As I write this, we’re still waiting on judicial decisions about whether or not federalized troops will be walking our streets. Given the courts today, I don’t have optimism in the ultimate ruling. With that in mind, I’ve been thinking about mutual aid, how we can help each other in the best way possible, neighbor-to-neighbor. Here are just a few tips to get you started:
1. Talk to your neighbors! Make a list of who is on your block, who may have special needs and who has special skills that they can share in an emergency. Get a phone tree or a texting list together.
2. Be prepared yourself. We all know we live in the looming shadow of a disaster. Have your plan and supplies ready.
3. Keep an eye out. Maybe you live near an immigrant family who feels vulnerable in the current environment or you know that an elderly neighbor may be vulnerable to door-to-door scams. If you’ve done #1, then you can warn them if you see something strange going on. Don’t jump too fast to conclusions, but forewarning is a great start to self defense.
We’ll have an opportunity to discuss this further and learn more at our November 12th General Meeting, where members of our local NET (Neighborhood Emergency Team) will share valuable information about how we can all get through potential disasters, natural or not. We will continue with a discussion surrounding what we as residents can do to respond safely and responsibly to the new sight of troops in Portland.
Lastly, you’ve probably heard about the SNA’s very own Sunnyside Shower Project. Would you like to learn more about how we are doing mutual aid for our less fortunate neighbors? We’ll be hosting an open house and forum at the Sunnyside Community Center, the former Methodist church at 35th and Yamhill, on Sunday, November 16th from 3-5 p.m. Come see what we do, ask questions, and maybe you’ll decide to volunteer!
Also, keep an eye out for drop boxes at businesses in Sunnyside where you can drop off donations of clothing and gear for our annual Winter Gear Drive. This annual drive brings gifts of clothing and cold weather equipment to help our neighbors survive the cold months.
One last request, if you are coming to the General Meeting on November 12th at 7 p.m., please bring donations of non-perishable food. SNA will bring all donations to the Oregon Food Bank. The cuts in federal food aid are going to start taking a bite just as prices are set to rise because of other policy decisions. So, please help your neighbors if you can!