The Goose Hollow Family Shelter, a winter emergency shelter, started at First Church in 1994, and is one of the few family shelters in the Portland metro area that allows homeless families to stay together while living in a temporary shelter. Activities of the Shelter are guided by a Shelter Council whose members represent First Church, Beth Israel, First Congregational UCC, First Christian Church, The View, St. Mary's Cathedral, and other community leaders.

Families staying at the Shelter are provided an evening meal and a light breakfast. They have access to showers, laundry facilities, sleeping areas (partitioned for families), and constructive activities for kids. Thanks to many donations received throughout the year, we maintain a pantry of personal toiletry items and a clothes closet of re-cycled clothing for shelter families.

People from many faiths and traditions, community organizations, businesses and from the secular community, serve as volunteers. Goose Hollow Shelter relies on the services of more than 5 volunteers each evening. More than 150 volunteers are needed a month. Volunteers prepare and serve the evening meal, provide activities for children, serve as extra hands to coordinate the schedule for guests who wish to use the laundry, showers, and pantry and clothes closet. Two Volunteer Hosts are needed to sleep with Shelter families each night and set out a light breakfast in the morning for guests.

You are invited to explore ways to fully participate in the life and community of the Goose Hollow Family Shelter, which is housed at First Church. A complete description of Volunteer Positions can be found by clicking on the Goose Hollow webpage.

As a participant in the Multnomah County Winter Shelter Network, Goose Hollow Family partners with a day shelter where our families can go between during the day for support services and to meet with advocates who can assist their transition back into permanent housing. The Goose Hollow Shelter Council is a participant in Oregon's Then-Year Plan to End Homelessness. This year 26 of the 51 families who stayed at Goose Hollow were successful in moving into housing.

To learn more about the Shelter, and ways to participate, please contact Director, Brandi Tuck at btuck@fumcpdx.org or 503-288-3195 x 215.

Mailing Address

Goose Hollow Family Shelter
1838 SW Jefferson
Portland, OR 97201

Contact Information

Shelter Director, Brandi Tuck - 503.228.3195 ext. 215 Email: btuck@fumcpdx.org

Shelter Manager's Desk (during shelter hours only) - 503.228.3195 ext. 203 Email: ghfs@fumcpdx.org

FUMC FAX - 503/273-8711

Directions to Goose Hollow Family Shelter at the First United Methodist Church.

Meet the Staff:

Brandi Tuck, Director

Brandi is the new director of the Goose Hollow Family Shelter. Brandi has been volunteering at GHFS for two years and is excited to see all the familiar faces again this season in her new position as Director. Previously, Brandi worked at the Oregon Hunger Relief Task Force doing anti-hunger public policy work and outreach for federal nutrition programs - and still works there part time. She has a degree from the University of Florida in Political Science and Philosophy with a minor in Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits - Go Gators! In her free time, she loves running and playing with her dog Wookie, teaching group exercise, reading, volunteering, and backpacking.

Jim Lawlor, Night Manager

Jim Lawlor was born and raised in New York City. In 1998 he moved with his wife, Myrna, to her native birthplace, Portland Oregon. Back in New York, Jim was the founder and responsible for the operation of a shelter for homeless men at his home church in Queens. He presently serves at the First Congregational United Church of Christ on the Outreach Commission. In his spare time Jim likes to fish, root for the NY Yankees and follows Thoroughbred Horse Racing.

This will be Jim's eighth year of involvement at the Goose Hollow Family Shelter. He started out as an overnight host in 1999. Then spent a few years on the GHFS board before being asked to fill an empty spot as Night Manager in 2002. He loves his job at the Goose Hollow Family Shelter.

©2005-2008 First United Methodist Church, Portland, Oregon.
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