Top Non-profit organizations in Portland, United States

this is the worst company we have worked with... A lot of wasted money, nerves and time... We contacted Anna Caesar and were very dissatisfied, the money was taken for work and there was no such work, we were constantly frightened by the time of sending documents, we very dissatisfied with her work and in the end they also received a refusal to submit the form because she sent a refusal letter saying that we want to take the documents back....DO NOT CONTACT THEM.

It just became way overpriced.
Many things you can find new at the same price or even less expensive ones. So disappointing.
For instance, one measuring spoon for 4$ when you can find the same new, in a bundle of 4 sizes for the same price. It's insane!

BIG, but toys/electronics /kitchen cookware/, furniture/home decor are all heavily picked-over and without much value.

Books/Audio-Video Media(DVD's, Tapes etc...), and Clothes however, are well stocked and interesting to shop through.

If you are looking for "treasure" here, you'll likely be disappointed 95% of the time. It'd be pure luck/chance to find anything truly "Good" that isn't clothes or media.

Goodwill has become very... Corporate/Dark(let us not forget, they may almost guarantee employment for those with disabilities, but DO NOT guarantee those same people even National Minimum Wage. If you have any disorder which prevents you from Very Rapidly hanging clothes, your wages will likely remain nearly slave-level.)

They also now pick through their donations MUCH more thoroughly than even 5-10 years ago so they can put the "good stuff" on eBay or their own website, where those items prices are way more likely to be sold near/above fair market value.

Yes, they put ~82% of profits into charity, but St. Vincent DePaul averages 90% for example. So where is that extra money spent?

CEO/Board Salaries.

So shop here if you like, but DO NOT walk out thinking you've really helped the community with your purchases.

I had accidentally left my phone in the bathroom. I tracked my location of the phone when I got home and it showed me it was there. I called the store immediately. The manager got on and told me she would look in the restroom. I even knew what stall I had left it in. She told me she looked in every stall and it wasn’t there. I took an Uber there (from out of town) and went to look in the bathroom myself. Opened the door and poof what do you know there it was. Shiny gold case on top of the toilet paper roll dispenser just like I had said. She CLEARLY never looked. I would never do this to someone desperate to find their phone. I cannot understand why she would lie and not even check. This store had a great selection but I will never go back because of this.

City Team is the BEST!!! GOD IZ GOOD& THESE PEOPLE SHOW LOVVVVE!!!

Lutheran Community support for my citizenship was amazing. Really great teachers that actually teach History, Geography, Civics, everything. And the legal team supports you all the way in the journey. I love you guys. Thank you so much 🩷

Swap’ you’ve really shown up in supporting PAT during our strike movement for safer schools for PDX families! You’ve opened your doors and own mouths and hearts to support are many families, teachers with kids on this strike. You’re always a hub in our community for connection and gathering and safety. We appreciate your solidarity and support now and always. Thank you so much- James John Elementary Educators

Beautiful and informative exhibits with a plethora of information relating to Oregon's history. The price is more than fair, and the staff is very friendly and passionate. Highly recommend.

This place is insanely overpriced especially when you look at their muddy used shoes that they’re trying to sell for 19.99, 29.99, 49.99 It’s like this isn’t a goodwill it’s a brand new retail shop and priced accordingly. Also if you buy any clothes at this location? you can’t try them on first and if you don’t like what you buy when you get home when you bring it back, you can only exchange the clothes for more clothes that you’re still not allowed to try them on before you purchase them. GoodWill is anything but good will, it is greedy. There was a boy sitting outside the store with no shoes no socks no coat and I couldn’t go in and buy him those things for a price any less than what I would’ve had to pay for something brand new. People need to stop donating their things to such a horribly greediy corporation that pretends to help and care about others when really it has a money hungry president who squeezes every last cent it they can for their own greedy gain.

These guys and ladies are awesome here! They have good food and friendly faces! Thank you guys the food is also great compliments to the chef or chefs!

It's ok, sike it's hot as hell no ac. Lights out at 9pm staff still talking. Invest in a/C

I cried from joy the first time I walked in. Overwhelmingly amazing! More neighborhoods need places like these! Such an easy place to hang with your kids and feel like an A+ parent.

Pretty neat overview of Oregon history. A lot of native perspectives as well. Plenty of cool artifacts

very big store and some sections are even sorted by color! pretty clean and the people that work there are nice, different from what I read here. the only thing I found weird is that there isn’t many “masculine” clothes, they are mostly feminine.

My husband and I were referred to Lutheran Community Services Northwest Portland by a family friend for immigration legal services. We didn't know much at all about the process of getting a greencard but decided to take a leap of faith and use their departments legal services for his greencard. We worked with Minh Le to get our application and paperwork in, and she did not disappoint! She answered our questions, provided feedback and when needed prepared paperwork for us. Within 4 months of turning in our application my husband got his greencard! We are actively referring our friends and family to her and her program and would highly recommend her to anyone else looking for immigration services! She definitely helped us achieve our goal and we could not be happier with our experience!

George Orwell — 'Those who control the present, control the past and those who control the past control the future.'

Respect the natives! We will not stand for secret society control and deception. We 👁 you!

I feel that SOAR’s goals are very important and look forward towards the future in helping them accomplish these goals

Great organization

I enjoyed my stay and gained lifetime friends ...Teddy Bear was a cool dude and his wife was as well ...Gambowa was Rad ...there is alot to gain from there and it takes specially gifted people to work in such an environment may God bless these people

Had an enjoyable experience at the Oregon Historical Society. Great for history buffs or people wanting to learn more about Oregon. Admission is free for multnomah county residents. You will need to pay for street parking and may have to walk a bit if the areas crowded.

The staff is very kind and professional. They are helpful and very well organized. It was a very pleasant experience.

I always find something here! Clothing, drapes, rugs, lamps, shoes, bags, all things kitchen, books and vinyl. It's all here - little more spendy than it used to be but some of my most used and treasured items have come from here. Get there early when it's nicely organized and not picked over

I am very grateful to this organization and the people we worked with. We first started working with Kane because he was recommended to us by my brother. He helped us get my husband’s case started and submitted. He left the organization and we were assigned Miranda Keyes, she also speaks Spanish and that was helpful for my husband to be able to communicate with her easier through the process. The process finalized this summer and we are very happy with the outcome and the service this organization does for people.

I for sure recommend this place to people I know and specially people that need help and they can’t afford an expensive immigration attorney. :)

The Horizon Foundation is a remarkable Foundation making an impact throughout the country and Miami-Dade County! We are thankful to partner with these great folks!! They've help us bring many greenspaces to Miami.

Visited on the Tuesday of the most recent "great winter storm" that flooded many areas and blew down trees. Unfortunately part of the exhibits had experienced flooding, but we were able to experience the MoTown exhibit as well as the standard interactive Oregon History exhibit. Despite being a 4th generation Oregonian, there were still parts that were new to me, and we spent a good hour+ making our way through. I enjoyed learning more about the suffragette movement and Abigail Scott Duniway's contributions - it was interesting to see an original quilt that she had made and donated to raise funds for the movement!

Being a member also carries perks such as a guest with you, as well as discounts on the annual Hatfield Lectures, which feature many Pulitzer Prize authors and is always highly enjoyable.

Despite the name, it’s just the Oregon History Museum, with great history and interactive learning. If you aren’t local, go, it’s affordable. It just will give a glimpse of the nature and history of the region, from natives to explorers and colonizers. The laws and foundation, no sugar-coated and fair explanation. Other temporal expositions that you might like.

Today 09/22/22 I did my oath ceremony and officially became a United States citizen. That’s to Soar legal and team for support my journey ever since I was in Africa to coming to America to becoming a US citizen. I can’t thank you enough. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you guys. ❤️❤️❤️ Looking forward to working with you guys if I ever need your assistance in the future.

Walked in to get my fingerprints done. Luckily they squeezed me in and no appointments were needed. Friendly staff, quick service.

My daughter is a member so she makes reservation for me to go with my my 3 year old Grandson. Lots to do. It’s clean and fun with toys for preschool age kids and parents.

I dealt with LCSNP and a woman named Miranda Keys and could not be more pleased with the result. I was completely confused by the process but she was professional and incredibly supportive. I am seeking her assistance once again with the next step in the process and have complete confidence that it will get done just like before. These folks are the real deal!

This Goodwill is one of my favorites: clean, spacious, large selection, and mostly organized (better in the morning or when crowds are low). There are a lot of treasures in this one, seems to run through stock quite quickly so I always feel like it’s worth revisiting! The quality of many items is top notch as well; only missed a star due to the small number of dressing rooms and higher prices than I’m used to seeing at a Goodwill. Can’t argue that the clothes themselves are nicer though! It might take a lot of rummaging since the options are many, but the gems I found here will keep me coming back.

Education outdoors great people! Ya awesome!

It's mostly run by residents on the recovery program as laid out by a director. Nevertheless they are quite friendly. The showers need a major overhaul, which is to say they rely on donations to run the place.
Homeless people get to spend nights there if they have $5. Voucher holders are given preference. There's bible study and an AA meeting once weekly. The guys are fed every morning and night, 'cept for Sunday morning. Everyone must be out by 8 am. Program residents stay on mornings doing Bible study. The process is fairly successful.

This place is great for getting your mail. That about covers it for the girls. Showers are constantly gross (this is how you get yourself one big case of athlete's feet 😨) it's ridden with mold the floor is beyond disgusting. Donations are never washed before being redistributed (that's how you spread body lice, head lice, scabies, and crabs ...yuck ) blankets are usually clean but I don't think they wash them either. Over all the treatment members are amazing, they just aren't good at being maids....great cooks tho. Worst part of the place has got to be the homeless trash people (obviously) that just went nuts and they kicked me out for cleaning the bathroom. Eek. Maybe the portland rescue mission will fix my traumatized and scarred experience and at least be clean. Here we go.......

This place is great! They can introduce you to the community of parents, if you're new to the parent world. You may find yourself a bit lonely sometimes you lose friends when you get kids. They offer a lot of other resources. You can reserve the space and let your kids be wild while you take a moment for you.

Great museum (I’m from LA and I’m still impressed!). Love the temporary exhibition on the suffragettes - wish it were permanent and if it included a footnote on the ERA that would be stellar. The permanent exhibition upstairs was amaaaazing and the gift shop is tiny but mighty! Very happy I stopped by - I came by twice between work breaks for ample time to really stroll and absorb the great exhibits. A great stop if you’re in town. Parking wasn’t too bad either. That was surprising.

This is a great Goodwill. I usually go when it’s quiet in the morning. Sometimes people sit back there in the furnishings and socially distant chat. It’s very nice to hear in the background. Yes the prices are a wee bit higher than one would expect but most of the clothes are name brands and new. The inventory is constantly changing, there are a lot of staff on the floor discreetly tidying and replenishing - all of the hours that the store is open. Lots of books and vinyl records too (it varies greatly how much is available, it pays off to check back) The staff up front are friendly and quick. It all makes for a great shopping experience and there are hidden gems everywhere.

Great cause and wonderful people

I've been receiving mental healthcare from LCS for over ten years. I'm so grateful to them, especially lately, that I logged in to post a good word. Sadly I noticed that someone sort of using my handle trashed them four years ago. Not me, and I disagree. I work in the field, and have decades of experience as a consumer of social services. I could tell horror stories, including about my current employer, but no matter how dark things get...which can be pretty dark if you're alone, and old, and anxious, and feeling undervalued...I receive an intervention every week that seems like a heaven-sent beam of sunshine in the form of a conversation with someone who knows me well and helps me figure things out, preceded the day before by a very sweet reminder call from staff. I lead a couple of groups each week and by way of asking for an agreement that we not interrupt each other, I like to begin with appreciation for undivided attention, which is especially valuable to those of us who are accustomed to feeling unheard.
All people who provide customer service have days when they could do that better, and some people who seem chronically bad at it are probably better at something else there, and maybe just filling in for someone else during lunch. Bottom line...some people just don't get along...but I guarantee you that everybody is better off with them doing that job rather than someone like me. So I try to give them the benefit of the doubt and suggest others also try. When people feel appreciated their performance and manners tend to improve. As far as other who don't feel like their needs get met...I feel your pain. The sad reality is that there simply aren't enough resources to meet every need. Folks who come here as refugees tend to understand that. Americans, not so much. Providers can seem insensitive or indifferent, but in my experience, at least with this place, that's just the face of determination of LCS staff to do the best they can to provide available services and resources to those who, in their best judgment, they are best equipped to help, and who have the most critical need. These are hardly ever easy choices, and self-advocacy is appropriate and understandable. Also understanding and appreciation.

Amazing place to volunteer at.

I had a nice little walkabout getting a very broad overview of the history of Oregon considering most of what I knew was from playing Oregon Trail as a kid.

The main exhibit upstairs was lovely and I enjoyed seeing things of shared history between Oregon and Canada as the Hudson's Bay Company was very prominent where I am from and also helped shape history here in Alberta. Seeing the little relics like the turkey platter and stovepipe hat (my favourite for some reason) helped humanize the folks that came over and make it feel more relatable, even though it was very recent history.

The Portland Penny was a bonus! I adore that it was kept and preserved. I also enjoyed the nautical history that was covered like the little terrestrial globe, and, of course, the more modern history of automobiles and Nike.

The Greatest Photographs of the American West exhibit was also a treat as I recognized some and again, it showed a lot of that shared history between the American and Canadian West.

We worked with Minh Tam Lee. Unfortunately she wasn’t able to help us with our case. We wasted a lot of time and money here. She lacks communication skills and her assistant lacks professionalism. Their prices are lower than others but you also risk paying someone to never get the job done. So you end up losing your money anyways. I would look elsewhere.

This place is amazing! Feel so grateful to have this resource. The space is beautiful and so much fun for my daughter! She LOVES it. Full kitchen, other families, and souch stuff to do! Highly recommend for families in the area.

Swap and play has been such a welcomed addition to our family. It's an amazing place that we frequent and not just when the weather isn't cooperating. It's where our toddler goes to play, learn, build, do art, make friends, grow and build community. We are so lucky to have it in our neighborhood. Hooray for Swap and play!

SOAR has helped my family and I plenty of times throughout the years. They will answer immigration related questions and their attorneys are top of the line. They help low income bilingual families and it is very affordable. Thank you SOAR.

I have been taking my son here since he was 8 months old, now he is two! We love it! Great place to let your kid run around, play, and meet new friends! The community of parents too is a great thing for parent support!

Great place for events random gatherings or simple drop in. Full kitchen for cooking you can eat, play, chat, wash clothes, or swap clothes. Great place for small children to be free. The place has lots of mats and soft toys for tots also there is a craft room dress up room LEGO room and reading room !!

You can get free men's clothes at 5:45 PM and eat some free food also 5 guys get only a free shower at the same time. The food the cooks make is just fair quality. You have to wake up @ 6:00 AM.

I enjoyed the ambiance and people. The food was good, getting some to go as well. I knew it was time to go when the table and chairs were getting broken down around me. For a short walk from the homestead, it hit the spot. Pumpkin pie was rich and delicious with the strong coffee.

God bless these people, they're so helpful to whomever in need.
Friendly, humble, kindhearted staff.

Horrible Staff! Wouldn't return my phone call when in Hospital with fatal ill child! Couldn't have a worse "break down time" then that! Never have doctor on duty either. Office Manager is very unprofessional and has poor attitude too.

Great friends of flora and fauna (even humans) alike. Learn how to spot mountain beaver sign, recognize bear and wolf scat, understand what the birds are telling each other, or track snowshoe hare as you explore the back country in your loaner snow shoes. Wonderful, friendly people doing good for the mother earth with citizen science.

Very friendly staff and attorneys. I dealt with them for about 2 months. Even though it didn't work out in the end, but they are great. Attorney Caroline was very nice and caring.

Social workers there are so helpful in many ways! I'm really lucky to have received care in Portland's SOAR.