It’s that time of year when all the wonderful things you’ve planted are starting to really bear fruit(s and vegetables). We’re feeling the same way over here— with a lot of exciting new contributors and content all centered around Village Portland‘s guiding principles of community building and community support.

As rent and mortgage suspensions begin to end locally (Sept. 30, just month and a half away) and nationally, many fear a wave of evictions and an increase in homelessness.

Portland certainly has its problems, but we’ve also managed to establish multiple peer-run transitional housing villages here.

With 20 years of service, Dignity Village was the first— and it didn’t happen without a fight.

We’re taking a closer look at Dignity Village in a film with interviews by Cory Elia, and amazing archival footage from its founding.

We’ve hit our fundraising goal (thanks to everyone that contributed!), and hope to announce a big step forward in its progress very soon. Until then watch (and share!) the trailer for “Voices of the Villages” below if you haven’t yet.

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In this week’s “Life in the Village”, Paula and Reggie discuss their summers:

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Next weekend is the annual Johnson Creek Watershed clean-up! Pre-registration is required to keep groups small for social distancing.

Register here. Volunteers get a free t-shirt from a local artist.

Johnson Creek (various locations) * August 22 @ 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15TH

New Hawaiian food cart:

Leidback is a new Hawaiian food cart in Eastport Plaza. This family-friendly event will have live music from Kanohana.

Eastport Food Center, 3905 SE 82nd Ave * noon – 6 p.m.

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BLM march:

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New biz incubator:

Pies, beers, tacos, African food… and soon sushi are available at the newly-opened Rocket Machine Empire building in Montavilla.

Learn more about the project, and its anti-gentrification initiatives here.

6935 NE Glisan St

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 16TH

Farmers markets:

The Montavilla Farmers Market is every Sunday during its season; learn more about their vendors here.

7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm

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Lents International Farmers Market is on Sunday too.

SE 92nd & Reedway, between Foster Rd & Harold St * 9 am – 2 pm

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Stay cool and enjoy your weekend!