Award to Lift Urban Portland expands successful community garden project
After a week of record rainfall, clouds are expected to part and let the sun shine in on Portland. The weather forecast is especially happy news for green-thumbed volunteers that will build raised garden beds at a White Shield Home for teenaged- and soon-to-be-mothers in Northwest Portland. Funds for the planters were awarded by Metro’s community enhancement grant program.
“Metro’s investment plays a small, but critical role responding to a vital community need,” said Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder, who chairs Metro’s grant selection committee and whose district includes Northwest and North Portland. “Our contribution to Lift Urban Portland ensures that essential support services will be there for people iwho can use them."
The community garden project is part of Lift Urban Portland’s new collaboration with White Shield, a residential facility for teenage moms. According to Delanie Delimont, executive director of Lift Urban Portland, trained staff will coordinate planting, get seedlings donated and train residents how to care for their garden. The raised planters are being built this Sunday, May 6, by members of Congregation Beth Israel, an activity of the synagogue’s annual day of community service.
The beds are expected to produce more than enough food for residents of White Shield shelter; excess supplies will be given to a food pantry nearby. The pantry, operated by Lift Urban Portland, supplies other low-income Northwest residents with fresh vegetables and assorted food items.
Earlier this year, Metro earmarked $69,900 for a total of 15 improvement projects in Northwest and a slice of North Portland. Funds for Metro’s grants are generated from a 50-cent surcharge collected on each ton of garbage processed at the Metro Central transfer station in Northwest Portland. Funds compensate the community around the facility.