Mission

Every Saturday, in fair and inclement weather, we will travel the streets of Portland to fellowship with and serve homemade meals to all in need.  We strive to bring compassion, kindness, human connection, nutritious food, clothing, blankets and other items to strengthen the bodies, minds and souls of our neighbors living on the street.

History

In 2012, Michael Tabor and Philip Sakash began traveling the streets of Portland every Saturday, serving sandwiches (and later warm meals) to people living on the street.  They prepared the meals in the home kitchen of Kevin Tabor.  The food was served tailgate style, with an informal , friendly atmosphere and the flexibility to move as the street population moved.

Eventually the group of volunteers began cooking warm meals at Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, partnering with the church community.  Over the first three years, they met up with others doing the same work, as well as newcomers with a heart to join them.  The group of volunteers grew and the work continued, entirely self-funded.  Come rain, snow, sweltering heat or hail, the group only missed two Saturdays.  Neighbors living on the streets of Portland could count on a warm nutritious meal and good fellowship every Saturday.

By 2015 there was a consistent route of travel for the first few Saturday serving locations.  The group always served first at SE 11th and Pine, near St. Francis church.  This location was a place where many homeless gathered to make use of the church's support services.  Then it was on to a few other locations, including Colonel Sumners Park and Jackson's Shell station at 621 SE Grand Avenue. The station has compassionately welcomed the team to serve in their parking lot every Saturday.

By 2015 the group was blessed in many ways.  The group acquired a mobile barbecue set up that was a hit with everyone.  When barbecue is served, people on the streets gather in droves.  By now more people were volunteering and contributing time, gasoline, vehicles, and funding to the program.  Although funding was still tight and often uncertain, some donations came in through Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church to help fund the work.  The church itself covered the electricity for refrigeration of food and meal preparation, as well as space to store food and equipment.  City Bible collaborated with the group in the acquisition of food donations.  A Taco Del Mar owner from Cascade Station contributed 200 burritos every Saturday for about two years.  Sometimes the  people on the street would insist on giving a dollar or two.  In fact, one homeless participant went to the store to buy fresh meat to add to the grill to share with others.

In 2016, the group expanded its mission and organized a "Street Store", modeled after a South African event, to distribute clothing and gear before the cold winter set in.  The Street Store was designed to distribute clothing in an independent shopping manner, offering a sense of choice and a feeling of dignity for the participants.  The Street Store evolved into a Street Market held annually in the fall.  In 2017 the event expanded in donations and required rental of a large truck to support the event that coincided with a festive barbecue and utilized the parking lot at Jackson's Shell Station.

In April of 2017, the group incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit and officially became Saturday Samaritans.  Students from Pacific Northwest College for the Arts (PNCA) worked with the team to develop the logo and a set of marketing tools.  Today the Saturday Samaritan Board and volunteers continue the legacy of bringing homemade food, compassion, clothing, and other support to the vulnerable persons who call the streets of Portland their home.