About/ Impact NW
AKA Science is a program of Impact NW
Impact NW’s Mission:
We believe in the fundamental right to a beautiful life. That, of course, means the stability and peace that come with basic human needs being met - a roof overhead, food on the table, warmth in the winter and cool air in the summer. More importantly, it also means a life filled with opportunity and community support, especially for Indigenous, Black, Brown, Melanated, Immigrant, and Asian People.
Thousands of us are just one financial crisis away from losing our housing. We believe in supporting people and families on the edge before it's too late, but also empowering the lives they lead beyond that moment - catalyzing a cascade of stability and strength that benefits everyone in our community.
Impact NW’s Vision:
We envision a future where housing is a human right. But we can't get there with imagination alone, or simply by asking, "Wouldn't it be nice?" We aim to set the standard for how this work is approached - and that starts by questioning long-held assumptions and best practices.
We focus on systemic community change for the most vulnerable populations. Rather than taking our cue from obsolete models of the past, we design for the margins. Our approach is evidence-backed and focused on the data that matters. We emphasize long-term solutions. By strengthening our community connections, those in crisis find us more easily - and by collaborating with regional partners we expand our reach. Our work supports and inspires a new generation of changemakers to lead human rights advocacy. In this Impact Way, we create a strong, equitable community with opportunity for everyone.
Impact NW’s Values:
1. See the beauty in people
Humans are dynamic and complex, and their challenges doubly so. We seek to understand that complexity both with clients and each other. Self-care and empathy enable us to show up as our best authentic selves - being open to conversation, walking alongside our clients in their journey, and recognizing the beauty of our shared experience.
2. Promote Peace
We believe in shared success - and know that when individuals are held back, our community is also held back. Providing help for those who need it the most ultimately supports everyone. That's what peace means to us: a sense of justice and fairness that benefits most people.
3. Find a Way
Our work can be challenging, which is why it's critical to maintain optimism. We strive to be a leader in our space, knowing that the responsibility of long-term solutions utlimately lies with us. We are resourceful, tenacious, and willing to do the hard work of making a better future possible.
4. Put People First
Systemic change requires the courage to do something different. We focus on what works - emphasizing the impact on human lives over theoretical pretenses. Many of our systems are structured around oppression and inequity, so working within them requires dismantling and rebuilding them. We start every conversation with the question, "What do people really need?"
Impact NW’s History in Our Community:
Impact NW has always responded to our community’s most pressing needs. Formed in 1966 by neighbors in Portland’s Buckman neighborhood, community members came together to combat poverty and deteriorating conditions in Southeast Portland. The agency was originally named Portland Action Communities Together, Inc. (PACT). Early Impact NW initiatives included employment programs, family counseling, food buying clubs, and a tool lending library. We helped develop Southeast Portland’s first Senior Center, Youth Service Center, and free health clinic. In the 1990s, we piloted Multnomah County’s first Parent-Child Development Services program and the Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN) program. Throughout our organizational history we have always aimed to help people thrive and remain safely housed. The organization was renamed Portland Impact in the 1980s, and later Impact NW as we expanded our services outside the Portland Metropolitan area.
For media inquiries or press opportunities, please contact Andy Nelson, Executive Director, at anelson@impactnw.org or call (503) 721-1767.
