Making the extraordinary happen
It’s often said the worst of times brings out the best in people. That’s why it’s been a special pleasure for me to chair Metro’s Central Enhancement Grant program this year. Funded by a 50¢ surcharge on each ton of garbage disposed of at the Metro Central transfer station in Northwest Portland, the program always inspires people to step forward and make something extraordinary happen in their neighborhoods.
This year was no exception. Last week, we awarded more than $100,000 to 27 organizations who came to us with projects enhancing their communities in some way. That investment — in small, but critical packages — will help create new family-wage jobs, protect natural areas and the environment, and direct aid to some of the most fragile people and places in our region.
For example, Store To Door or Oregon now has $3,500 to purchase and deliver groceries to senior citizens and people with disabilities. It’s one of many projects that lend a hand to struggling neighbors.
Forest Park Conservancy will use its grant of $7,500 for an outreach and stewardship program, promoting a strong sense of ownership in the amazing place that is Forest Park. It’s one of many grants that will help preserve the natural areas that provide sanctuary for thousands of people in Northwest Portland.
Our cultural heritage is also preserved and enhanced with these grants. For example, the Homowo African Arts and Cultures organization now has $1500 to help present a “North Portland Meets Africa” program in Cathedral Park.
To those who believe economic vitality has to come at the expense of our ecosystem’s health, this year’s slate is proof that we can do both. A full list of the $105,000 Metro awarded across 27 organizations should be up on Metro’s Web site soon.