NORTHWEST PILOT PROJECT
BETTER TIMES NEWSLETTER Fall 2008
Gwenn Gregg
Gwenn Gregg was born in Broadwater, Nebraska, on
March 16, 1926. She was a premature baby, and so
small at birth (two pounds 14 ounces) that her parents
weighed her on a poultry scale, and her maternal
grandmother declared “that baby will never live.”
Gwenn thrived and became an adventuresome child.
She and her younger sister were quite small when her
parents moved to Sydney, Nebraska, where her father
owned a dry cleaning business, and they lived in a
house next door to her father’s mother.
Gwenn remembers her father, Harvey Marshall, as
a hardworking man with a fabulous sense of humor.
On weekends he played in a Dixie land jazz band
with his sister and four brothers. Gwenn has vivid
memories of being a very young girl, and creeping
down the stairs from her bedroom, when she was
supposed to be sleeping, to watch her father, uncles
and aunt rehearsing for their next gig. Her childhood
included a pack of kids playing with the neighbor’s
goats, sledding, and getting completely covered in
coal dust while they explored the parked train engines Gwenn Gregg
of the Union Pacific Railroad.
In 1933, Gwenn’s parents moved their family to Oregon. “My father took parts from two Model T fords,
created one vehicle he could drive, and that’s how he got us to Oregon. I remember driving up the Columbia
River Gorge, and how impressed we were by the waterfalls.” Her family visited relatives in Corvallis, and then
settled on a ranch in Marcola: “It was a pioneering experience for us.” Gwenn describes attending a one room
school house, and how neighbors helped each other during the Depression. “A trapper would bring us venison,
and my mother gave him cakes, bread and preserves. We never wanted for anything.” Her family returned to
Corvallis where her father, a gifted carpenter, joined with his brothers to build homes. When World War II
started, her father moved his family to Portland, where he and his brothers were involved as contractors
building public housing such as Columbia Villa.
(continued on page 4)
From the Richard Tichenor died on August 1, of mortgage interest deductions.
2008 at the age of 57. He was found He agreed to attend the August
Executive in a Portland neighborhood, killed
by a blunt force trauma to his head.
1994 opening of the Twelfth
Avenue Terrace, and was touring
Director After years of being homeless,
Richard was within days of moving
the building with City
Commissioner Gretchen Kafoury
into an affordable apartment. He when they entered apartment 605,
had been working with one of our with its wrap around windows and
Housing Specialists, Jessica Larson. view of Mt. St. Helens. Gretchen
The next week, at our all staff turned to Harry and said: “Wouldn’t
meeting, Jessica talked about you like this apartment?” Harry said
Richard, his hopes for the future, yes, and was among the very first
and the new housing he was residents to move in.
preparing to move into. It was a
harsh reminder to all of us about Harry’s move to the Twelfth Avenue
how dangerous it is to be homeless. Terrace changed his life. He became
active with a host of community
On August 7, 2008, I was sitting at groups, audited classes at Portland
my desk when I received a call from State, and traveled with elder hostel
a hospice worker to tell me that programs (see memorial on page 3).
Harry Bruton had died. I first met Living in decent housing, that was
Susan Emmons
Harry in the spring of 1993. We affordable to him, made all sorts of
were providing relocation services things possible for Harry that he
Dear Friends: to 110 people at the Broadway had been missing. Like so many of
Hotel, so that the building could be the people we work with, housing
Many years ago we decided as a preserved as affordable housing and was the key to living a better life.
staff that we wanted to have a way renovated. From the very first letter Harry became a committed, passion-
to remember the people we have I received from Harry, I knew that ate, effective advocate for affordable
worked with who have died. We he was someone special. I saved housing.
make a leaf for every person we this letter, and many others over
have lost. Each leaf has an individ- the years, and have a thick file At Northwest Pilot Project we
ual name inscribed in calligraphy. of correspondence covering an are deeply moved by the people
The leaves are in a rainbow of astonishing variety of topics. His we work with: their courage,
colors mounted on our walls. We intellectual interests were as wide intelligence, compassion, faith,
talk about these people, remember ranging as anyone I’ve ever met. wisdom, humor, insight, fierce
the impact they have had on us, independence, optimism, and
and what we learned from them. A Harry was fiercely independent, generosity. They’ve taught us
young volunteer visiting the agency and distrustful of anything that about persistence and hope.
one day asked us about the leaves, could be construed as a government
and when we told her their signifi- “hand out.” When we first talked We remember them by telling their
cance, she was shocked into silence. about the new Twelfth Avenue stories, and holding on to their
We explained they represent Terrace as a possibility for him, he stories. We carry them in our hearts.
decades of our communal history was suspicious, and uncertain about
and lives together. subsidized housing. I have a vivid With a full heart,
memory of a discussion I had with
This August we added six new Harry about the nature of govern-
leaves to our walls. Two of them ment housing subsidies in this
were Richard Tichenor and Harry country, and the percentage that
Bruton. goes to home owners in the form Susan Emmons
2
In Memory of Harry Bruton
1918-2008
Harry Bruton was born in Chicago had spent seven years advocating
Heights, Illinois on August 23, 1918. for its development), and he became
His father was a steelworker, and his active in housing, and a host of
mother was a homemaker. Harry advocacy issues. He joined our
was attending San Francisco State Downtown Aging Advisory
University when World War II began, Committee, was appointed as a
and he left school to enlist in the client representative to the Board
army. He served with distinction of Legal Aid, became active with
with the 63rd Infantry in New Guinea the Commission on Aging, the
and the Southern Philippines. Gray Panthers, and the Community
Following his 1946 discharge from Alliance of Tenants. Harry’s particular
the army, Harry enrolled in school interests included: housing, aging,
and finished his degree on the GI ecology, and civil rights. In the
bill. He worked as a shipping clerk spring of 1996, Harry was one of
and a longshoreman while he com- the first organizers of the Tenant
pleted a Master’s Degree in English. Leadership Network, sponsored
He traveled the world teaching by the Oregon Housing NOW
English as a Second Language in Coalition. Some of the ideas being
a number of countries and cities suggested were controversial, and
including France, Beirut, and Turkey. in the early days of this organizing
effort Harry wrote to us: “For ten
NWPP staff first met Harry in 1993. years I lived a quiet uneventful life
Harry Bruton at a 9/11/95 rally
He was living in the old Broadway at the Broadway. I never sought
protesting cuts to Meals-on-Wheels.
Hotel when it was decided that the excitement or risk. Now look at
building would be renovated, and me – every day new scurries
110 residents would have to be and alarms!” and fully enjoyed the access he had
relocated. Northwest Pilot Project as a senior to audit courses, and
was asked to do the relocation. In the picture on this page Harry explore a vast field of studies. He
Harry was 75 years old, and had is shown at a September 11, 1995 loved Portland State University,
been living in one small room at the rally held in Pioneer Square to and all that it had to offer him.
Broadway for ten years. NWPP staff protest proposed cuts to Older His affordable apartment made
helped Harry move to the old St. Americans Act funding that included it possible for him to save some
Francis Hotel where he lived for one a reduction of the Meals-on-Wheels money, and participate in Elder
year. When the new Twelfth Avenue programs. Harry had done his Hostels in Washington, Oregon,
Terrace (located at SW 12th & research before the rally. In 1995, and California.
Market) opened in August 1994, the cost of one B-2 bomber was
Harry was one of the first residents equivalent to the cost of fully When his health began to deterio-
to move in. His sixth floor studio funding all Older Americans Act rate, Harry purchased a computer
apartment gave him a bird’s eye Programs (with no reductions) and taught himself how to use it at
view of the city, and he loved it. nationwide – thus the sign he the age of 82. He became even more
His apartment was subsidized, and created to carry at the rally: prolific in his advocacy with letters
he paid 30% of his income (his “Meals on Wheels instead of and e-mails to elected officials.
Veteran’s Pension) for his rent. For B-2 Bombers.” He used the internet for research,
the first time in eleven years, Harry and remained keenly interested in
had his own bathroom and kitchen. Harry’s apartment at the Twelfth politics, world events, and a host
Avenue Terrace gave him close of issues. Harry died on August 7,
Harry learned about the origins of proximity to Portland State 2008. He will be missed.
the Twelfth Avenue Terrace (NWPP University. He returned to school,
3
Gwenn Gregg (continued from page 1)
At the age of 17, Gwenn went to family member’s named engraved
San Francisco and trained as a on individual cups. When Gwenn’s
model through the Barbizon children were teenagers, she and
Modeling School. “At that time her husband divorced, and she
your options as a woman were raised her son as a single mother,
limited. You could teach school, while her daughter went to live
be a nurse, or a musician. Being with Gwenn’s mother.
a fashion model was considered
pretty racy.” She became a profes- Gwenn has had an amazing variety
sional model, but had to give up of jobs. She’s been a model, a
her career when her mother Mae caregiver, a florist, a nutritionist,
became ill. She returned to and spent a summer after the war
Portland to care for her mother, painting artificial eyes. She worked
and eventually was able to go back at Tektronix in engineering support, Gwenn Gregg at age 17
to school, and complete her B.A. and building prototypes. Her strong
Degree in Liberal Arts at Oregon work ethic is inherited from both
State University in Corvallis. her parents. She grew up with her keep her mind and body healthy:
father telling her: “If a job’s worth “Without Northwest Pilot Project
Gwenn married when she was doing – it’s worth doing right.” my quality of life would be nil.
23, and had a daughter and son, While her mother would say: Your transportation program
Lainnie and Ralph. When her “If you can’t do it right – is crucial to so many of us.”
daughter was 5 and her son was 3, when can you do it over?”
their house was destroyed by a fire, Gwenn is active in her church and
and they lost many belongings. NWPP staff met Gwenn in 2004 garden club, and makes beautiful
Her family was struck by tragedy after she had suffered two severe jewelry using a variety of materials
again when they lost everything car accidents, and had to give up – antique, modern, and recycled,
in the devastating Christmas flood her home. Disabled from the car and gives them as gifts to family
of 1964. Her memory of people, accidents, and living on a fixed and friends. Some times she works
places, and events is extremely low income, she contacted the on the jewelry to distract herself
precise, including the 1963 Salvation Army who referred her from her chronic pain, to avoid
dedication of a dormitory at the to NWPP. We helped her to find giving into it: “I won’t give it house
University of Oregon, named after her downtown studio apartment, room.” Some days she has hours of
her husband’s aunt, Mary Watson and she has been using our dizziness and nausea, but on others:
Barnes. As part of the dedication transportation program for “I feel fine as frog’s hair.”
her family donated a silver tray the past three years.
with matching punchbowl and Gwenn keeps up with family,
silver punch cups with every Three times each week, Gwenn grandchildren, and a host of
receives trans- relatives. One of the high points
portation to a in her life in recent years was to
therapy pool. attend the Lincoln Center debut
Gwenn appreci- of her godson, the pianist Daniel
ates our trans- Stroup. “I was confined to my
portation service, wheelchair, but thrilled to be
acknowledging there - front and center. It was
that it is one of those great moments of
critical to her my life.” Gwenn is a remarkable
well-being, and person. It’s a privilege to know her.
Gwenn’s father, Harvey Marshall, and her younger enables her to
sister in Sydney, Nebraska, early 1930’s
4
NWPP Transportation: A Lifeline to Independence
Transportation is a key issue for our elderly friends
who are struggling to maintain their independence.
Many elderly people are unable to access public
transportation, and cannot afford taxi service. Seniors
consistently rank transportation as one of the most
difficult needs to fill. NWPP’s Transportation Program
is meeting this need by providing crucial rides to
medical appointments, physical therapy, life-sustaining
medical treatments such as chemotherapy and dialysis,
grocery shopping, banking and other personal errands.
Wayne McIlhenny, NWPP’s Transportation Coordinator,
joined our staff in June 2006. He is highly regarded
by the people who receive transportation services from
him. As Gwenn Gregg told us: “I think I speak for all
of us when I say that Wayne is exceptional – he is so
accommodating, and such a good person.” Wayne McIlhenny & Gwenn Gregg, 8/08
King City Knitters: The Work of People’s Hands and Hearts
What activities go with knitting? the world. Little by little, the sewing morning meetings or at the King
If you’re a King City Knitter, machines were replaced with tables City Civic Association. Call
spirited talk and audio books. It and the group began knitting. Their 503-639-6565 for hours of
also helps if you let someone else name became the King City Knitters. operation. The yarn needs to
drive. That way, you can knit! Pearl Schular is in her 90’s and has be washable, 4-ply synthetic
been with the group since 1976. yarn and no wool, please!
The King City Knitters meet every The founder, Naomi Kruse, lived
Thursday morning from 9:30 to to be 101. The current group has The King City Knitters tell us how
11:30, at the King City Civic 15 knitters. The Knitters are always much they have enjoyed knitting for
Association, 15245 S.W. 116th Ave., ready to welcome new members. NWPP clients, knowing that they
in King City. They are responsible are creating beautiful and useful
for 100 knit items being donated The King City knitters donate new- items for their peers. As one knitter
to the clients of Northwest Pilot born caps to the Neo Natal ICU at put it, “I’ve been knitting since the
Project every three months. The Doernbecher’s Hospital, and have fourth grade…now I have someone
clients are the happy, warm recipi- provided knit items to many local to knit for.”
ents of afghans, winter hats, gloves, social service agencies over the
scarves, and slippers. Shawls, vests years. Members love to
and lap robes are also donated, and knit, and are generous
are very popular. “It’s wonderful to with the beautiful items
be able to give clients warm hats they create.
and gloves on a cold winter day”
says Dee Dee Richardson, NWPP’s The yarn they use is all
Receptionist. “People are so grateful.” donated. They also use
recycled yarn, after it
The King City Knitters have been has been taken apart,
an organization since the 1960’s. In washed and put in skeins.
the ‘60’s, they were a sewing group, Donations can be made
sewing bandages for soldiers all over at the Knitters’ weekly
King City Knitters
5
Holiday Stocking Project
NWPP’s Holiday Stocking Project from those who
began in December 2002, when received the stockings
Carolyn Ostergren came to our was enthusiastic and
office with two beautiful hand- heartfelt (see letter in
made stockings she had created, the blue box at the
and filled with goodies, for the bottom of this page).
seniors we serve. Carolyn had such
a wonderful, moving experience It’s easy and fun to get
doing this, that the next year she involved in NWPP’s
invited family and friends to join Holiday Stocking
her, and the number of stockings Project. NWPP staff
grew. When we wrote about and Carolyn Ostergren
Vicki Schmall & Carolyn Ostergren
Carolyn and her holiday stockings have created a Holiday
delivering stockings to NWPP
in our newsletter, individuals Stocking Project flyer
and groups from all over the that includes everything you need stockings can be dropped off
community responded. to know to participate, including a at NWPP’s office: 1430 SW
list of ideas for stocking stuffers. Broadway, Suite 200, by December
In December 2007 we received You can receive the flyer by 10, 2008, Monday-Friday between
over 400 stockings from 45 groups phoning and requesting we mail 9-12 and 1-4 (closed Thursday
and individuals including: NW it to you, by e-mail, or from our mornings for program meetings).
Mobile Services, St. Mary of the website. Please contact Dena
Valley elementary school students, Chilikos, NWPP’s Volunteer As Carolyn Ostergren has written
PGE Community Affairs, St. Luke’s Coordinator. Dena’s phone: to her friends and family: “Giving
Lutheran Church, members of a 503-478-6861, Dena’s e-mail: a stocking to the people at NWPP
book group, United Behavioral dena@nwpilotproject.org, is a wonderful way to celebrate
Health, and many more. The or go to our website: the holidays, and I recommend
thoughtfulness and beauty of www.nwpilotproject.org and click it for anyone. Many of us have
the stockings we received was on Wish List, and go to Holiday so much in life, and this is a way
overwhelming. The response Stocking Project. The completed to remember someone in need.”
NWPP Mailbox
Every year we receive dozens of thank you notes from people who have received holiday stockings.
Here is one of them.
Dear Friends,
This is a very heartfelt thanks to the person who created a holiday stocking for me filled with many good
things and the 2008 calendar, “Those Magnificent Trains.” Someone has managed to reach out and touch a
corner of my soul that loves trains and most of all, traveling on Amtrak.
My father was a conductor on the “Pennsylvania Railroad” and we received free passes. My mother took me
on several trips: New York, Pittsburgh, Detroit, before I was six years old. I was enthralled by the scenery, the
way the porter poured coffee from a large pot into a small cup from a foot or so away without ever spilling a
drop, the machine on the wall that dispensed two chiclets for a penny, the hucksters that came on the train
selling delicious sandwiches, candy, local newspapers, and sundries. In spite of being covered with soot at the
end of the trip, I would have been happy to travel for a month.
Please accept my profound thanks for remembering me, and for indeed touching my heart.
6
Volunteer for All Seasons: Richard Brown
Richard Brown is one of our outstanding volunteers.
Recognized for his wonderful, “I’ll do anything!” attitude,
his ability to anticipate things that need to be done, and his
great way with people, we honored Richard at our annual
recognition event this April.
Richard just completed his junior year at Grant High
School, where he has excelled in academics and sports.
For the past two years he has been actively involved in our
monthly “Tuesday at the Church” where he helps to set up
the bingo prize tables, assists in the kitchen, setting tables,
and serving. Richard is truly dependable – he’s always there
where he’s needed, and anticipates what needs to be done
without being told.
Richard has grown up participating in our Walk-A-Thon,
and has supported our work all of his life. He’s a joy to work
with. This year we honored him with our Volunteer for All
Seasons Award. Richard will be completing his senior year Dena Chilikos, NWPP Volunteer Coordinator,
of high school in Ashland, and we wish him all the very best. with Richard Brown in his Volunteer for
All Seasons hat, 4/1/08.
Memorial Gifts
During the period of March 1, 2008 through August 31, 2008, Northwest Pilot Project
has received gifts in memory of:
Harry Bruton Ed & Flo Happold
Susan & David Emmons Peggy & Robert Fujimoto
Keith Blair Carpenter Rick Harmon
Brenda Carpenter Jane Malarkey
Nannette & Thomas Edwards
Cliff Diemond
Susan & David Emmons Richard Tichenor
Don & Dixie Pankratz
Ken Eves
Vicki Howell
Ann Middleton
7
What’s Affordable Housing?
At Northwest Pilot Project we are spectrum of backgrounds, careers, Supplemental Security Income,
often asked how we define afford- and work histories. We work with or a Veteran’s Pension.
able housing. The expression has people who were bank tellers,
become so widely used, it is now nurses, teachers, custodians, book- While you see cranes at work in
applied to housing that serves a keepers, construction workers, many areas of the city, and a lot of
broad range of income levels. In cooks, farm laborers, veterans, housing being developed, only one
response to this question we have waitresses, daycare providers, building that has been completed
started to publish an annual update and social workers. What they in 2008 has apartments affordable
of the income levels of the people hold in common is that they are to our clients. This is why we
we work with and what they can now living on an income of $931 continue to work so hard to
afford to pay for their monthly per month or less. They are people preserve every building we have,
rent. You’ll find this information who worked hard all their lives, and to agitate for the development
listed below. but did not have retirement of new housing that is truly afford-
benefit plans attached to their able to the lowest income people
The people served through our jobs, and are now living on a in our community.
Housing Program reflect a broad limited Social Security, a
INCOME LEVELS AND HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
FOR NWPP CLIENTS IN 2008
Monthly Annual % of 2007 Median Affordable
Income Source Income Income Family Income* Monthly Rent**
Supplemental Security $ 637 $ 7,644 16% $191
Income (SSI)
Employed half-time at $ 689 $ 8,268 17% $207
minimum wage ($7.95/hr)
Social Security (average) $ 862 $ 10,344 22% $259
Veteran’s Pension $ 931 $11,172 24% $279
Employed full-time at $1,378 $16,536 35% $413
minimum wage ($7.95/hr)
* $47,250 annual income is the 2008 Median Family Income (MFI) for a single person in
Multnomah County as determined by HUD (Department of Housing & Urban Development).
** HUD defines affordable rent as paying no more than 30% of your income for housing.
8
Sally Campos
Sally Campos first heard about Northwest Pilot
Project through her uncle, Fred Campos. Fred
received services through us for years, including
transportation to medical appointments. Sally has
told us: “My uncle spoke highly of Northwest Pilot
Project.” During the last years of his life, Sally
helped with Fred’s caregiving.
After her uncle’s death, Sally contacted us asking if
we had any office work a volunteer could do. Skilled
on the computer, she has taken on a job for us that
our staff found tedious and time consuming. Sally
comes to our office every Tuesday morning to do data
entry and filing. She has a highly accurate eye for
Sally Campos
detail, and is very precise. She does this work with
enthusiasm and intelligence, and is utterly reliable. As a result, our data entry and filing are always up to date.
When Sally started volunteering with us in September 2006, she wanted to be helpful, and to honor her uncle.
In her two years with us, she has become keenly aware of the need for our services, as she enters through our
lobby every week, and sees the number of people waiting for their housing appointments. “I like to think that
what I’m doing may play a small part in bringing our senior citizens one step closer to getting into affordable
housing. Knowing that is a reward in itself.”
Sally’s ongoing volunteer work at Northwest Pilot Project has saved our staff valuable time, making it possible
for them to spend more time with clients. We think she is exceptional, and are grateful for her skill, commit-
ment, and great heart.
NWPP Housing Program Results
Seniors (age 55+) One Year Results Ten Year Results
7/1/07-6/30/08 7/1/97-6/30/07
Seniors helped to find and 503 4,129
keep permanent housing
Percentage of seniors 90% 86%
successful in housing for
more than one year
Target Wish List
Good News! Northwest Pilot Project now has an agency Wish List at www.Target.com/lists/portal. There you
have the opportunity to donate everything our clients need to start a new home. Our agency believes everyone
moving into permanent housing deserves new bedding and kitchen items. Once you get to the above address,
click on Find A List, go to Search By Organization and type in Northwest Pilot Project. The rest is fun and
easy! By going to this Wish List and donating, you are directly helping our clients in their new housing.
Questions? Contact Dena Chilikos, at 503-478-6861 or: dena@nwpilotproject.org She will be glad to help.
9
Heidi Scofield
Heidi Scofield joined the staff of computers, receive
NWPP’s Housing Program as a computers, install
Housing Specialist in July 2006. them, and train the
During her college years Heidi had teacher who would
gained experience and knowledge train the students.
of social services, working part- Heidi also taught
time at a domestic violence shelter, English, and a
and completing an internship with girl’s course in
Child Protective Services during self-esteem. Any
her senior year in college. After project that
receiving her B.A. Degree in addressed a need
Human Development at of the youth in the
Washington State University community, and Heidi Scofield
in Vancouver, Heidi attended a was sustainable,
post-graduate Job Fair, and learned could be pursued. letters of appreciation she has
about Peace Corps opportunities. received from clients, not only for
She applied, and was accepted Heidi had just returned from the help with permanent housing, but
into the Urban Youth Development Peace Corps, and was looking also for the things she has been
program in Paraguay. for work in social services, when able to provide that seemed small
NWPP was recruiting for a at the time, but were exactly what
When Heidi arrived in Paraguay Housing Specialist. We had always was needed by the individual. “I
she was 24 years old, and had no hoped to hire someone with fluency helped a woman find a permanently
Spanish. She was placed with a in Spanish, and were delighted affordable subsidized apartment.
host family for three months, while when Heidi interviewed for our She had worked hard all of her
she received intensive language, position. Heidi has welcomed the life, but was disabled due to a
cultural, and job training. She then opportunity to work in an organi- health problem. She had to endure
took up her two-year assignment in zation that is client-centered: “It’s a lengthy process to get her
a town of 5,000 people, with 60% refreshing to be able to do whatever disability benefit, and I was able to
of the population aged 13-25 years it takes to serve our clientele, to get her a grocery store voucher of
old. Her job was to involve the advocate, to help each individual $15.00 per month to augment her
youth of the community in com- achieve a positive solution. I’ve food stamp allotment. She wrote
pleting a census to determine their worked for other organizations that to thank me and say she didn’t
greatest needs, and to begin to are narrow in their focus, have a know what she would have done
develop projects to address these list of things they don’t do, and without it.” The woman recently
needs. Heidi describes her two refer their clients to other organi- was awarded her disability benefit,
years in Paraguay with the Peace zations. In my job at NWPP I get she can now provide for herself,
Corps as “the best education of my to be the last stop for the person and doesn’t need to rely on others.
life. I learned more there in two served – the end of their crisis.
years than in the first 24 years of Because we have the resources Heidi says that while the housing
my life.” and the necessary support, I can intake process is routine, the job is
help people work through the not. “Every person who comes into
The youth Heidi worked with whole process that will eventually my office is unique. Each individ-
determined that education and lead to a permanent solution.” ual has a different situation and
employment were their highest perspective. I learn more from our
needs, and she was able to help In her two years at NWPP, Heidi clients than they ever do from me.
the community write grants for has been struck by the beautiful I’m 29, and all of my clients are
10
over 55. I always learn something early August, and
new from each of one of them, and moved into his new
am gratified that we have common apartment the same
ground between us.” month.
Heidi works with a variety of Heidi is highly
Spanish-speaking clients – from regarded by the
Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, and clients who have
Peru. The best compliment she has worked with her.
received in terms of her Spanish One man who was
was from a client who asked her living in a home-
at the end of their first interview: less shelter told us:
“Where are you from?” Eugenio Hernandez-Sanchéz & Heidi Scofield
“My goal was to
Increasingly, Heidi is seeing peo- rejoin the mainstream of one-bedroom apartment and
ple who have heard about her from society. Heidi helped me to working. What more can I say?”
family members or friends who enroll in a senior jobs program,
have been helped with housing. complete housing applications, We’re grateful that Heidi chose
Eugenio Hernandez-Sanchéz had and get my name on waiting lists to join our staff. Her dedication,
been homeless for some time when for several apartment buildings. tenacity, and advocacy work on
he was referred to Heidi by a I was on an emotional roller behalf of our clients is exceptional.
friend. Eugenio needed surgery, coaster waiting to hear about As one of our Housing Program
but the doctors would not perform housing, waiting to hear about clients told us: “When I said to
the surgery until he was perma- a job. Heidi’s service to me was Heidi this application process
nently housed. Eugenio is pictured superior from beginning to end. sounds impossible she just said
here with Heidi as he was complet- She never gave up on me or my to me: Not impossible, just
ing paperwork. He met with her in situation. Today I’m living in a hard work.”
Kitchen Items Urgently Needed
Help! We are in desperate need of kitchen kits! Our housing case managers have as many as six clients
moving into permanent housing each week! Can you help? Below are the items that make up a kitchen
kit. Items can be new or used in good condition. Please deliver kitchen kits to NWPP’s office at 1430
SW Broadway, Suite #200, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please, no deliveries
between 12 and 1 p.m. or on Thursday mornings when we’re closed for program meetings. Questions?
Call Dena Chilikos at 503-478-6861 or by e-mail: dena@nwpilotproject.org Many thanks!
Kitchen Kit items
• 2 dinner plates • 2 mugs • 2 bowls
• 2 place mats • 2 glasses • Silverware service for two
• Kitchen Towels and Potholders
• Kitchen Utensils (paring knife, can opener that’s easy to operate, measuring spoons,
serving spoon, wooden spoons, spatula, measuring cup)
• one saucepan with lid
• one fry pan with lid, if possible
• sturdy bag to put it all in, possibly doubles as a laundry bag
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From the Board Chair
• There will be no cutbacks in So, here I am asking for your
our government contracts. contribution to NWPP. We need
your support to continue our work.
• We’ll be successful in receiving Your donation in whatever amount
the foundation grants we’ve will help meet the needs of low-
applied for. income seniors in Portland.
• Individual and corporate A gift of $25 provides one year’s
contributions—currently transportation to medical appoint-
28 percent of our budget ments; a gift of $100 provides new
—will remain strong. bedding and furniture for a newly
relocated senior; a gift of $150
provides medical equipment, such
Which brings me to the hard part as a walker, for a disabled senior;
of this message. a gift of $250 provides a security
deposit for a warm, clean apart-
Jennifer Cooperman I’ve never liked asking people for ment; a gift of $360 provides one
money. It makes me uncomfort- year’s housekeeping services for a
able. However, I believe so low-income senior.
Dear Friends, strongly in the vital work NWPP
is doing in our community, that I Thanks for your continued
Budgeting is a necessary, but don’t have a problem asking my support and generosity.
difficult, task involving expert friends, family and even strangers,
opinion, informed assumptions to support Northwest Pilot Project.
and a lot of faith. Led by the Checks may be mailed to:
Finance Committee, and in You can’t ask for more value for a Northwest Pilot Project,
collaboration with Executive charitable contribution – fully 94 1430 SW Broadway, Suite 200,
Director Susan Emmons, the cents of every dollar goes to direct Portland, OR 97201
NWPP Board of Directors client support to obtain and retain Donation by credit card may
finalized NWPP’s 2008-2009 affordable housing for low income be made on-line at our website:
budget prior to the start of our seniors (please see pie charts on www.nwpilotproject.org
fiscal year on July 1. page 13). NWPP’s retention
statistics are also impressive. In-kind donations are also
We developed a slightly larger After 6 months, 92 percent of appreciated, and needed for
budget than last year, since formerly homeless clients placed our clients, and are listed on
the needs of the community in permanent housing, or at-risk our website under Wish List.
continue to increase. However, clients who received eviction Please contact Dena Chilikos
in the current economy, we prevention services, remain if you are interested in making
needed to have faith that the successfully in their housing, an in-kind donation.
assumptions we made will and after one year 90 percent Dena can be reached at:
hold true: are still there. dena@nwpilotproject.org
or at 503-478-6861.
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Northwest Pilot Project Total Funds – $1,340,851
July1, 2008 – June 30, 2009
OPERATING SUPPORT AND REVENUE
Community support
Individuals: 50%
Government
Contracts Businesses: 11%
28% Annual Walk-A-Thon: 39%
51%
14%
Foundations
7%
OPERATING EXPENSES
United Way
Transportation and
services to seniors
11%
Housing
Emergency fund and
direct client assistance 57%
Funded by:
26%
Individuals
Businesses
Foundations
Annual Walk-A-Thon
6%
Administrative overhead
NWPP’s Annual Holiday Dinner
– Save this Date!
NWPP’s Annual Holiday Dinner is scheduled for Friday,
December 12, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.
Please save this date on your calendar, and
watch for announcements from us later this fall.
left: MarQuea Holford, Alberta Randle,
and Santa Claus (aka Dena Chilikos)
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James Blackman: “Homeless to Hopeful”
In August 2008, Susan Emmons, Executive
Director, and Rebecca Childs, NWPP Housing
Program Manager, received the following
letter from James Blackman, who received
services from NWPP this summer, including
placement into permanent affordable housing.
We asked James for permission to print his
entire letter, which we think is far more
eloquent than anything we could have written.
James continues to meet with Jessica as the
need arises. This picture of them was taken in
early September.
August 8, 2008 James Blackman and Jessica Larson, 9/08
Dear Susan and Rebecca,
Thank you for all you do. Your From then on, my life began to Thanks, again NWPP, for Jessica
organization provides a wonder- improve, quickly and dramatically. Larson, my caseworker, and
ful service to many people, of With Ms. Larson’s guidance and Dee Dee at the front desk, who
which, I am one. expertise, I was able to move is always cheerful and helpful,
from “Homeless to Hopeful.” I and to your entire staff and
I came to Portland about two now have a nice apartment and a your mission.
months ago. My parents had just job close by. Jessica has renewed
passed away after 85 good years. my confidence, and given me the God Bless Northwest
I was diagnosed and treated for desire and the opportunity to Pilot Project, Inc.
lymphoma cancer in Dayton, secure a great future.
Ohio. Needless to say, my future Sincerely,
was pretty bleak. Then, through Your agency’s service to the
Divine intervention and the community is commendable. James E. Blackman
Portland Rescue Mission, I was Northwest Pilot Project, Inc. is a
referred to Ms. Jessica Larson credit to Portland and a real bless-
and the Northwest Pilot Project. ing for all over 55 years of age.
Your Vehicle Donation Can Help a Senior Stay in Housing
Northwest Pilot Project (NWPP) is a member of the Volunteers of America (VOA) Vehicle
Donation Program. Donated vehicles get turned into dollars for NWPP programs. If you
have a vehicle that you are interested in donating, please call Wendy at (503) 478-6877.
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NWPP Housing Program Focuses on Permanence
Northwest Pilot Project has been providing personalized housing placement
services for elderly, disabled, homeless, and poor people for over thirty-five
years. We believe that every individual in our community deserves to live in
decent, safe, accessible housing that is affordable to them, no matter what their
income is. We emphasize an approach that includes understanding the situation
of each person we work with, and respecting their dignity, and uniqueness as
individuals.
We are interested in outcomes, and knowing whether our services do lead
to housing stability and permanence. We know we are achieving phenomenal
success rates, because we stay connected with people for years. Over the
eleven-year period from July 1, 1997 through June 30, 2008, NWPP staff
helped 4,632 people to find and keep permanent housing, and 86% of these
people are successful in their housing over the long term.
NWPP’s Emergency Fund Urgently Needs Donations
Every year Northwest Pilot Project housing deposits, moving expenses, emergency funds so that our staff
touches the lives of 3,000 elderly, furniture, medical expenses such as have sufficient resources to offer the
disabled, homeless and poor people. prescriptions and emergency care, services we are committed to, and to
As the demand for our services bus tickets, and meal vouchers. fulfill our mission.
continues to grow, our challenge is These resources are crucial to the
greater than ever before to maintain success of our Housing Program, We need your support! Please use
our vital services, and to continue and our ability to respond quickly the coupon below and the return
to respond to unmet needs in our to people who come to us in crisis. envelope in this newsletter to make
community. All donations to NWPP’s a gift to NWPP’s Emergency Fund.
Emergency Fund directly benefit
This year we have set a goal of the people we serve. Your support will make it possible
raising $145,000 for our Emergency to help someone sleep safely in their
Fund. The Emergency Fund is used As an organization we’ve made own bed, in their own apartment.
to pay for housing application fees, a commitment to have adequate
Count Me In!
I want to contribute to NWPP’s Emergency Fund.
___$25 ___$50 ___$100 ___$500 ___$1,000 ___Other:
Name:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Please Charge $ to my Credit Card number: Exp:
Verification Code (on back of card – last three numbers on signature strip)
Please return this coupon in return envelope to: NWPP, 1430 SW Broadway, #200, Portland, OR 97201
To give online, visit our website at www.nwpilotproject.org.
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1430 S.W. Broadway
NORTHWEST PILOT PROJECT Suite 200
Portland, Oregon 97201
503-227-5605
www.nwpilotproject.org
Metropolitan Youth Symphony: Community Partnership Program
The Metropolitan Youth Symphony believes in giving back to the community.
Not only do they strive to keep programs accessible to all young musicians,
they are celebrating their 35th Anniversary season by creating the Community
Partnership Program. Through this program they highlight the achievements
of organizations working to help others in the community. Northwest Pilot
Project is thrilled to have been chosen as the Community Partner for their
March in a Major Key concert on Sunday, March 15, 2009, at the Arlene
Schnitzer Concert Hall. MYS has donated tickets to our Access to the Arts
program and 25 clients will attend the 1:00 p.m. performance. We invite you
to save the date and consider supporting this wonderful organization.
Tickets are $6 - $32 and can be purchased by calling the MYS Box Office
at 503.239.4566 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Help Us Keep Our Database Updated
Our newsletter is published three times each year. We make every effort to keep our database updated.
Please let us know if you are receiving duplicate copies, if you no longer wish to receive our newsletter,
or if you have changed your address. Contact Wendy at wendy@nwpilotproject.org or 503-478-6877.
NORTHWEST PILOT PROJECT NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
1430 Southwest Broadway • #200 U.S. Postage
Portland, Oregon 97201 PAID
Permit No. 1729
PORTLAND, OREGON
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