Indoor ‘Resource Fair’ returns to Parkrose

INCLUDES VIDEO | Take a look at how the Parkrose Community Resource Fair helped hundreds of neighbors live better lives …

Many outer East Portland families gathered at this winter’s Community Resource Fair, held inside Parkrose High School.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although it was a dreary winter day, the Parkrose Community Resource Fair on February 4th in the Parkrose High School Atrium provided a pleasant and useful indoor activity.

Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, recent such events took place in the school’s parking lot, as “drive-through” events. CLICK HERE to see our story about their Fair in 2021.

Event organizer Annie Lindekugl, Executive Director of the Community Services Network PDX, spends a moment with exhibitors Muleu Terefe of Portland Community College, and Historic Parkrose interim Executive Director Annette Stanhope.

“Indeed, we are indoors today – hosting our fifth Community Resource Fair for our friends in the greater Parkrose neighborhood,” said its organizer, Community Services Network PDX Executive Director Annie Lindekugl.

Watch and see what took place during this Community Resource Fair:

“It’s important to have this in Parkrose because this is an area that is traditionally underrepresented in the Portland community,” explained Lindekugl.

“Resource access can be sparse in parts of outer East Portland – so we’re making sure that resources are provided with more equality, across our communities,” she said

Adrian Caballero, a third-year chiropractic student at University of Western States gives a massage to a guest.

A steady flow of people circulated among the tables, talking with representatives throughout the afternoon.

“We have about 40 representatives here from nonprofit organizations, governmental bureaus, and community service providers, all of which are giving resources to members of our community,” Lindekugl told East Portland News.

Here, after spinning the “wheel of fortune”, Janet Honea, the Family Education Coordinator from the Swindells Resource Center gives a prize to the lucky player.

“In addition to a lot of other informational resources, this Fair also includes food, toiletry kits, and chiropractic care,” Lindekugl disclosed.

“In addition to getting connected with one or more nonprofit organizations that can provide services to them, we also hope that the attendees meet a neighbor, and make a friend!” she exclaimed.

Food staples to be given away are evident in abundance at this year’s Community Resource Fair.

The “food pantry” was stocked with the help of the Oregon Food Bank, with support from Dave’s Killer Bread – and was organized by the City of Portland Office of Community and Civic Life, and the East Portland Community Office, as well as Care Oregon and the DPI Group.

“When it’s over, we’ll have served at least 150 families; but I’ve a feeling that today, we will have seen even more than that!” concluded Lindekugl.

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