Social Services
We offer no-cost services to help adults and families meet their basic needs, make it through the month, and get back on their feet.
Healthy Food Pantry
Households may visit our shopping-style food pantry twice a month. We offer fresh produce, meat and dairy, bread, spices, grab-and-go meals, and staple ingredients. Essential items like soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, clothing, and more are available upon request.
Due to high demand and limited capacity, we currently have upper limits on the number of people we can serve each day. Please see details in our FAQ below.
Questions?
Email kryan@williamtemple.org or call 503-715-0320, ext.1215.
Resource Navigation
Our navigator on staff is available to help you connect with resources within and beyond William Temple House. We currently partner with Impact NW to offer utility assistance by appointment to eligible Multnomah County residents, as funding is available. We also assist individuals and families with signing up for SNAP and other government programs. Income eligibility requirements apply.
Questions?
Email esunderman@williamtemple.org or call 503-715-0222, ext.1298.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For our full nondiscrimination statement, please click here. We are an Oregon Food Bank partner agency and an LGBTQ Affirming Agency.
Visiting the Food Pantry
Our staff is available to assist you while you are at William Temple House. Please let us know how we can help. Physical access to the pantry requires navigating stairs. Alternative access options include placing a food order at the front desk to be filled by our team and assistance carrying groceries. For stair-free access to the lobby, please use the side door of the building located off the parking lot.
Food Pantry Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
11:00am–2:00pm (drop-in)
The pantry is closed annually on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Fourth of July, Juneteenth, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the food pantry?
Households can visit the pantry twice a month, and there are two options to access the pantry.
- Lottery: At 10:50 am, we hold a lottery to randomly select the order in which clients access the pantry. Upon arriving, enter the lottery and wait until your number is called to sign up for pantry and shop. If you arrive after all lottery tickets are called at 11:15pm, you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
- List: At any point, you can make a shopping list at the front desk instead of participating in the lottery. If you opt for a list, please visit the front desk and our staff will assist you. You will fill out a list with the items you would like and one of our staff members will shop for you in the pantry. Typically, making a list has a shorter wait time than participating in the lottery.
Please arrive before 1:30pm to access the pantry.
We aim to put as few limits as possible on food. However, in some cases, we do have limits on food items so there will be enough food for everyone who is shopping.
We are located at 2023 NW Hoyt St. and can be reached by bus lines 77, 24, and 26, and by streetcar. Please use Trimet’s Trip Planner to plan your route.
Do you have limits to the pantry?
Due to high demand and limited capacity, we sometimes have to cap services before closing time at 2pm. Currently, these are our limits for each pantry day:
- Visiting the pantry in person: Either 75 people or however many people we can check in before 1:30pm
- Shopping lists: Either 25 people, or however many people we can check in before 1:30pm
- Premade bag: Either 45 people, or however many people we can check in before 1:45pm.
These limits are subject to change, and may be influenced by our staffing levels.
How long are wait times for the pantry?
Wait times vary, and depend on the number of people who come in each day. Some days, it may take five minutes, while on busier days the wait may be 1-2 hours, depending on your place in line.
What types of food are available?
We offer an assortment of fresh vegetables and fruit, meat, dry goods, frozen foods, dairy products, spices, and ready-to-eat items. Since most of our food comes from donations and our partnership with Oregon Food Bank, our supplies vary day to day. We will accommodate to food allergies and dietary restrictions to the best of our abilities.
What if I am shopping for others?
If you are shopping for other people within your household, we ask that you fill out our paperwork accordingly with your household information. If you’re shopping for someone outside your household, additional paperwork will be required.
What resources can you connect me to?
Our Navigator is here to assist you with getting connected to resources and programs outside of William Temple House. Please note that all programs are subject to availability and may also be subject to income qualification.
Navigation Program List (subject to availability):
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program)
- Oregon Health Plan/accessing benefits
- Utility Assistance (limited to electricity, natural gas, and water when funds are available)
- Lifeline phone service
- Rental Assistance/Eviction Prevention (by referral)
- Transportation Wallet (free Trimet Passes)
- Thanksgiving/Christmas programs
- Housing/Section 8 waitlists
- Eyeglasses assistance
- Formal and informal referrals to many other programs and agencies
If you are interested in getting connected to any of these resources/programs, please sign up for Navigation services at our front desk during pantry service (Tues-Thursday, 11am-2pm at our 2023 NW Hoyt location). You can also make an appointment for Monday or Friday by calling Emily at (503) 715-0222 or emailing esunderman@williamtemple.org.
Do I need an ID to access services?
No, IDs are not required to access the food pantry. We will ask you for a name to check you in, but no proof of residency, income, or citizenship is requested. If this is your first time visiting, we will ask you to fill out paperwork for Link2Feed, our online tracking system. All paperwork is voluntary and you may choose to sign in anonymously.
How do I request an ADA accommodation?
Our staff are happy to assist you while you are at William Temple House. Please let us know how we can help. Staff members are available to shop for you based on your specific requests, help carry items up and down the stairs, or assist you in accessing food in other ways.
Stairs: For stair-free access to the lobby, you may use the side door of the building that is located off the parking lot. The food pantry is located in the basement of our building. Physical access to the pantry requires travel down two flights of stairs. We do not have an elevator.
Lighting: The pantry is lit using fluorescent overhead lights and spotlight-style accent lights. The accent lights may be turned off upon request.
Scents: Due to the nature of the pantry, we are unable to ensure a scent-free environment.
Parking: There is an ADA parking spot located at the end of the parking lot reserved for vehicles with a Disability Placard. Metered parking is available on the street.
To discuss your needs further or make additional requests, please talk to a staff member, email us at kryan@williamtemple.org, or call (503) 715-0320.
Should I bring anything with me?
Some people find it helpful to bring reusable bags, carts, or other items to pack and transport their groceries in. We typically have boxes and paper bags available in the food pantry if you choose not to bring your own.
What COVID-19 precautions are in place?
We no longer require pantry visitors or staff to follow COVID-19 safety precautions. Masks are encouraged but not required.
How do I get assistance paying for utility bills?
We partner with Impact NW to provide utility assistance. Our Navigator can assist you in this process, as space and funds are available.
Before you can schedule an appointment with Impact NW to receive utility assistance, you must submit the required documents to Emily, our Navigator, who will then submit your application and assist you through the application process.
The following documents must be submitted to utilityassistance@williamtemple.org before an appointment is scheduled:
- ID Cards for everyone in your household 18 years or older
- Social Security cards for everyone in your household
- Proof of Income for the last 30 days for everyone in the household who receives income. This may include:
- Work income: pay stubs for the last 30 days
- Social Security: most recent award letter from the Social Security Administration
- Pension: most recent award letter
- Current utility bill
Once your documents are submitted, it may take a few weeks for your appointment with Impact NW to be scheduled. Appointments are scheduled for one day each month. Unfortunately, we cannot provide appointments on other days, even if disconnection of utilities is imminent.
Appointments are by phone; you will receive a call from Impact NW on or around your scheduled time slot. Please try to be available for a 5-10 minute phone call on the day of your appointment, as you may not receive utility assistance without speaking with an intake professional.
Please feel free to reach out to Emily with questions at (503) 715-0222 or esunderman@williamtemple.org.
I have another question not answered here.
We can answer any other questions you have. Please contact Kevin at kryan@williamtemple.org or 503.715.0320 ext. 1215.
If you are interested in partnering with us, donating, or supporting our pantry in other ways, please get in touch with Kevin.
Additional Resources
For more resources around Portland and beyond, visit 211info or pick up a Rose City Resource booklet in our lobby.