Ways Hasson Brokers Are Giving Back During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has certainly affected many in our communities, from small businesses owners to those working in the service industry and healthcare workers to single mothers — not to mention the homeless and the hungry in our midst. This has been an especially trying time for those struggling to access food, shelter or a steady income before a layer of economic and health crisis was added to the mix. Plus, the healthcare industry faces overwhelming needs as doctors, nurses and medical professionals work long hours to treat patients with COVID-19.

Yet thankfully, there are many non-profit and relief organizations who wasted no time in stepping up to address these needs. Many of our brokers here at Hasson joined in the efforts, from financial contribution to volunteer work, and other creative ideas, like car parades for the community and mask sewing for ICU nurses.

Learn more about the incredible efforts Hasson brokers are involved in — and find out how you can help those in need at this time! We’re all in this together.

 

ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED BY HASSON BROKERS

 

Hasson GoFundMe Providing Meals for Medical Workers

Supported by: Rebecca Green, Lynn Brokaw, Irina Owens, Chris Grubb, Debby Hennessy, Kathy Kollas, Kathy + Larry Hall, Anna Kaehler, Kendall Bergstrom, Jen Wiley, Muffy Beeler, Bill Marquard, Jeannine Runyan + Many Others

A number of Hasson Company agents are fundraising to feed the local medical community at area hospitals while they work long hours and are exposed to much danger in order to keep our communities safe. Plus, many of our favorite local restaurants have been hit hard by this pandemic, and many owners are trying to keep staff employed. We hope to be able to make a positive impact on both! Our agents created a GoFundMe page collecting donations to purchase individually packaged meals from local restaurants that will be delivered to area hospitals. We have restaurants that are willing to make meals for as little as $4 each.

“During this time, [healthcare workers] have extra stress of protecting the public and protecting themselves and their families. Providing a little relief with food deliveries makes a big difference in their lives. From first-hand experience working in the emergency room, these little things matter.” — Irina Owens

How You Can Help: Donating to the GoFundMe page.

 

JOIN

Supported by: Chris Bonner

JOIN supports the efforts of individuals and families experiencing homelessness to transition into permanent housing. Their efforts are directed at individuals sleeping outside or in their car in the Portland Metro area.

Chris Bonner has been making masks, delivering sandwiches to the day space, and handing out water and snacks to the people she sees living outside.

“I think housing is a human right. This public health crisis has really illuminated how the health of our community depends on the health and wellbeing of all of our neighbors.” — Chris Bonner

How You Can Help: Make a financial donation or in-kind donation — or volunteer with JOIN.

 

Hunger Fighters Oregon

Supported by: Chris Grubb

Hunger Fighters operates a food pantry in Lake Oswego that provides basic food and hygiene items at no charge to families and individuals in the community. Chris has been supporting Hunger Fighters Oregon through both cash and in-kind donations.

“With so many local families affected by job loss and concern, it’s important our infants through seniors receive nourishment to give them hope for better times.” — Chris Bonner

How You Can Help: Make a financial donation (only $3.57 per day feeds one person for a week!) to Hunger Fighters Oregon.

 

Oregon Food Bank

Supported by: Chris Grubb

Oregon Food Bank collects food from farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, individuals and government sources. They distribute that food through a statewide network of 21 regional food banks and approximately 1,200 food assistance sites serving all of Oregon and Clark County, Washington.

Chris has been supporting Oregon Food Bank through both cash and in-kind donations.

How You Can Help: Volunteer, make a financial donation or donate food and resources.

 

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette

Supported by: Jennifer Underhill

The United Way of the Columbia-Willamette connects the people, nonprofits, businesses and government agencies addressing poverty in our region. They work hard to create a future where kids in the Portland region are free from instability and worry so they can be free to play and discover, free to learn and grow.

Jennifer Underhill has been supporting the United Way financially at this time, and has been doing so for more than 15 years.

How You Can Help: Volunteer with Hands On Greater Portland, United Way’s volunteer program or donate to support their programs.

 

Good Deeds

Supported by: Debby Hennessy

Good Deeds provides assistance to families with special medical circumstances. The organization is focused on benefiting the family as a whole, and meets the unique and individual needs of each family in their set of circumstances. They are working on opening up their services to families that might have specific medical needs due to COVID-19.

Debby Hennessy is on the board of Good Deeds and is working on mailer and email content to reach out to their supporters.

How You Can Help: Donate to Good Deeds.

 

Blanchet House

Supported by: Kathy Kollas, Sara Lewis + Maureen Hotchkiss

Blanchet House is a nonprofit organization in Portland providing meals and life-saving housing programs to people in need.

Several brokers are supporting Blanchet House, including Kathy Kollas, Sara Lewis and Maureen Hotchkiss. Kathy has been making lunches and donating clothing and various needed supplies. Sara Lewis has been making lunches with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit and brownies along with 127 other families. In one day, they helped serve 2,500 meals! Together with her family, Maureen Hotchkiss organized a mini clothing drive where they picked up and delivered donated clothes and supplies from friends, relatives and coworkers. They also purchased ingredients and made 50 sack lunches to donate.

“These are some of our most vulnerable people, especially during this crisis. Also, more people are needing services with job cuts.” — Kathy Kollas

“During these COVID times, it is important more than ever to remember those who are hungry. This crisis has left so many more people vulnerable and my family feels that by making weekly brown bag lunches for the Blanchet House, we are doing a small part to help in our community.” — Sara Lewis

How You Can Help: Volunteer to pack and serve to-go meals, donate money, make bagged meals, or collect clothing. For more information, click here.

 

Rose Haven

Supported by: Kathy Kollas + Darrin Amico

Photo Courtesy of Rose Haven

Rose Haven is a day shelter and community center serving women, children and gender non-conforming individuals experiencing trauma, poverty, and physical and mental health challenges. During this time, where people are losing their jobs and homes, the shelter has experienced a huge number of women and children visiting the shelter looking for a safe place to shelter in place. Being that this is a day shelter only, they are in a constant need for volunteers and resources including proteins, clothing, feminine products, health care items like toothpaste, etc., and financial donations to continue to provide a service to an underserved population.

Kathy Kollas has supported Rose Haven by making lunches, donating clothing and needed supplies. Darrin Amico served on the board of directors at Rose Haven for five years and now works in an advisory role and continues to raise money for the organization through various sponsored events.

“For years, women have been marginalized in their roles in society. This organization supports and gives back dignity to a population of not only women but domestically abused, trafficked and mental health by way of identifying underlying risks that these women face. They are supported by a judgmental setting getting things such as basic necessities as well as something as simple as a hot shower and some private time alone.” —  Darrin Amico

How You Can Help: Donate money or supplies, or volunteer your time.

 

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Staff

Supported by: Elizabeth Davidson

Oregon Health & Science University is a public university with a main campus, including two hospitals, in Portland. OHSU treats the most complex health needs in the region, including COVID-19, makes discoveries that save lives, and educates next-generation health professionals.

Elizabeth Davidson has been supporting the staff at OHSU by buying bulk snacks for the nurses. One of her friends is a head nurse at OHSU and is on the front lines fighting COVID-19 every day.

How You Can Help: Donate to OHSU’s COVID Emergency Response Fund or donate needed supplies (more details here).

 

Providence Hospital

Supported by: Valerie Nelson

Providence Portland Medical Center is part of Providence Health & Services in Oregon, a not-for-profit network of hospitals, health plans, physicians, clinics and affiliated health services. The hospital is recognized for excellence in patient care and research for cancer, heart, orthopedics, women’s health, rehabilitation services and behavioral health. Providence is working tirelessly to treat COVID-19 patients at this time.

Valerie Nelson volunteers at Providence when COVID-19 is not an issue. At this time, she has sewn more than 75 cloth masks to give to nurses and the community.

How You Can Help: Make a donation to Providence.

Kelly’s Jelly

Supported By: Kelly Calabria

Hasson broker Kelly Calabria owns a company with her family called Kelly’s Jelly, which all started in 2010 with a family recipe for habanero pepper jelly. They create premium, all-natural, GMO- and gluten-free pepper jellies and sweet preserves available at grocery and specialty stores and farmers’ markets in and around Lake Oswego. During the COVID-19 crisis, Kelly’s Jelly is running a campaign with Ground Up Nut Butters to help supply ingredients for the 2,000+ to-go meals the Blanchet House is currently serving. Their goal is to deliver a least 100 pounds of Marionberry Preserves for the next 4–6 weeks.

How You Can Help: Donate a case ($30) to be delivered to the Blanchet House. Six jars of the preserves will make 66 sandwiches for those in need.

 

Columbia River Mental Health Foundation

Supported by: Deborah Blom

Columbia River Mental Health Foundation is a private non-profit community mental health center serving Clark County area residents. CRMHS offers a variety of services, including mentoring, drug and alcohol treatment, child and family services, outpatient and medical services, and more.

Deborah Blom is on the board for the foundation and has participated in online giving campaigns.

“Access to behavioral health services and access to education are extremely important if we want our community to remain healthy.” — Deborah Blom

How You Can Help: Make a donation to CRMHS.

 

Clark College Foundation

Supported by: Deborah Blom

Clark College Foundation (CCF) is an independent, self-funded, self-governed, nonprofit that assists Clark College through philanthropy. Deborah Blom is on the board for the Clark College Foundation and has participated in online giving campaigns.

How You Can Help: Make a donation to CCF.

 

Oregon Army National Guard

Supported by: Tosh Aguilar

The Oregon Army National Guard is a federally mandated and equipped military organization. At this time, the National Guard is directly distributing essential supplies, including masks, ventilators and tests, to hospitals throughout the state of Oregon to ensure medical professionals have the supplies they need to face COVID-19.

Tosh Aguilar is currently the Officer in Charge of the Forest Grove satellite warehouse that will support Northwest Oregon medical centers.

“The Oregon National Guard has supported the state in times of crisis by getting out in front of the problem and doing what it takes to ensure the safety and well-being of Oregon’s citizens time and time again. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this organization of people that sacrifice so much to put others before themselves.” — Tosh Aguilar

 

Jewish Free Loan Society

Supported by: Carolyn Weinstein

Jewish Free Loan Associations provide interest-free loans to individuals across North America. This model allows those in need to borrow when they need to while others contribute donations when they can.

For several years, Carolyn Weinstein’s husband has been on the committee that reviews applicants. They are also giving financially to the society at this time — in addition to Jewish Family & Child Service and the food bank.

How You Can Help: Make a donation to the Jewish Free Loan Society.

 

West Linn Food Pantry

Supported by: Jeannine Runyan

West Linn Food Pantry is a charitable, non-profit organization that provides food boxes for families in the West Linn and Lake Oswego areas. At this time, the food pantry is providing pre-packed food curbside for those in need.

Jeannine Runyan has been gathering food for the West Linn Food Pantry during this time.

How You Can Help: Donate your time or resources (non-perishable foods and personal care items) or make a financial contribution. More details here.

 

Family Meal PDX

Supported by: Sophia Rosenberg

Family Meal PDX is a volunteer-run nonprofit founded in 2019 that provides financial relief to Oregon’s food service and agricultural workers in a medical debt crisis.

Sophia Rosenberg hired an illustrator to create a kids’ coloring book that people can download from their website in exchange for a donation. Some restaurants are also offering the coloring book as a free download with the purchase of a takeout meal.

“These guys are doing really important work and ‘community-rooted relief’ really resonated with me. As a former hospitality/restaurant and hotel person, I know how hard these folks work. They’re passionate, creative and gritty and often taken for granted when the world is working as it should.” — Sophia Rosenberg

How You Can Help: Make a one-time or monthly donation or purchase the kids’ coloring book created by Sophia Rosenberg.

 

Our Lady of Lake Parish Mercy Outreach

Supported by: Bill Marquard

Our Lady of the Lake is a Catholic church in Lake Oswego. The Parish Outreach Fund provides grants to organizations and projects that live out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, and work for justice, peace and charity. At this time, they are helping feed medical personnel and those in need of daily meals.

Bill Marquard has supported the Outreach Fund through financial donations, food and sack lunch purchases, and assembly and delivery of meals.

“At this time in all of our lives, it really reaffirms that by giving, we all get so much more than receiving.” — Bill Marquard

How You Can Help: Volunteer with or donate to the Parish Outreach Fund.

 

Salvation Army

Supported by: Bill Marquard

Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian international charitable organization. At this time, they are working with local, state, and federal government and health authorities to provide rent/mortgage support, food assistance and more to those in need.

Bill Marquard has supported the Salvation Army through financial donations, food and sack lunch purchases, and assembly and delivery of meals.

How You Can Help: Donate money, or goods and clothing — or volunteer your time. More information here.

 

Union Gospel Mission

Supported by: Bill Marquard

Union Gospel Mission provides more than 200,000 meals a year to the homeless and people in need. The Mission also provides food boxes, coffee and snacks, clothing, hygiene items, referral services and emergency cold weather shelter to the homeless.

Bill Marquard has supported Union Gospel Mission through financial donations, food and sack lunch purchases, and assembly and delivery of meals.

How You Can Help: Volunteer on a one-time or ongoing basis or make a financial donation.

 

YMCA of Columbia-Willamette

Supported by: Debi Laue

The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) is a worldwide organization that aims to put Christian principles into practice by developing a healthy “body, mind and spirit.” They achieve this through a variety of services and programs for all ages. At this time, the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette is hoping to raise $50,000 in order to support emergency responders and their families so they don’t have to worry about child care while they work incredibly long hours. Bill and Alane Hebert have offered $25,000 as a Trustee matching opportunity towards their $300,000 Community Campaign. For every dollar donated by our Trustees, Bill and Alane will match it up to $25,000!

Debi Laue is on the board of the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette and has assisted with organizing these efforts in response to COVID-19.

How You Can Help: Make a donation to the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette.

 

Meals on Wheels

Supported by: Lisa Field

Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals to thousands of older adults delivered straight to their door. They are stepping up in big ways during the coronavirus pandemic — and they need our support now more than ever before. Meals on Wheels People, which serves the Portland Metro area, has issued a “critical funding needed” notice as they provide meals for our most vulnerable neighbors. Many of their older community members are confined to their homes, so they are incurring unparalleled costs and are asking for substantial help at this time.

Lisa Field is doing Meals on Wheels routes each Tuesday.

How You Can Help: Volunteer to be a Meals on Wheels driver, create cards and artwork at home to include with deliveries, or make face masks. Or make a donation online.

 

MISCELLANEOUS EFFORTS

 

Delivering Tulips to Medical Workers

Supported by: Lynn Marshall

Lynn Marshall delivered 20 dozen tulips from the Woodburn Wooden Shoe Farm to ICU nurses and doctors at St. Vincent’s, where her friend is an ICU nurse.

“I wanted them to have something cheery at home and in the hospital, while they are inside and working so hard for us all.” — Lynn Marshall

 

Making Homemade Masks for Medical Workers

Supported by: Kathy + Larry Hall, Jenna Hall + Jeannine Runyan

Many brokers are sewing masks for the community, including medical professionals.

“It’s something that I am able to do. I have a sewing machine, fabric and the ability to sew. It may be small, but it’s what I can do to contribute and look out for my loved ones and neighbors! So far I have completed 14 masks, I have 10 more halfway done, and fabric for upwards of 80 masks. I will continue to sew and handout masks to everyone I find who needs them!” — Jenna Hall

 

Delivering Meals from Grand Central Bakery to Hospitals

Supported by: Muffy Beeler

Muffy Beeler has created her own outreach system with her community of friends and clients. She partnered with a local bakery, Grand Central Bakery, to provide a day or more of meals to local hospitals.

 

Organizing a Community Car Parade

Supported by: Sally Dillon

Sally Dillon organized a car parade with more than 30 decorated cars and police, fire and army trucks to bring joy to hundreds of families in the community.

“[It was] something positive to look forward to and enjoy from the safety of your front porch.” — Sally Dillon

 

Distributing Supplies to Retirement Homes + Care Facilities

Supported by: Jen Dillard

Jen Dillard has been accepting donations and distributing adult coloring books, pens, and supplies like Depends and Poise products, to local retirement homes and care facilities.

“We put this together to make sure that our elderly neighbors are getting the resources that they need and also that they have some entertainment during this difficult time.” — Jen Dillard

 

Creating a Virtual Easter Egg Hunt + Other Community Involvement

Supported by: Jason and Amber Gardner

Jason and Amber Gardner of The Gardner Team created a virtual Easter egg hunt where people colored and put paper eggs in their home and business windows all over town with prizes to local businesses. They also hosted an Easter Bunny “drive-by” throughout neighborhoods in Sherwood, held a coloring contest for kids with gift cards to local businesses, and started a Sherwood High School Grad Night Fundraiser called “Easter Morning Eggs” where they delivered egg hunts to 79 front yards all over town.

They also started a small business support page on Facebook, where businesses can collaborate with consumers about their adjusted hours and offerings. The team is preparing to mobilize the Sherwood Cash Mob when the gathering order is lifted, which is something they started during the economic crisis of 2008. Much like a flash mob, the Sherwood Cash Mob was formed to stimulate the economy by organizing a group of people to show up at a predetermined locally owned business all at once (no dance moves needed!) and spend some money. Follow along on their Facebook page to be informed about the next Cash Mob!

Aaron Sawyer on their team is also working on a “front porch portrait” project in collaboration with a local photographer. They will be photographing families on their porch from the sidewalk in Aaron’s neighborhood, Woodhaven.

“We wanted to help by being an uplifting and positive voice. The goals of our activities were to curb boredom and temporarily cure the feeling of isolation. These activities supported social distancing but also got people outside, gave families something to do together, put something positive on their hearts and minds and we also tied in prizes as fun ways to support small businesses who need help too. It takes a village and in the spirit of community we wanted to be one of many to contribute in proactive, supportive and positive ways.” — The Gardner Team

 

Helping Neighbors

Supported by: Ashley Malpass, Donald Falk + Many Others

Ashley Malpass has been giving back to her neighbors and helping in any way that she can, which includes running errands, walking pets, weeding gardens and dropping off flowers, in order to keep them in good spirits.

Donald Falk has met neighbors that he hadn’t met before. He has helped by mowing lawns for some, shopping for some, washing cars for some, and comforting some.

“I would encourage each of us to step outside our front doors and greet our neighbors, offer support, and communicate.” — Donald Falk

 

We Are Stronger Together

This list is proof of the power of community — and the incredible amount of good that can come out of working together, even during bad times. Here at Hasson, we believe we are stronger together.

The post Ways Hasson Brokers Are Giving Back During the COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on Pacific Northwest Real Estate Blog.