Volunteers of America Oregon Partners with 4 Year-Old Activist Austin Perine to Help Feed Homeless Men in Portland on Nov. 10

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, Noon-2 p.m.

WHERE: Volunteers of America Oregon’s Men’s Residential Center 2318 N.E. MLK Blvd., Portland Ore. 97212

WHAT: Volunteers of America Oregon will host 4 year-old Austin Perine of Birmingham, Ala. in his mission to feed the homeless. “President Austin” will partner with Volunteers of America Oregon to provide lunch to clients of its Men’s Residential Center. Volunteers of America is excited to host Austin knowing its clients will sincerely appreciate the positive love and energy that Austin shares. Austin has embarked on a nationwide tour with Comfort Hotels and Burger King as sponsors for his #ShowLove campaign. The Comfort brand is proud to help support Austin with accommodations in each city, including Portland, on his tour. Austin provides Burger King sandwiches and hugs with the message “Don’t forget to show love.”

The Men’s Residential Center serve 52 men referred from the county corrections department for residential alcohol and drug treatment. Of the 207 men served last fiscal year, 74 percent had been homeless at some point in their lives. About 99 percent of the men are low- or no income. The center focuses on providing service work and social activities as a core component of its recovery philosophy. More information about the center can be found at www.voaor.org/men-s-residential-center-alcohol-and-drug-treatment.

SPOKESPEOPLE:

Austin Perine, #ShowLove Campaign; Terance Perine (Austin Perine’s father), #ShowLove Campaign; Kay Toran, President and CEO, Volunteers of America Oregon

MEDIA CONTACT:

Carol Tatch, Development and Communications Manager
Volunteers of America Oregon
ctatch@voaor.org
503-595-2001 (direct line)
971-808-9197 (cell)

About Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, those recovering from addictions and many others. Through hundreds of human service programs, including housing and health care, Volunteers of America helps almost 1.3 million people in over 400 communities. We offer a variety of services for older Americans, in particular, that allow them to maintain their independence and quality of life – everything from an occasional helping hand to full-time care. Our work touches the mind, body, heart and ultimately the spirit of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services. For more information about Volunteers of America, visit www.VolunteersofAmerica.org.

About Comfort Hotels

The Comfort brand, franchised by Choice Hotels, has been trusted by both business and leisure travelers for more than 30 years. With Comfort hotel properties nationwide, the Comfort brand family is ready to take care of guests wherever they may go. And with hundreds of newly renovated properties, Comfort is committed to helping guests feel refreshed and ready to take on the day, whether they are traveling for business or leisure. Comfort is the largest 100 percent smoke-free hotel brand in North America with more than 1,800 properties open and operating. At Comfort, complimentary amenities include a hot, hearty and healthy breakfast, free Wi-Fi, business center, and fitness center or swimming pool at most locations. Rested. Set. Go^.® because behind every great day is a great night.