Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes for low income families. The families contribute at least 500 hours of sweat equity and are able to buy a home with a 0% interest rate on the loan. There are many opportunities to help them out, ranging from working on the construction to helping out in the office.

The job sites are in Washington County, generally towards Beaverton/Hillsboro. For more information, or to check out volunteer opportunities, go to info@wwhfh.org. Click on the “volunteer” on the left side of the page. Or call them at 503-844-7606.

If you decide to volunteer with Habitat or with any other group we may not know much about at CTK, write us a note and send it to the office to share with the rest of us!

Due to the many natural disasters in the United States and other parts of the world, the Northwest faces a food shortage for the needy.

Two food pantries in the area are asking for help in feeding our hungry neighbors. Saint Vincent DePaul Tigard Conference operates a pantry at St. Anthony’s Church on 99W in Tigard. Hours are Monday through Friday from noon until 3:00 p.m., and Thursday evening from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The Tualatin School House Food Pantry is located in the old Tualatin Elementary School on SW Boones Ferry Road and Sagert in Tualatin. It is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and Mondays from 3:00-6:30 p.m. Volunteer coordinator: 503-692-9621.

If you know of someone who needs food, send them to the pantry in their city. Identification with their home address is required. No appointments are necessary at either location. In addition, CTK provides a supplemental food program on the third Thursday of each month. Customers need to pay a $15.00 annual fee and can receive food each month. 

CTK is setting the second Sunday of each month to be our food collection date. If you can provide any non-perishable food, take it to either location or leave it in the barrel in the Narthex at CTK. Your participation in this cause is greatly needed and appreciated.

CTK is known in the community as an involved church that helps our neighbors in many ways. Have you thought about helping out in the community but aren’t sure exactly where to begin?

The Outreach Ministry Team will be sharing some opportunities for community involvement.  We will tell you how to reach the organization directly, but if you have questions, contact the church office. Find a group that interests you, and invite your friends along to volunteer with you.

A summary of opportunities follows:

The Good Neighbor Center provides short term housing for singles and families in need. In addition to housing and job training, drug and alcohol rehabilitation is a must for many residents. After residents successfully complete training and rehab, they often move out to independent living with support from different social services. Children are required to be in school. Transportation is provided.

CTK prepares dinner for the Center one Friday a month and typically serves 25 - 30 people, usually about 15 adults and 10 children. The Center also needs overnight hosts to spend the night at the center, from 10 pm to 6 am. This eliminates the need for the GNC to have to pay for an employee to be at the center each night.

Sydney Sherwood, the Executive Director, is the person to call for any information about the center (503-443-6084). You can also check out their website at: www.goodneighborcenter.org. For more information about CTK’s involvement, contact the church office

Helping Hands Ministry - transporting someone from CTK to a doctor’s appointment, doing occasional grocery shopping, helping with a minor home repair, or just providing a listening ear: contact the church office

SOLV: one day projects dedicated to protecting our state's beauty
www.SOLV.org or 503-844-9571

Lutheran Community Services refugee family assistance
503-233-0042

CTK has, for some time, been a sponsor of Alsea House, a group home for women with developmental disabilities.  There are currently five women living at Alsea House, which is located in Tualatin.  These women all work during the day and staff is in residence when they are at home.  These women love company and are especially fond of music.  Alsea House is part of Good Shepherd communities, which is affiliated with Bethesda Lutheran Homes.  If you are interested in visiting the home, planning an activity for residents, or participating in any other way, contact the church office.

Try the website www.volunteerhere.com to find other opportunities.