Free Hot Soup Fundraiser

Free Hot Soup is a grassroots gathering of caring Portland citizens who come together year round to provide necessary items to Portland's houseless population. Free Hot Soup serves hot soup and other items to anyone in need at Director's Park M-F at 6 pm. On nights when temperatures drop, members also travel around the city in vehicles packed to the brim with donations of hot food/drink, warm blankets, sweatshirts, jackets, gloves, hats, scarves, boots and socks (and food and toys for furry friends).

Since its  beginning just a few short years ago, Free Hot Soup has expanded to surrounding areas including Vancouver, Gresham, Milwaukie, and most recently Tillamook. Funds would be distributed to any of these groups needing support as we move into winter. All funds received will be turned directly around and provided to those in greatest need. We have no overhead or staff. Specifically, donations would go towards purchasing necessary items when donations dry up or for purchasing items to help serve food (cups, spoons, etc).

We find we get a flurry of donations leading up to the holidays, but then things dwindle after the New Year when temperatures are really coming down. We have new folks on the streets every day who have very little to keep them warm and dry. Folks are often swept by the police or Clean and Safe crews and have their belongings taken leaving them vulnerable to illness, cold and even death.

Free Hot Soup knows this process is simply a band-aid for a larger local and national problem around homelessness. We hope to bring awareness to this issue so all Portlanders will voice their concern about the issues that exacerbate the housing problem including lack of affordable housing, renter’s rights, barriers to gaining housing including past issues or financial limitations, and mental illness and addiction.

If you’re unable to help financially at this time but would like to contribute donations, please contact the organizer of this campaign.  A list of items we accept is below. Thank you for your compassion.

Band Aid brand band aides
Antibacterial ointment
Gauze
Blankets
Feminine hygiene products
Pet food
Scarves, hats, gloves
Socks
Boots
Jeans/pants
Thermals
Sweatshirts, fleece, hoodies
Warm coats
Tarps
Hot hands
Propane heaters
Sunscreen
Sun hats
Baseball hats
Sunglasses
Lip balm
Tents
Sleeping bags
Tarps year round for protection from elements

*Cash donations for serving supplies, cups, plates, utensils,and paper towels or napkins.

Here is a short slideshow from FHS: