You should probably become a member of Portland: Neighbors Welcome.
Do you believe that housing is a human right? That every neighborhood in our city should be open and available to people of all backgrounds and incomes? That every person who wants to sleep indoors at night should be able to?
Do you want homes that are affordable to rent or buy at every income level and every household size? Do you think all tenants should be able to live without fear of eviction or displacement? Do you nerd out about setbacks, FAR, and parking requirements?
If you said “yes” to ANY of the above, then Portland: Neighbors Welcome is a group for you.
Because everyone is welcome, membership in Portland: Neighbors Welcome is sliding-scale, paid in monthly or yearly dues. We realize that folks interested in housing may experience different levels of housing stability and housing cost burden, so we ask that you pay what you can, based on your personal housing burden.
This model is rooted in economic solidarity, helping ensure our membership remains accessible to all. If paid membership can’t work for you right now, please write us for a scholarship. No questions asked.
Pro Tip: We fundraise with Zeffy to ensure 100% of your membership goes to our mission! Zeffy does this by defaulting to a 17% ‘tip’ but you can always customize the tip amount, even to $0.
FAQ
What is P:NW membership?
Becoming a P:NW member is one of the simplest things you can do to make sure that Portland becomes a fairer and more sustainable city. The most important benefit of membership is combining your voice with hundreds of other Portlanders to support our mission: Building enough homes, supporting affordable homes, protecting tenants, and cutting carbon. Yep, we fight (and win) on ALL those things.
Members of P:NW are eligible to participate in organizational decision making and planning: Only members can join teams, participate in polls and votes, and help shape the organization’s policy and strategy drafts.
Members will also receive invitations to members-only events, the P:NW Slack group, and our private mailing list.
Why should I join P:NW?
A well-organized group of people can have a major impact on City decisions. An advocacy group with an engaged and educated membership can submit influential testimony on policy decisions, and participate in powerful coalitions with allied organizations. By speaking with a unified voice, we will be heard by policy makers, neighbors, and elected officials.
We can save the world, but only together.
What is my ‘personal housing burden’?
Our membership dues are offered on a sliding scale, or “pay what you can” basis. We invite you to reflect on your personal housing burden and financial capacity when choosing your contribution.
If you spend more than 30% of your income on housing, consider paying on the lower end. If you spend less than 30%, we encourage you to contribute more. If you own your home outright, own multiple homes, or have greater financial means, please consider giving at the highest level.
If you are renting, housing insecure, or currently unhoused, contribute what feels accessible—or join at no cost with a scholarship.
This model is rooted in economic solidarity, helping ensure our membership remains accessible to all.
how does a BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP work?
There are a lot of aligned organizations and businesses that want to show their support for P:NW and this is one way to do it. Choose an amount based on your size and resources. You can also support out work by sponsoring events, make one-time donations, and giving grants.
Who runs P:NW?
Our minimal support staff and elected board members guide our other volunteers on matters of organizational policy. They’re listed here. But our campaigns are driven largely by ordinary members deciding what they want to spend time on and finding others to help out. It’s a great team to be part of.
IS membership Tax-deductible?
Nope! We are 501c4 which means we can influence and advocate for policy and candidates, but it also means that contributions to P:NW are aren’t tax-deductible. If you want to support housing advocacy and education work in a tax-deductible way, you can contribute our 501c3 partner organization Growing Affordable Portland.
Where will the money go?
Portland: Neighbors Welcome is a grassroots, volunteer-led organization. The primary uses of these funds will be to:
Pay for the digital infrastructure we use to organize: Zoom, Mailchimp, and this website.
Pay for physical spaces and food for in-person gatherings to which all members are invited.
Make buttons, signs, and other rabble-rousing essentials.
Additional funds will be used for administrative purposes, such as web hosting, printing, and professional services such as support staff, accounting, and legal advice.