Build Community
A community led & run partnership for FREE art, classes, events, and resources in Lents for the East Portland community, centering LGBTQ+/BIPOC folks.
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Our Mission
We believe everyone deserves access to a space where they can learn, play, and connect with their community without having to spend money. Our organization is especially devoted to increasing accessibility for our LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, and centering the needs of minorities, youth, parents/caregivers, and individuals living in the margins of our society. By eliminating the barriers that people face to engagement so that all community members — regardless of housing or socio-economic status — can come together and make art, learn new skills, and spend time with one another, we hope to increase our community’s resiliency, decrease the stigma around mental health, and create a healthier, happier, and more equitable world for all of us.
Our Programs
LGBTQIA+
Queer Stand-Up Comedy & Storytelling Open Mic. Monthly PDX Queer & Trans Open Mic. Queer/Femme/Non-Binary dating support group. Femme makeup class. Trans book reading and zine launch. “L-Word” film Premiere.
COMMUNITY CLOTHING CLOSET
Free, gently-used clothing from the community, for the community. In partnership with Wall of Vets, our community clothing closet is now mobile and you can find us at free events such as the Really, Really Free Market..
WELLNESS & MENTAL HEALTH
Cooling Station at Lents Park. Community Therapeutic Horticulture. Mental Health First Aid Certification training in partnership with Portland Street Response. Body positive dance class. Kids yoga. Community Self-Care/Spa Nights.
ART, SHOWS & ENTERTAINMENT
Painting classes. Arts & craft nights. Fiber arts meet-up. Indoor & outdoor murals. Live performances, band concerts, and art shows from Lents/East Portland-based artists.
Our Volunteers
Volunteers become members by putting together free programs/events for the community and/or committing a certain number of volunteer hours; in return, they benefit from the support of the collective to achieve their goals, reach a wide audience, grow professionally and/or emotionally, attract clients/business, transform the community for the better.