Portland, Oregon – The Portland Sunshine Division, a cornerstone of food relief in the metropolitan area for over a century, has announced a transformative step in its mission by officially acquiring a new permanent headquarters. This pivotal acquisition on Northwest Front Avenue near downtown Portland is set to significantly enhance the organization’s capacity to combat food insecurity across the region, arriving at a time when the need for assistance is at an unprecedented high.
After more than a century of unwavering commitment to providing immediate food relief to Portlanders, the Sunshine Division’s new 30,000-plus-square-foot facility marks a strategic move to address the escalating demand for their vital services. The building will not only house a modern public food pantry but also feature an expanded warehouse offering a remarkable 140% increase in storage capacity, a dedicated volunteer area, administrative offices, and multiple loading docks designed for faster and more efficient distribution. Its central location also boasts convenient access to public transit and ample parking, ensuring accessibility for the community it serves. This significant News comes as a beacon of hope for thousands of families and individuals in Oregon.
A Century of Service and Evolving Needs
The Sunshine Division’s roots stretch back to 1923, born from the efforts of the Portland Police Reserve, civilian volunteers assembled by then-Mayor George Baker. Initially known as “George Baker’s Sunshine Boys” for their work in delivering Christmas baskets to families facing widespread poverty, the organization steadily evolved. While it transitioned into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the 1960s, its unique and invaluable partnership with the Portland Police Bureau continues, with food boxes still readily available in every police precinct for officers to distribute in moments of crisis. For nearly five decades, the organization operated out of its North Thompson Street headquarters, a building originally constructed in 1929. However, the dynamics of food insecurity in the Portland metropolitan area have shifted dramatically.
The past few years have seen a surge in demand for food assistance, driven by a confluence of factors including inflation, the lasting economic impacts of the pandemic, reductions in SNAP benefits, and the rising cost of living. This growing need necessitated a more robust and permanent solution than their previous setup. Since 2020, Safeway Albertsons had generously provided temporary, rent-free warehouse space, allowing the Sunshine Division to expand its operations. While critical, this temporary arrangement underscored the urgency for a long-term, purpose-built facility capable of meeting the community’s future needs.
The Next Century of Service Capital Campaign
The acquisition of the Northwest Front Avenue property is a cornerstone of the Sunshine Division’s ambitious “Next Century of Service Capital Campaign.” This campaign aims to raise $11.75 million to fund both the purchase and subsequent renovation of the new headquarters. To date, the campaign has successfully secured approximately 70% of its goal, with over $8 million raised, a testament to the generous support from private donors within the community. Executive Director Kyle Camberg emphasized the profound significance of this investment, stating, “This is more than a building. It’s a promise to Portland that Sunshine Division will be here for the next 100 years, providing hope and nourishment to families in crisis.” This dedication highlights the unwavering commitment of the Sunshine Division to the well-being of the Oregon community.
Leading the extensive remodel design is McKenzie Architecture, a firm known for its integrated design approach, while R&H Construction will serve as the general contractor for the project. Both firms are respected for their work in the region and their commitment to community-focused projects. Renovations are slated to commence in November 2025, with the Sunshine Division anticipating a move-in by spring 2026.
Expanding Reach and Impact
The new facility will become the Sunshine Division’s primary distribution hub and flagship pantry, significantly streamlining their operations and increasing efficiency. This expansion is critical as the organization continues to face escalating demand. In 2024 alone, the Sunshine Division provided food to local households nearly 100,000 times through a variety of programs, including their Southeast Portland pantry, a weekly home-delivery program launched in 2020, and various food distribution events and community partnerships. The organization has also been active in expanding its services, opening its Southeast Stark Street pantry in 2017, launching an MLK Jr. Day Distribution Event serving over 3,000 households in 2021, and expanding Holiday Meal Distribution Events to assist over 9,000 households in 2023. Even with the new main hub, the Southeast Stark Street pantry will remain open, ensuring multiple direct service locations across the city and doubling their overall capacity to serve those in need across the metropolitan area.
The strategic investment in this new headquarters ensures that the Sunshine Division is well-positioned to meet the evolving challenges of food insecurity for generations to come. The improved infrastructure will enable them to receive, sort, store, and distribute food at an even greater scale, reinforcing their vital role as a lifeline for families and individuals in crisis throughout Portland and beyond.
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