Editor’s Note: Beaumont-Wilshire residents were introduced to Northeast Village PDX a couple of years ago at a BWNA general meeting, and the organization has been a newsletter advertiser since last August.
Are you a senior wanting to stay in your own home for as long as you can? Do you have an elderly or disabled neighbor who could use a hand from time to time? Help is available through Northeast Village PDX (NEV), a “virtual village” that offers memberships to seniors as well as people with disabilities over the age of 18. Trained and background-checked volunteers with this grassroots organization provide services that can help members enjoy living in their homes for as long and as inexpensively as possible, plus stay active and connected though participation in a rich assortment of social, wellness, and educational activities. For example, there are groups for those visually impaired, for men’s cooking, for dining out, and several more.
NEV officially “opened its doors” in November 2016. The organization’s membership has grown to 120 individuals. Of the over 1,000 services the Village has provided since its opening, the most popular are transportation (to medical appointments, shopping, volunteer work, and errands), house and yard maintenance, in-home support, and technology support.
NEV recently moved its office to Room 205 in the Rose City Park United Methodist Church building at 5830 NE Alameda Street. This new space provides access to other rooms needed for committee work and social gatherings. The nonprofit has also hired a new part-time office manager.
How does the village work? Members join at either the full-service or associate level. Full-service members have access to the full range of programs and volunteer services. Associate members also have access to activities and programs, but limited access to volunteer services. At both levels, members may also choose to become a Village Volunteer. To receive a service, the member simply makes a call to the NEV office. The office volunteer matches a service volunteer with the member’s request, and the service is confirmed.
Associate membership is $275 a year for a single person, $395 for a two-person household, and $110 for each additional person residing in the household. Full-service membership is $495 a year for a single person, $740 for two-person household, and $235 for each additional person in the household. Ask about full-service membership financial assistance for poverty-level income residents.
NEV’s ad sums it up well in a succinct slogan: “Neighbors Helping Neighbors Age at Home.”
For more information, access the Northeast Village PDX website at nevillagepdx.org, send an e-mail to info@nevillagepdx.org, or call 503-895-2750. A “virtual village” of help awaits.