It’s been a hard week, in a rough season, amidst uncertain times. As ever, we need resilience. We need it collectively, and we need it deep within each of ourselves.
In the midst of it all, Leaven Community is building community resilience and personal capacity for growth and change all across our community. Even in the midst of loss and decay, new life is always emerging in the soil beneath our feet.
Want some evidence of that new life? Last Saturday at the Leaven Quarterly Gathering, members from across Leaven Community shared updates about many different happenings taking place within and beyond the walls of this place:
The Leaven Land & Housing program is engaging a year of Sacred Pause to deepen and strengthen our capacity and infrastructure, while supporting six housing sites to move through the development phase with a 1.5-year goal for completion.
We’re also making progress on our local Community Resilience Hub organizing: Salazar Architect will soon share community-inspired renderings, rooted in the values and priorities that Leaven members and neighbors said was important to them. Stay tuned for more detailed information about what we learned over the Summer, and opportunities to give feedback on the draft designs in the Fall.
Meanwhile, the Leaven Common House partners are building deeper connections through shared space, values, and vibrant events—from the Portland Fruit Tree Project’s cider press event (Oct 25) to the Vegan Scouts’ Harmless Halloween (Nov 1), plus new Common House member Equitable Giving Circle’s weekly free markets for BIPOC Portlanders, and more. The building is hopping!
Read the Quarterly Gathering notes here and review Director-Organizer Alison Killeen’s slide deck here
In the midst of all this activity, what shines through most clearly is that we are growing into a community where many hands, hearts, and imaginations are carrying the work together. From meals to meetings, from planting seeds to shaping buildings, every step is a reminder that resilience is something we practice side by side.
I’m so grateful for each of you—for showing up, for sharing your gifts, and for tending to one another along the way. As the seasons turn, may we keep finding strength in our shared life, and joy in the new growth that keeps springing up among us.
Want to be part of the action? There are many ways to connect, contribute, and celebrate with the community this Fall — come be a part of it!
Wednesday, Sept 24 – Community Meal (5:30pm) and Resilience Workshop (7pm): What does Community Resilience Mean to You?"
Wednesdays in October, 5:30 pm - Intercambio Language Exchange
Oct 5, 12-5pm – Community Work Party (garden clearing & planting, volunteers needed!)
Oct 25 – Portland Fruit Tree Project Cider Press Event
Oct 29 - Community Meal (5:30pm) and Resilience Workshop (7pm)
Nov 1 – Vegan Scouts’ Harmless Halloween
Every Thursday, 11am-2pm – Equitable Giving Circle’s Free Market for BIPOC residents