FAQs
Eastside Village? What’s that?
We’re a community-based, grassroots nonprofit organization primarily for seniors who live in 23 neighborhoods in East Portland. We help our members enjoy living safely and happily in our own homes.
Are you a retirement village?
We get asked that a lot, but no! A few of us live in retirement communities, but most of us live independently, in homes, condos, and apartments.
What area do you serve?
Our 220-plus members live in the area that stretches from the Willamette River to 122nd Avenue, and from I-84 to the city’s southern boundary. [map]
I live just outside that area – may I still join?
The simple answer is no. But the good news is that your location may fall into the area served by one of the 10 other villages in the Portland metro area and on the north Oregon Coast. Call our office and our staff can talk you through your options.
What if I move outside of Eastside Village boundaries and wish to remain in Eastside Village?
From time to time, individuals who live outside Eastside Village (EV) boundaries, in adjoining neighborhoods for which there is not a current active Village, may apply to join EV as a Satellite member. Satellite membership will be determined, in part, on how far outside the EV boundaries the applicant lives. Satellite membership is limited to the social member category and will be afforded all the benefits of an EV social member, except for the availability of volunteer services. Additionally, if a member moves to within the boundaries of another Village but wishes to remain in EV, the above policy applies.
Is membership open to everyone?
Not quite. We serve anyone who lives in our service area who is at least 18 years old, including people with a chronic illness or a disability (or disabilities). All our members can benefit from our services and social programs that support independent living.
You said you help each other? Doing what?
We offer safe and friendly rides to medical appointments and social events; these can be lifesavers for folks who don’t drive. We also trim hedges, declutter closets, set up computers, take care of your pets if you’re gone—and lots more!
We’re all about helping our neighbors stay neighbors. To that end, we fill more than 1,000 service requests each year.
Some of our members are physically able to provide these volunteer services to other members. Many of those who are more challenged volunteer their talents in different ways, from planning events to checking in on people going through a tough time. And we’re grateful that nonmembers in the community also are active volunteers!
Will I have the same volunteer each time I request a service?
We can’t guarantee that. Our volunteers decide when they’re available.
May I call a volunteer directly to request a service?
No. You’ll need to make all service requests through our office.
May I tip a volunteer?
No. Volunteers don’t accept tips, but they do appreciate a heartfelt “thank you”!
Are volunteer drivers vetted?
Yes. All of them have completed a lengthy course from the National Safety Council, passed a background check, and been road tested by an Eastside Village driver. They also must have a safe driving record, a valid driver’s license, and auto insurance.
If I use a walker, cane, or wheelchair, can a volunteer transport me and my mobility device?
Yes, with advance notice to our office and the volunteer driver. Please note that you must be able to get in and out of the vehicle on your own; the volunteer driver may offer only a supportive arm.
Do you provide in-home healthcare?
No. We don’t provide medical care, financial advice, or legal advice. But some members have experience in these areas, and many more, and they’re willing to recommend, for example, a podiatrist or an elder-care attorney who worked well for them. This network of knowledgeable seniors is so valuable, especially if you’re new to Portland!
I want a volunteer to come help in my home regularly. Can someone do that?
That’s not exactly how it works. Think of Eastside Village volunteers as friends who will come help with a special, one-off project, like changing light bulbs, weeding a garden bed, sorting mail, or repairing a front-porch railing.
We don’t provide regular house cleaning, and members manage their own regular home and lawn maintenance, repairs, or upgrades that require a skilled professional. We can provide referrals for folks you may want to hire.
Do members have to volunteer?
No. But many members do volunteer, in so many ways. That’s how we make our village a community!
I’m not a member, but I’d like to volunteer. How do I sign up?
Please contact the office, or complete our Volunteer Application Form. Volunteers attend a short one-on-one training class and pass a background check. Volunteer drivers also take online training and in-person driving tests. Volunteers are covered by the Villages NW liability insurance policy.
What about the social stuff?
There’s something going on almost every day of the week! Card games, book clubs, art classes, coffee meet-ups, lectures, bike rides, and hikes – you name it, we do it. And more social events are created by our members all the time.
Are there parties just for fun?
Absolutely! It varies every year, but our activities team throws festive holiday soirées and “just-because” get-togethers.
I’m pretty introverted, and parties aren’t my scene. Is there something for me?
We’ve got members at every point on the social-butterfly spectrum, and activities to match all comfort levels. Members choose what they want to do. Some “life-of-the-party” sorts will be the first to lead a conga line, while quieter folks are sure to find a comfortable place to listen, learn, and enjoy low-key and meaningful interactions. Everyone adds to the vibrancy of our community, and no one is left behind.
Does someone organize all this stuff?
Our part-time office manager coordinates most of our operations, but most of our activities and services come from our members. Every event, class, and outing started with one member having an idea and getting others excited about it, too.
You say you celebrate diversity – how does that play out in reality?
We respect everyone’s story. We have members who are pioneers in the unique history of the queer community. We have members whose personal health story – be it lifelong neurodivergence or later-in-life chronic illness – has shaped how they interact with the world. We strive to learn from everyone who is part of our community. We celebrate what makes each person strong and special, we work to break down barriers, and we welcome everyone to simply be themselves. [Mission and Values with DEI statement]
How are you connected to the larger Portland community?
We plan events each year that help our broader community. We participate in neighborhood cleanups on Earth Day. We collect warm clothing, school supplies, and food for sharing through pantries in our neighborhoods. We’ve become active in social-justice issues as well, giving our members ways to connect to causes that are important to them. We invite speakers to share insights and information about a range of topics, from travel and culture to aging well and creating a garden filled with native plants.
Is it expensive?
Considering all you get, we think it’s a terrific bargain! As you'll discover in our Become a Member page, there are two tiers of membership: full-service and social.
Full-service members may access all of our activities, and they may make three service requests per week. Individual full-service members pay $540 a year; couples pay $780.
Social members access all of our activities and may make three service requests per year. Individual social members pay $300 a year; couples pay $500. As a social member, you’ll also receive up to two weeks of services if you need them due to health issues. If you need services for a longer period of time, you may upgrade to a full-service membership on a pro-rated basis, and may revert to a social membership on your annual renewal date.
Membership fees are payable either annually or monthly.
What if I can’t afford the membership fees?
Membership grants are available for those with reduced income. Just call our office for details.
What do you do with the membership fees?
The fees support our programs and Village operations, like volunteer communications, facility rentals for events, and administrative costs. We also contribute to Villages NW – the “hub” organization that includes the 11 other Villages in the Portland metro area and Oregon Coast. Villages NW provides insurance, tech support, and many services and programs that benefit the member Villages.
Are activities included in the membership fee?
Most of our activities are free. We always let members know if an activity has a small cost.
May I buy someone else a membership?
Yes! Many people do! Your friend will receive all of our membership benefits.
May I receive a refund if I wish to discontinue my membership?
We don’t offer refunds if a member stops their membership early. Your membership will continue until the end of the period you paid for.
If you move to another village within the Villages NW area, you may be able to transfer your membership. Please contact our office about this.
How long have you been around?
Eastside Village started in 2015, and we’ve been on solid financial footing from the start. We’re part of a movement that began in the Boston area in 2002 – the movement is now known as the Village-to-Village Network. There are more than 350 Villages similar to Eastside Village throughout the U.S.
How can I find out more?
Call us at (503) 866-0571 or email us at [email protected]! Our office is located in the Woodstock neighborhood in SE Portland. Better yet, attend an Eastside Village information session – what we call “EV 101.” Members will answer your questions and give you a feel for our Village. You also might want to attend one of the four coffee meet-ups we hold each week.
I might not join yet, but I’d like to volunteer.
We’d welcome that – thank you! All of our volunteers must be 18 or older and pass a background check. Our volunteers also receive training to make sure they’re familiar with the special needs of certain seniors. Please contact our office at (503) 866-0571 or [email protected].