Beacon in the Dark: Mt. Hood Villages Neighbors and Businesses Step Up to Fill the Gap During Shutdown

As SNAP benefits are finally becoming accessible to those in need of assistance after the longest government shutdown in American history, The Mt. Hood Villages community became a light to so many during what felt like a very dark time for those in need. Stepping up to the plate, many neighbors and local businesses began to not only fill designated food pantries,  but created new ones in different locations accessible 24/7.

Businesses such as Mogul Mountain Pizza, Mount Hood Cannabis Company, and Coffee House 26 were just a handful of organizations that added to or created food pantries, with a large amount of community support filling the bins to the max. Everything from nonperishable food, hygiene products, pet food, and even fresh produce were just a few of the items community members began to collect and donate. Mt. Hood Villages community members of all ages and demographics not only stepped up to help their fellow neighbors, but continued to do so days after the SNAP benefits were reinstated. “I am a big believer in paying it forward, not back,” Mt. Hood Villages resident Cari Gesch said. “When I see a need my first response is always to see how I can help, because so many have been there for me in my time of need – this situation is no different,” Gesch added.

Through her community outreach on social media platforms such as Facebook, Gesch was able to not only share what her community’s needs were, but also encouraged others to spread the word and take action. “I am pretty good at going on Facebook and sorting through the information to get the word out,” Gesch said. “I am known for my distinctive, and yes, a little loud, voice, and I try to translate that into my online presence. I am pretty good at getting the word out, searching out the right people for the job, helping connect people to the right resources and doing my small part in getting the help flowing,” Gesch added.

Although SNAP has been reinstated and those who rely on the benefits are finally seeing their funds accessible, The Mt. Hood Villages community members are committed to keeping current food bins and pantries available. Relying on friends, neighbors, local small businesses, and Mt. Hood Villages nonprofit organizations, residents seem to always find a way to lift spirits and provide even in the harshest of times. “Community is so important because here we can count on each other when maybe we have been a little forgotten by the rest of the world,” Gesch said. “There are a lot of people living up here with kind and giving hearts who realize the importance of helping their neighbors,” Gesch added.

Mt. Hood Villages food pantries are currently located at Mount Hood Cannabis, Mogul Mountain Pizza, and Coffee House 26.