Pacific Building Systems is Proud to Support Operation Nightwatch Portland
Local Non-Profit, Operation Nightwatch, Offers Portland’s Unhoused Population Nighttime Hospitality with Dignity and Compassion
“To be homeless is to lack roots, ties to place, and a sense of belonging. Extending hospitality re-establishes this connection.” — Gary Davis, Former Executive Director of Operation Nightwatch
Our mission at Pacific Building Systems goes well beyond building high-quality steel buildings while exceeding our customer’s expectations. We are also committed to building stronger communities by supporting local non-profit organizations that make a difference. With National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week coming up in a few weeks (November 15-22, 2020), we decided to highlight one such organization, Operation Nightwatch Portland.
While we serve commercial, industrial, and agriculture customers all over the region, we do a great deal of our business in the Portland Metro Area where unhomed communities are a very real and visible problem. Sadly, the COVID-19 crisis has put even more vulnerable citizens at risk of losing their homes and their ability to fulfill their most basic needs.
We decided to support Operation Nightwatch Portland, a nonsectarian night ministry of hospitality, because they are actively trying to solve the problem by promoting dignity, community, and social connection for Portland’s unhoused population in the evening hours, a time when these services are needed the most. “It is our belief that businesses should support the communities we serve and live in. Operation Night Watch serves the homeless population in many ways,” says PBS Co-President, Sandy Trahan. “I was moved that one of the helpful things they do to begin a discussion around navigating a permanent solution was to meet the people where their need was the greatest.”
The organization goes well beyond serving their physical needs by addressing the challenges and lack of connection that results from the social isolation they are experiencing. Since 1981, Operation Nightwatch Portland (ONW) has offered friendship and hospitality to Portland’s unhoused community by building personal connections and establishing ongoing relationships. Their key areas of focus include improving youth education, quality of life, and strengthening local neighborhoods.
ONW’s downtown Hospitality Center is open each night and offers everything from foot care clinics to social connections and supplies like blankets, clothing, and personal hygiene items. Furthermore, nurses and mental health specialists are on hand to tend to guests’ medical and mental health needs. The organization also works with groups to meet the needs of the homeless population in North Portland, Vancouver, and right here in Woodburn, OR.
To get a better sense of Operation Nightwatch Portland and their mission, watch this video featuring the organization in Willamette Week’s 2018 Give Guide.
Food food pantries, shelters, and other service organizations need our support now more than ever so they may continue to provide food, a secure place to sleep, assistance finding jobs, permanent homes, medical treatment and other aid to those who need it most. Operation Nightwatch Portland relies heavily on individual donations to serve our community. To learn more about the organization and how you can help, please visit https://www.operationnightwatch.org.
About Pacific Building Systems
Located in Woodburn, Oregon, Pacific Building Systems has manufactured steel structures for clients in the Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii with the finest quality pre-engineered building systems since 1962. As a family-owned and privately operated metal building manufacturer, we design, detail, draft, engineer and produce superior metal building systems and metal building components, while providing uncompromising customer service. We have the experience, knowledge, and dedication to take on any project and would be pleased to work with you. Call us at 503-981-9581 and we’ll be happy to discuss your next project.