PORTLAND, Ore. — A local woman is redefining what it means to “do your part” to address Portland’s homeless crisis.
What’s more: she’s doing it while coping with stage four heart failure.
“If I don't do this, who will?” Bree Melton said, standing in her Milwaukie apartment, stacked halfway to the ceiling with clothes, shoes, food, toiletries and other donations.
Melton, her daughter Makayla and their crew of volunteers will keep gathering goods to pass out to Portland’s homeless until Sunday morning when they head to their standard parking lot Northwest 4th Avenue and Couch Street to hand them out.
They’ll also be offering haircuts and, for the first time this year, a shower truck.
It was donated by Melton’s neighbor, through his work.
Melton started the biannual effort five years ago.
She said Thursday she’s lost jobs and homes in the past and knows what it’s like to want for even basic goods.
“It’s not even just about me. It's about all the people we're doing it for and even all the people who have taken the time to donate and just be part of the whole entire outreach,” Melton said. “I don't think I could ever stop.”
Melton is still accepting donations and offers to volunteer.