Categories: EventsFeaturesUncategorized

Neighborhood House held Fête Locale Highlights “Building Blocks of Home”

Portland, April 30th, 2016. Neighborhood House held Fête Locale 2016, its premier auction fundraising event, at the Multnomah Athletic Club. 300 guests celebrated the theme “Building Blocks of Home” with a Giant Jenga game and a Haiku contest, all illustrating the importance of stable housing for low-income families. (Photo credit, Brooke Alexander and Josh Manley.) Emceed by KGW Reporter Katherine Cook and SUN School Sixth Grader Shaylah Voght, the event raised more than $135,000 and highlighted the critical need for affordable housing. Executive Director Rick Nitti thanked donors for their support saying, “A stable home is the foundation of all of Neighborhood House’s work—a necessary first step in the process of helping families move from survival to self-sufficiency and success.”

Youth Emcee Shaylah Vogt, a sixth-grader at Jackson Middle School, shared how SUN academic support has helped her go from struggling in math to getting an “A”. She is pictured with Co-Emcee KGW Reporter Katherine Cook. (Photo credit, Brooke Alexander.)

The dinner and live auction festivities began with an impressive performance by the BRAVO Youth Orchestra, led by Program Director Adam Eccleston, a program offered through Neighborhood House’s SUN School Program at César Chávez Elementary.

Supporters from across Portland gathered to celebrate and show support for Neighborhood House programs that provide basic needs assistance with food, utility bills, transportation and housing for low-income families. (Photo credit, Brooke Alexander.)

Guests Jennifer and Rob Kass enjoyed networking while taking in the Haiku writing contest, Building Blocks themed photo booth, and other diversions during the Silent Auction. (Photo credit, Josh Manley.)

From Neighborhood House:

Helping Neighbors Help Themselves

We believe that with the right support, people can overcome serious challenges. Just ask the thousands of people Neighborhood House assists each year.

A leading Portland non-profit social service provider, Neighborhood House delivers innovative and life-changing programs for low-income people of all ages. Our programs prepare children for success in school and life, help families move beyond poverty, and support seniors to continue living independently.

Who We Serve

Approximately 18,000 low-income children, families and seniors each year across the greater Portland area. Our clients represent a remarkably diverse mix of ethnicities and cultures, including many recent immigrants from Latin America, Africa, Russia and the Middle East.

Our Team

Currently 96 regular staff and 500 volunteers, who give more than 20,000 hours of service each year.

Our History in the Community

Founded in 1905, Neighborhood House was the city’s first organization established to help the many immigrants who were arriving and settling in South Portland. For over a century, Neighborhood House has been the primary resource for people in need in South/Southwest Portland, its programs evolving to meet the changing needs of the surrounding community. In the last few years, Neighborhood House has grown dramatically, adding new programs and extending our services across the greater Portland area, with a concentration in North Portland. Read more about Neighborhood House’s impressive legacy of service to the community here.

Our Core Values

Neighborhood House is committed to offering innovative and high-quality education, anti-poverty and senior support services. Our core strengths are:

Client-focused services – Every neighbor’s different. We reach people where they are to effectively facilitate change.

Connection – We are connected to our neighbors. When we help people in need, our entire community is strengthened.

Results – Our programs make a measurable difference in the lives of our clients and in the community.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.