PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Sarah Heinicke, 503-475-4895, sarah@ecolloyd.org

WHO: Lloyd EcoDistrict, ebay Portland, Right 2 Dream Too (R2D2), Catlin Gabel School

Lloyd EcoDistrict brings community together to help homeless “Sleep and Recharge,” seeks more local support for next phase of Right 2 Dream Too.

Lloyd EcoDistrict has been working with Right 2 Dream Too (R2D2) to find solutions for their new site in the Lloyd neighborhood. The group was relocated from Portland’s Old Town neighborhood this past July. R2D2’s emergency “rest area” serves up to 100 people every night.

The new rest area’s most compelling immediate needs are 80 new, high-quality sleeping bags and ten solar-powered charging stations to power the tiny homes where rest area operators live on site.  Lloyd EcoDistrict saw an opportunity to partner with ebay Portland and Catlin Gabel School by creating the “Sleep and Recharge” campaign. ebay Portland has been seeking a local social service initiative with a technology angle. Solomon Olshin, a junior from Catlin Gabel, developed the solar-powered charging station model, called a “JuiceBox.”

“When R2D2 was relocated to the Lloyd neighborhood, we knew we wanted to roll up our sleeves and get to work helping them get set up in the neighborhood, but it wasn’t clear what form that work would take initially” says Sarah Heinicke, Executive Director of Lloyd EcoDistrict. “This is terrific project because it demonstrates the power of community involvement. It provides a way for people to engage in the complex issues of homelessness, provides a way for kids and parents to connect on this issue, and serves as inspiration to other kids through peer to peer learning and mentoring.”

ebay has one month to fundraise $4,000 for the sleeping bags and the “JuiceBox” solar chargers. At the end of the campaign, ebay employees and their families are invited to attend a work party at the ReBuilding Center, where Solomon and his crew will lead a build-out of the 10 chargers and deliver them to the R2D2 site.

Following the completion of the “Sleep and Recharge” campaign, Lloyd EcoDistrict plans to work with Lloyd neighborhood businesses to build 10 additional tiny homes on the site, as well as a mobile shower and a hot box for sterilizing bags, gear and clothing.

WHY: People who are experiencing houseless are our neighbors. Rest areas provide necessary services for people who need emergency services as well as a safe place to sleep off the streets. Right 2 Dream Too offers people a way to safely get off the streets, get some rest, and find more permanent solutions for finding housing and employment.

About the Lloyd EcoDistrict

Lloyd EcoDistrict is a nonprofit organization that helps the Lloyd Community engage in collaborations around energy efficiency, waste reduction, alternative forms of transportation, and community development. Lloyd EcoDistrict’s mission is to help Lloyd become the most sustainable and resilient neighborhood in North America. Resilient communities are created by breaking down the barriers that prevent us from knowing and helping our neighbors.

About eBay

eBay Inc.’s mission is to be the world’s favorite destination for discovering great value and unique selection. Our vision for commerce is one that is enabled by people, powered by technology, and open to everyone. The Portland office has become home to the eBay for Charity program, which allows buyers and sellers to designate funds to any of 30,000 charities, allows nonprofits to sell directly on eBay, and raises about $75 million a year. ebay believes in creating more economic opportunity for all and is committed to finding ways to get involved in the communities where their employees work and live.

About Catlin Gabel School and SHINE

Catlin Gabel School is an independent day school located in SW Portland. SHINE was founded by a group of junior year students and includes members of the robotics team and engineering program. For more information about the organization and the students’ work to bring resources to Portland’s shelters and rest areas, visit www.shinewithus.org.

Tags: Catlin Gabel School, Charging, Days of Color, ebay, Right 2 Dream Too, SHINE, Solar Powered