All Posts

Ms. Allen, a 71-year-old homeowner in Portland, reached out for help with her yard. With limited income and difficulty managing physical tasks, even simple upkeep had become overwhelming.

November was another full and meaningful month for our Handle-It team as they continued caring for low-income homeowners throughout the Portland metro area.

This transformation was made possible by 25 dedicated volunteers who contributed 280 hours of service. Their hard work and compassion turned a house in need into a home renewed.

It started with a simple conversation during our weekly project meeting on October 28, 2025. Marty, one of our dedicated Advocates, shared something that weighed heavily on our hearts: several clients were worried about losing their SNAP benefits. For many of them—low-income homeowners—those benefits are a lifeline.

October was a month filled with purpose, progress, and heartfelt service. Our dedicated Handle-It volunteers stepped up to assist 12 low-income homeowners, addressing critical home repair and safety needs that directly impact daily life.

Earlier this year, Mr. Ryan suffered a heart attack, and while his recovery has been steady, his home presented a serious challenge: a roof in critical disrepair.

In place of our usual October in-person staff meeting, Catalyst leadership saw an opportunity to make a difference.

Each year, Renewal by Andersen Windows generously donates one full window replacement project, including both the windows and professional installation.

September 23-27, Catalyst’s dedicated volunteers continued the restoration by replacing one-third of the exterior siding damaged by the roof leak and repairing compromised structural elements.

Cordero House, located in Portland, Oregon, is a residential treatment program serving male youth ages 13–19 under the care of the Oregon Youth Authority

Our amazing Handle It volunteers were hard at work in August, making meaningful home repairs that truly improved lives across our communities!

Over three days, 62 volunteers contributed 371 hours to tear down the damaged structure, build a new deck, landscape the yard, and remove extensive debris—restoring safety and beauty to his outdoor space.

Ms. Ellis, a disabled senior living on a fixed income in a mobile home, was facing a dire situation. Her roof was failing, putting her home at risk of serious water damage.

July was a busy and impactful month for our Handle It team! These small-scale projects—typically completed in just a few hours by a couple of volunteers—are a vital way Catalyst NW supports homeowners with needs they may not be able to address on their own.

Ms. Lestat, a strong and courageous woman, has faced many hardships. Widowed for a decade and currently undergoing chemotherapy, she is immunocompromised and unable to keep up with the physical demands of maintaining her home. Her situation called for more than just repairs—it called for kindness, care, and community.

A Life of Resilience Ms. Fox—a proud Black, Asian, and Indigenous woman—has called her house “home” for over 20 years. After the...

Since 1984, Ms. Olds—a widow living alone in her Beavercreek home—has quietly gone about her life. But over the years, time took its toll on her house. Outdated single-pane aluminum windows and deteriorating siding left her home uncomfortable and vulnerable to the elements. She needed help, and that’s when Catalyst stepped in.

Ms. Robinson, a devoted mother and widow, lives with her adult son and 16-year-old daughter. Her son’s ongoing mental health challenges have made it difficult for her to maintain steady work, placing a heavy burden on the family.

Mr Springate's story with Catalyst is a powerful example of what it means to go “deeper” in supporting community members.