Image source: Here For Portland
Here For Portland is a city-led nonprofit organization that strives to get its residents back on their feet after suffering from the pandemic.
The nonprofit brings people together for a green initiative that improves the city’s environmental quality.
Here For Portland is primarily helping local businesses rebuild, especially after weathering a troubling pandemic that affected the economy.
Donation
Here For Portland gave away three thousand $50 gift certificates at the tree lighting ceremony in Pioneer Square last Friday night.
The gift cards were distributed through a free app called Kuto.
People can also use it at participating businesses in the city.
Abe Proctor, the director of communications for Worksystems, the workforce development board for Multnomah and Washington counties, applauded the app.
“The Kuto app is a local, BIPOC-owned company that helps people make electronic transactions while avoiding the fees that are charged by major financial institutions.”
“Everybody likes $50, right? And we’re giving away three thousand of these, so that’s $150,000,” Proctor added.
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The initiative
The campaign is part of Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler’s initiative to support local downtown businesses.
In addition, the goal is to help entrepreneurs recover from the effects of the pandemic.
Additionally, Here For Portland is committed to encouraging Portland residents to shop at local businesses during the holiday season.
The association wishes to emphasize the importance of supporting businesses owned by women and people from disadvantaged communities.
Dozens of people lined up to collect the free gift card on Friday night.
Reception
The residents appreciate the efforts of the nonprofit organization.
“We’ve gotten Kuto gift cards before,” said Caty Jimenez.
“It’s given us a lot of opportunities to find new local businesses that we haven’t heard of before, or maybe we wanted to go to but didn’t have the money ourselves to spend on it.”
Meanwhile, other Portland residents believe Here For Portland’s efforts will help the city recover from its recent challenges and inspire others to shop this holiday season locally.
“It’s a start,” acknowledged Bernard Lewis.
“I think it’s a great way to improvise and to jump over that hurdle, tear down that wall, and get Portland the recognition it really deserves.”
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Other notes
Here For Portland also partners with Portland State University for some projects.
The nonprofit helps students find paying jobs at downtown businesses.
Additionally, students who enroll can work a total of 300 hours.
After they complete the hours, the companies they have worked with can choose to hire them on an ongoing basis.
Reference:
Portland nonprofit distributes three thousand $50 gift cards to help local businesses
