Research: Behind the Scenes

We have been doing some research.

First, we reviewed a new FEMA course and links to the Interfaith Disaster Network which has links to tip sheets. We shared this information with two groups.

Second, in keeping with our interests in sustainability, green practices and food security we researched several grants through the USDA, and read about the farm and pasture educational opportunities through Clackamas Community College.

Third, we conducted some basic research on an Oregon company and made an informal business offer.


 

Neighborhood Sharing - Part 3

This post is a continuation of neighborhood sharing. A local business man opened his facility to thirty two faith-based nonprofits. This allows for collaboration, creativity and resource sharing. David Madore, owner of US Digital Outreach, provides a secretary, and facilities manager. He provides a lunch room, conference rooms, an exercise room for their use. Downstairs there is a cafe. He stocks the cafe and 100% of proceeds helps to support these nonprofits on a rotating basis. This allows nonprofits to cut operating costs, and funnel their finances to provide services. There is a wide range which includes home schooling, school mentors, youth theater, missions organizations, and more. His willingness to provide space for nonprofits, brought resources to one location which has improved schools, helped local neighborhoods, provided needed resources for families, and opportunities to work with local churches, nonprofits and businesses to magnify the benefits. His business which has to do with solar panels has flourished. There is a big push for public-private relationships. Building relationships with the city, community organizers, and other groups may allow for creative use of public spaces and resources to benefit neighborhoods. In the absence of these partnerships, neighborhood associations may promote the idea by asking local churches and businesses to make room for business start ups and small nonprofits, particularly those with a neighborhood focus. Extend these agreements and grow gardens in the space between the sidewalk and street. This is a popular trend in low income and wealthier neighborhoods. Those who have no interest in gardening, can make the space available for those who have no access to land, have too much shade to grow a garden, for a produce sharing arrangement, to build community relationships or to donate the produce to neighbors in need. This can also be done block by block. Residents can commit to a single task (such as building planting boxes, adopt a planting box to maintain, or a block of time. Water is furnished by the homeowner. It doesn't require much water to garden on this scale, however making use of this space can produce a lot of food to help build relationships, improve neighborhood food security, nutrition, education and foster creativity. High school youth now need service credits to graduate. What better way than to serve those in their own community.

Abolish Hunger Now

One of Several Community Gardens-See Sponsoring Partners in 3rd Photo

US Marines Grow this Garden For Anyone in Need

This Partnership Makes Gardens Possible-See next Photo

A Closer View of Community Partnerships

Sustainability comes in a lot of packages. It can refer to food security, agriculture practices, green building, finances, energy, transportation and more. Food security is a big concern. Rising prices, pesticides, lack of access, generational poverty, the high cost of public benefit programs all play a role. Churches, nonprofits and businesses can help by developing sustainable partnerships. For instance a local Lutheran church has partnered with one of the largest health care systems in the United States, several local businesses and Thrivent Financial, a Lutheran organization to create a garden that is now serving apartment dwellers. Yesterday a member of our team interviewed the church secretary and looked at available plans and materials. The church has two master gardeners and several garden mentors available to answer gardening questions for apartment dwellers. Many have never grown a garden before and just need a little guidance. No pesticides are permitted in the garden, and gardeners are asked to use organic seeds. Seed sharing is highly encouraged. Soon we will post pictures that explain this partnership. There are many ways to improve food security. Willamette Christian Church in West Linn receives donated food from Whole Foods. They serve a meal on Sundays at 12:30pm and participants may "shop" for groceries after lunch. Some participants also freeze, can or dehydrate foods when quantities are sufficient. The availability of high quality food and produce helps mitigate health problem, and hunger, but also encourages use of fresh food and food preservation. Growing Gardens is a nonprofit that helps persons who have very low incomes become more sufficient by teaching them how to grow some of their own food. There is a long wait list. Mentors are assigned to help teach gardening skills. The organization uses volunteers to build raised beds, provides containers for gardening on decks or patios, tests for lead in soil if needed, and provides seeds to help gardeners get started. The food stamp program now allows participants to purchase vegetable seeds. Our company is challenging small businesses to incorporate sustainable practices in the workplace that build employee skills. We believe this can serve as a training ground that pays rich dividends. Employees that are exposed to the idea of growing food, preparing healthy food and snacks and breaking bread at work improve relational skills, learn about healthy practices, and eat better. They may in turn take some of what they learn at work and incorporate it at home. We also encourage the idea of family days to help children of employees learn new skills.