Because People Matter

Because People Matter encourages connectedness and understanding among segmented groups in society though its Night Strike, First Door and BTown Kids programs. Our engaging and relational environments provide relief and compassion to those living in the margins. We engage our volunteers to be present to, and thereby have impact on, the issues facing those in underserved populations, making transformation possible for all involved. It’s through these programs that we endeavor to see this transformation: Night Strike - A weekly program under the Burnside Bridge, serving recipients of service and engaging nearly volunteers this year, to provide food, shoes & clothing, toiletries, haircuts, foot washing, mobile medical & dental clinic, resource and veteran services. This widely known outreach program continues to be a beacon of hope in the Old Town area of Portland. BTown Kids - A weekly Saturday program in the park for children & families in four underserved neighborhoods in North Portland and Gresham. We reach upwards of 1500 children each summer through an environment that creates space for community, fun and relationship, while imparting a core value developed with the help of The Search Institute. We offer a 3-day summer camp to further build on these core values. First Door - A free year-round on-site after school tutoring program nestled in a North Portland apartment cluster. We intentionally partner with local schools to support classroom learning for K-5 students. Due to systemic injustices, we recognize that many students face a variety of additional obstacles to learning. It is our hope to see students rise above and pursue their dreams. Our program designs after-school interventions that best serve the students as they seek to learn and grow. BPM is a U.S. tax-exempt 501c(3) organization.