Lift UP

Lift UP was founded in 1980. The goal was to help neighborhood residents through coordinated volunteer efforts.

Initial activities included conducting food drives and distributing government food commodities, helping people connect with existing social services, and providing opportunities for neighborhood residents to socialize.

Lift UP entered a partnership with the Housing Authority of Portland (now Home Forward) to provide socialization and other services to residents of low-income apartment buildings through the Adopt a Building program. Volunteers from churches and synagogues provided community-building and enrichment activities, including social events and classes.

In December of 2007, Lift UP acquired Preston's Pantry and-with the support of donors, Oregon Food Bank, and local businesses-expanded the program to provide staples and fresh food in an environment that emulates a small grocery store. The food pantry now serves nearly 13,000 people a year!

In 2016, Lift UP launched the Adopt a Building program, which provides in-building food resources to affordable housing residents in Northwest and Downtown Portland. Through this program, Preston's Pantry, and Free Food Market, Lift UP distributed nearly 800,000lbs of food last year. We couldn't do the work that we do without our dedicated volunteer team and we'd love for you to join us!