Volunteers also support our Resource Center in the participant mail and clothing rooms, lead activities for shelter residents, support events, and much more.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Kelsey Stark at kelsey.stark@tprojects.org or (503) 951-5542.
Cycle Oregon
How does this organization help Portland?
Cycle Oregon’s mission is to bring the joy of riding a bicycle to all of Oregon. Its team teaches kids to safely ride bikes, gives away bikes and safety gear, puts on summer bike camps, pro-vides scholarships to participate in our events, invests in community projects that support developing safe places to ride, and more.
How can volunteers help?
Cycle Oregon is seeking folks who love a festival style cycling event, and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty while working in some of Oregon’s most beautiful destinations. Epic camping sites, food, entertainment and more are provided in exchange for being part of a small, but mighty team. Its Programs team, which has some impressive projects underway, needs volun-teers who are familiar with things like bike maintenance and who are interested in being part of how they work to get more adults and youth on bikes.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Rebecca B. at info@cycleoregon.com or 503-287-0405, ext. 103.
American Red Cross
How does this organization help Portland?
For over 100 years, the American Red Cross Cascades Region has been there for the people of Oregon and Southwest Washington, helping people affected by disasters, including home fires, wildfires, floods and more. It offers safety classes, provide lifesaving blood collection and support military mem-bers, their families and veterans.
How can volunteers help?
Humanitarian volunteers are needed to provide relief to vic-tims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Blood services volunteers are needed to enhance the blood donor experience and transport lifesav-ing blood throughout the region. Service to the Armed Forces volunteers help support military members, their families, and local veterans. In-person and virtual opportunities avail-able. Visit redcross.org/local/oregon/volunteer.html for more information!
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Amanda Azar at amanda.azar@redcross.org or (503) 964-4268.
The Pathfinder Network
How does this organization help Portland?
The Pathfinder Network provides justice system-impacted individuals and families the tools and support they need to be safe and thrive in our communities. At its Center for Family Success, The Pathfinder Network provides community-based services including parenting classes, reentry support, early childhood home visiting, and youth mentoring. Its Resilience & Recovery Project provides wraparound peer support to com-munity members working towards recovery.
How can volunteers help?
Help The Pathfinder Network support Whole People, Whole Families, and Whole Communities! It is seeking volunteers to support its wide variety of programs, and community lead-ers to support its agency or join its Board of Directors or Lived Experience Advisory Board.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Lainie Watson at ewatson@thepathfindernetwork.org or (971) 413-2512.
Friendly House
How does this organization help Portland?
Friendly House is a nonprofit community center that equita-bly supports the community through programs and services. From affordable/free childcare, case management and sup-port for older adults - including programming and advocacy for LGBTQ2SIA+ older adults, to a community center provid-ing activities for all, including houseless neighbors, Friendly House is inclusive and accessible for everyone.
How can volunteers help?
Friendly House supports the community in many distinct ways, so there are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities ranging from one-time events to ongoing commitments. Volunteers are needed in all programs and departments including after-school care, event support, flyer distribution, friendly visiting, and so much more!
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Sarah Chiu at volunteer@fhpdx.org or (503) 935-5274.
MFS CASH Oregon
How does this organization help Portland?
MFS CASH Oregon is an economic empowerment program of Metropolitan Family Service committed to improving the financial health of lower-income families and individuals. As part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, it provides free tax preparation services, culturally responsive outreach to communities facing barriers to access-ing tax credits, and ITIN application assistance throughout the State of Oregon.
How can volunteers help?
Volunteers can get involved as tax preparers, tax site greeters or interpreters. All training is provided. No tax experience is necessary!
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
CASH Oregon Volunteer Team at volunteer@cashoregon.org or (503) 461-7388.
Pacific Refugee Support Group
How does this organization help Portland?
Pacific Refugee Support Group (PRSG) provides community members newly arriving in the Pacific Northwest the social capital necessary for a successful life in the U.S.
How can volunteers help?
PRSG Volunteers are essential to maintaining strong com-munity ties and ensuring that community members have the support they need for as long as they require it. When you become involved, you help PRSG make a meaningful difference in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers. You can support in a range of programs, from weekly fresh food delivery to tutor-ing and hosting educational workshops, to 1-on-1 newcomer community support. Volunteers help provide personalized support to newcomers, assist with practical tasks & cultural orientation, foster trusting friendship to facilitate open com-munication, and participate in trainings and team meetings.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Alex Blackwill at alex@pnwrsg.org or (971) 716-8232.
YOUTH
CASA for Children, Inc.
How does this organization help Portland?
As Oregon’s largest and longest-serving CASA organization, CASA Multnomah, Washington, Columbia, and Tillamook counties supports nearly 500 volunteers who advocate for over 900 youth in foster care each year. It has the highest number of unserved youth in Multnomah County, where more than 500 children do not have access to a CASA today.
How can volunteers help?
Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate! More info online at casahelpskids.org/become-an-advocate.Learn more about this unique and impactful volunteer opportunity by attending one of CASA’s virtual, weekly information sessions.
Who should potential volunteers reach out to?
Chris Ngo at cngo@casahelpskids.org or (503) 988-5115.