September 2026 - Catalyst Handle-It Projects in Action

September at a Glance

In September, our volunteers completed three Handle-It projects, giving 37 hours of their time to help neighbors in need. Four volunteers showed up with care, skill, and a willingness to go the extra mile. Each project was different, but all three offered a reminder of what can happen when people take the time to help one another.

A little more comfort at home — Portland

Earlier this year, our team installed a new roof at a Portland home. During the tear-off, some debris fell into the attic and damaged the ceilings in the upstairs bedrooms. In September, volunteers returned to patch and texture the damaged areas.

The homeowner was deeply grateful for the care and work. It meant a lot to be able to come back and help make things right.

The right help at the right time — Oregon City

We had previously helped this homeowner repair a bathroom floor that had rotted because of a leaking toilet. When they reached out again, they were concerned that the toilet bowl was filling erratically. While there, they also mentioned that the bathtub was draining very slowly. Our volunteer found a significant buildup of debris in the drain and was able to clear it.

This visit was especially meaningful because the work was done by a licensed plumber who recently joined the Catalyst volunteer team. Plumbing needs can be hard for us to take on when we don’t have a qualified volunteer available. We’re grateful for his skills and for the new ways they’ll help us respond to our community.

Railroad ties, a creek, and a return visit — Portland

Some projects are hard to predict. A homeowner asked for help retrieving three 200-pound railroad ties that had washed down a creek during a large rainstorm the previous winter. The ties had traveled about 75 feet from their original place in a retaining wall and ended up beneath a footbridge.

Two volunteers took on the unusual challenge, retrieved the ties, and secured them back in place. The homeowner was thrilled. But the next morning, the volunteer who had led the project reached out: he felt the retaining wall needed more work to keep the ties from washing away again.

The two volunteers returned and spent another eight hours each making the wall more secure. The homeowner was grateful not only for the work, but for the thoughtfulness behind that return visit—for caring enough to make sure the job was done right.

He called the volunteers “angels.” When we shared that with one of them, he replied with his usual wit:

“These angels’ wings were tired after this project.” 😊

That sounds just like our Handle-It volunteers: ready to step into an unusual situation, work hard, and keep showing up for a neighbor.

We’re so thankful for all four volunteers who gave their time and heart this September. Your care makes a real difference in the lives of your neighbors.

  

Project photos

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