Mainspring

Mission

Mainspring addresses economic hardship, including food insecurity for families and seniors.

Bottom Line for Portland

Mainspring is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for change, raising awareness, and forming community alliances, and has done so for 56 years. We ensure equal access to resources while promoting awareness to bridge the gap between those in need. In 2023, we assisted 90,413 individuals with four staff members and 48 volunteers, with our goal for 2024 to reach over 100,000.

Quote

Food is a universal language that connects communities, neighbors, and families, creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of connection. It is present during national events, passing laws, celebrating victories, mourning, birth, ceremonies, and everyday meals. Food is our bond to one another, whether we are in need or helping those with compassion and dignity.

-Lorren Snowwolf

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mainspring, a Portland-based nonprofit, provides community services like mobile food pantries, Re-Thread Clothing Services, and harm reduction tools to promote dignity, compassion, and hope. We aim to create a sense of community belonging, respect diversity, and equality, ensuring everyone has access to basic necessities and a supportive system that values their unique contributions.

Partner(s)

Rerun 2 is a neighborhood resale and consignment store, which has been generously donating clothing to Mainspring over the years, as well as assisting us in acquiring clothing fixtures for our clothing pantry, which was redesigned, revamped, and renamed Re-Thread Clothing Services in May of 2023.

Here We Go Again, a Portland consignment store, has additionally assisted us through clothing donations and fundraisers to create Re-Thread Clothing Services, a place where the underserved population may shop for free and self-select with dignity in a retail environment without being constrained by a limited budget.

Shopeteria is a multigenerational family-owned corner market in Madison South neighborhood, is known for its unique selection, personalized service, attracting loyal customers, and generating positive word-of-mouth referrals like the old classic markets.

Snowwolf Ink Tattoo Studio is located in the heart of Portland's South Park Blocks neighborhood and provides a clean, ethical tattooing environment, producing "Ink With Integrity" artwork, supporting artists, fostering a culture of respect and collaboration, and with multi-level community outreach while promoting awareness by hosting regular charity events to give back to Portland's non-profit community. 

Oregon Food Bank, established in the 1980s, Oregon's first statewide food bank aims to eradicate hunger through community collaboration, empowering individuals and groups, and ensuring equitable access to resources. 

Love Our City, a Community Food Pantry that is situated in Portland's Cully neighborhood, aims to provide care, build community, and demonstrate compassion through food assistance, ensuring that every recipient feels supported and valued.