Light A Fire

Light a Fire 2022: Caring for the Planet

Friends of the Columbia Gorge Helps Protect a National Treasure

For decades, the group has been a ‘citizen watchdog’ to monitor development on the Oregon and Washington sides of the river.

01/06/2023 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Nonprofits

Light a Fire 2022

Honoring Portland’s most innovative community leaders, nonprofits, and volunteers

01/04/2023 Edited by Fiona McCann Illustrations by Kaitlin Brito

Light a Fire 2022: Leveling the Field

Brown Girl Rise Makes a Safe Space for BIPOC Youth

The Portland nonprofit centers joy, fun, and radical sisterhood for girls and nonbinary kids.

12/30/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Light a Fire 2022: Best New Nonprofit

WeShine Builds Small Pod-Villages as an Alternative Approach to Homelessness Solutions

Microvillages, housing around a dozen people and small enough to fit into most any neighborhood, build community and give residents agency over their housing.

12/30/2022 By Matthew Trueherz

Light a Fire 2022: Extraordinary Executive Director

At Path Home, Brandi Tuck Is Anything but Shy

A college spring break service project turned into a career of bringing a trauma-informed approach to homelessness services.

12/30/2022 By Conner Reed

Light a Fire 2022: Lifetime Achievement

Civil Rights Advocate Valerie Whittlesey Is Someone Who Says Yes

From her time as a civil rights volunteer in Arkansas to campaigning against anti-gay Measure 9 in Oregon, Whittlesey has worked for equality for decades.

12/30/2022 By Fiona McCann

Light a Fire 2022: Young Leader

Yuyan Luo Connects with the Chinese Community for the Division-Midway Alliance

The Portland State grad acts as program assistant and Chinese community liaison for the Southeast Portland organization.

12/29/2022 By Conner Reed

Light a Fire 2022: Most with the Least

Our Legacy Harvested Brings More People of Color to the Wine World

The Willamette Valley wine country nonprofit sponsors internships to expose more people to all levels of the viticulture industry.

12/29/2022 By Julia Silverman

Light a Fire 2022: Keeping Us Healthy

WomenFirst Tells People They’re Worth Loving

The Gresham-based nonprofit matches people coming out of the criminal justice system with mentors who know what they’re going through.

12/29/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Light a Fire 2022: Extraordinary Volunteer

This Arts Advocate Reminds Us There’s a Lot Happening in Rural Oregon

Baker City’s Ginger Savage helped steer millions in COVID relief funding to arts groups all over the state, not just to Willamette Valley heavy hitters.

12/29/2022 By Matthew Trueherz

Light a Fire 2022: Giving Shelter

Bridges to Change Offers a Pathway to Recovery

The Oregon nonprofit brings wraparound services to those coming out of prison or houselessness.

12/29/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Aid

How to Help Those Affected by Hurricane Ian

From blood to cash donations, here are things Oregonians can do.

09/30/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen and Fiona McCann

Nonprofits

Light a Fire 2021

Honoring Portland’s most innovative community leaders and volunteers

11/30/2021 Edited by Fiona McCann and Gabriel Granillo

Light a Fire

4 Organizations Fighting for Equity throughout Oregon

Unite Oregon, Equitable Giving Circle, Brown Hope, and Don't Shoot Portland are training leaders and providing direct aid, with racial justice at the forefront of their work.

11/30/2021 By Karly Quadros and Conner Reed