The WALK for Refugees and Immigrants Returns on August 19, 2018
Welcome to Portland!
Our population is shy of 600,000 and growing. We are one of the fastest growing cities in the US. We are also one of the top ten destination spots for Immigrants and Refugees from across the globe. Statistically speaking: Oregon resettles more than 15,000 international migrants, and 11,000 interstate migrants, per year (Migration Policy Institute. 2010-2011). Portland proper resettles about 100 refugees (international migrants fleeing persecution) per month with about 1100-1400 new arrivals annually. Almost half of each Portland public school classroom goes home to an ethnic minority family (PPS Oct 2012) and 1-in-5 Portlanders are foreign-born. To celebrate the diversity of Portland and our tradition of celebrating new beginnings, we are holding the second WALK for Refugees and Immigrants!
People are drawn to Portland for the same reasons they have always been from the very beginning: for the chance of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It also helps that moving to Portland means access to beautiful green spaces, a car-free or car-light lifestyle, and an introduction to tons of wonderful welcoming people – like YOU! Come out and celebrate our New Portlanders.
This year, we will start the walk at the newly opened Gateway Discovery Park that will open on August 4th. We will gather with Community Leaders, Elected Leaders and community members to participate in a one-mile walk to support refugees and immigrants.
We will also hold a school supply drive! If you would like to contribute, please mail or drop of new or lightly used school supplies to: East Portland Community Center at 740 SE 106th Ave, Portland, OR 97216 – Atten: Som Subedi. We will be collecting supplies until August 31st, with distribution of most of those supplies at the event.
Come join us in celebrating Portland and to welcome our New Portlanders!
August 19, 2018 (Sunday)
- The walk will start at 11 am from Gateway Discovery Park (10520 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR 97220)
- Gathering and speakers start at 10:30 am at Gateway Discovery Park
- At the end of the walk, enjoy diverse music, food and other family activities at Knott Park while also getting the chance to hear stories from Portland’s refugees and immigrants from 12 – 4 pm.
- See the full of the walking route here.
We invite all neighbors, faith-based organizations, local businesses, board members, neighborhood associations, and non-profits to join us on this walk to inspire and continue a compassionate, generous, and welcoming Portland! If interested, please contact Som Subedi at 503-260-2487.
The Immigrant Story
The Immigrant Story is back to share stories about New Portlanders. Make sure to stop by their booth located at Knott Park!
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Tweet and posts with us using the hashtags #PDXWelcomesAll #WelcomeImmigrantFamilies.