We create opportunities for people experiencing houselessness and poverty to engage in collaborative, skill-building projects in creative fields, connecting houseless and housed people together to empower each other.
WHO WE ARE
Tiny but mighty
Artist and activist Dana Lynn Louis founded Gather:Make:Shelter in 2017 to create a collaborative model of engagement connecting people experiencing houselessness and poverty to creative opportunities. Intended as a year-long project, with the fervent support of the Portland community it quickly took on a life of its own. Today we are a 501(c)3 organization continuing to grow through the combined passion and imagination of our community.
WHAT WE DO
ALTERNATIVE SHELTERS
Inventive programming and creative thinking for alternative shelters.
MENTORING
Individualized skill-building and opportunities for growth.
PAINTING & CERAMICS
Collaborations between volunteer potters and emerging artists.
EXTENSION PROGRAMS
Seizing opportunities to expand our programs to suit participant needs.
GARDEN & LANDSCAPE
Professionally guided garden and landscape design and care.
PUBLIC PROJECTS
Public-facing collaborative projects.
LATEST NEWS
I believe in this project.
It feels truly people-centered and walks the talk of merging art, activism, and social justice. It’s inspiring, moving, rigorous, and utterly human, addressing urgent issues through a truly creative, relational and empowering process that makes a real difference.
— Roya Amirsoleymani, curator at PICA
SUPPORT US
Learn more about all the ways you can support our work and mission
KEEP IN TOUCH
Sign up for updates about our projects, pop-up shops, exhibitions, events, and other creative opportunities to get involved.
