BCS addresses the need to empower those that fall between the cracks of government services. We seek to equip working, struggling people with the tools they need to overcome financial difficulty.

We provide the opportunity for BCS members to shop weekly and participant in our financial literacy program. Each member comes to our warehouse to get food, clothing and household items in order to create margin in their budget. They then are provided with the opportunity to meet with our financial advisor on staff and participate in financial literacy courses.

Being around for 25 years, BCS has been able to establish a well-structured program based on years of feedback from our members. Each year BCS may look a little different, but we continue to do our best to improve and grow. We are currently located in a 23,000 sq warehouse that provides us the space we need to distribute over 9.5 million pounds of product a year. Additionally we have a staff of 11 and a classroom that allows the space for financial education.

We use financial data to measure progress and accountability. Not only do we have thousands of narratives from current and past members, but our members are required to provide extensive financial information which helps us measure growth.

We have redistributed over 50 million pounds of food, clothing and household items to over 32,000 people. More importantly though, we've provided a community where people can be responsible and accountable for meeting their basic needs. For the next 25 years, BCS not only seeks to improve our services and outcomes here in Portland, but also to continue to replicate its model all over the U.S.