Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon Partnership

If you've been part of Pearl for any length of time, you've heard us say: we exist to express a sacred story and extend a common table, that animate life by Divine love. We're glad to share a new partnership that provides practical opportunities to express that Love in our community.

Pearl Church is now a Faith Partner with Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon.

EMO has been doing the work in the greater Portland area for decades — serving refugees and immigrants finding their footing in a new country, neighbors facing food insecurity, individuals living with HIV, unaccompanied youth without a safe place to sleep, and survivors of domestic violence. They pair that direct, on-the-ground care with long-term advocacy at the state level, working toward the structural changes that make communities genuinely whole.

This is the kind of partnership Pearl has been looking for: one that opens doors for our community to show up in real, tangible ways — whatever your bandwidth, whatever your passion.

Want to learn more, or get involved?

You can visit EMO’s webpage to learn more about this organization, and sign up for their mailing list to hear about ways you can get involved.

Visit their Volunteer page to read about specific opportunities to serve in our community.

We will also feature opportunities to volunteer with EMO on our website and in our weekly email newsletter throughout the year.

Getting involved with EMO Offerings

Northeast Emergency Food Program
Northeast Emergency Food Program distributes nutritious groceries to our neighbors in need. We offer a unique self-service shopping experience for our neighbors, allowing them to select their choice of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, bread, meat and more. In addition to distributing food, NEFP also develops community solutions to secure access to adequate, affordable and healthy food. We ground our work in the belief that nutritious food is a basic human need and a building block for a healthy life of possibility.

HIV Services
EMO’s HIV Services programs provide assistance for low-income people living with HIV / AIDS, including nutrition, socialization and counseling. Volunteers for HIV Services deliver meals to homebound individuals, transport food to the HIV Day Center, help in the kitchen, provide activities for clients and assist with regular HIV Day Center activities.

Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees (SOAR) 
SOAR resettles hundreds of refugees a year. Sponsor an individual or family by creating a hospitable environment for refugees and providing for material needs upon their arrival to the United States. Volunteers also help refugees find affordable housing, greet them at the airport, help with transportation, be a friend in time of need, and assist with other tasks necessary to a new life. View a full list of volunteer opportunities on the SOAR Volunteer page.