Life & Work with Ashley Anderson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Anderson.

Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always had a desire to help and I think like most of us the question is how do we start? Where do you even begin with creating something like this!? I had a Facebook group based on the pay it forward idea.

You help your neighbor they help you. I noticed that the community of Portland was very special. They really cared for one another. So, using my platform I woke up on a cold rainy Friday in 2018 and thought I should give food away! So, I set up at our town gazebo and had milk, eggs, and bread. We served four families that day and every Friday I was there stores started donating and our community started donating.

With all those donations coming in we needed somewhere to store so with my family behind me we turned our home into a food pantry. We now serve up to 275 families every other Friday and daily in emergency situations.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Keeping our shelves stocked has been the biggest challenge. The amount of food it takes to make a food giveaway successful is about 12,000 pounds. Covid-19 has brought on food shortages everywhere and more people finding themselves in need. Monetary donations is another battle as they are essential in keeping up with day-to-day operations.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Executive Director of Portland Pay It Forward. My heart my soul and love is my community. I work hard to bring them the best I can in food and being there not just feeding them but listening to them and caring for them. I have built trust and love for each and every one of the people we serve.

Community outreach is always more than supplying food it’s about understanding the needs of each individual person. It takes time but the reward is so worth it. I look forward to our future and having a place for the community to come not only to get food but counseling, a place to wash clothes and build a safe place for all our community.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Find a mentor! I learned so much from others in this industry. It’s a unique set of challenges and finding someone who has been down that road is priceless. Do not let anything hold you back! We didn’t have money for a building so I just gave all my furniture away and said here is my living room!

Nothing should stop your dream. Always remember to treat people like family. We are called to care for our neighbors in their time of need. Understand it’s very hard work but worth every minute!

Contact Info:

• Email: Ashley@portlandpayitforward.org
• Website: www.portlandpayitforward.org
• Instagram: Portlandpayitforward
• Facebook: Portland Pay It Forward