Building Belonging
Imagine a time when you didn’t feel safe or welcome - a time when you felt like you didn’t belong. Maybe you walked into a room of unfamiliar faces where no one made space for you. Maybe it was a conversation where you felt like your voice wasn’t heard or valued. Maybe it was something heavier that left a lasting impact and made you wish you could change who you were just to fit in.
What would it have meant to you to have someone reach out and tell you that you weren’t alone? If someone simply said, “You belong here, you’re safe, and you matter?" How different could that moment have been for you?
At The Next Door, we know all too well that this isn’t just a singular, passing moment for many in our community; it’s the reality they live every day. People of all ages lack the spaces they need to feel safe, heard, and seen - to know they’re not alone and they truly belong here. For some, it means real danger, harm, or fear for their safety, and can even lead to isolation and suicidal ideation.
We believe in creating spaces where everyone feels safe, supported, and welcome, and we create programs, teams, and positions within our organization to help us do this. When we brought the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance, a once standalone organization, into our fold in 2022, we were able to expand our reach to the LGBTQ+ community in the Gorge. As part of their outreach with The Next Door, CGPA conducted a community needs assessment in 2023 and the findings were alarming.
Only half of the respondents stated that they planned to stay in the Gorge with those under 21 being the least likely to stay and the top reason for leaving being that there is a lack of community and support for them here. Only forty percent of community members said they have access to affirming resources in the Gorge, while the barriers to such resources included not knowing the right person to talk to, cost, lack of transportation to access resources, fear of being reported to ICE, and language barriers. The survey identified great need for inclusive language on paperwork in organizations, businesses, and schools in the Gorge, as well as LGBTQ+ friendly spaces and events to help overcome these barriers.
In response, CGPA has:
held many successful and welcoming community events
spent countless hours doing advocacy work
established and nurtured essential community partnerships and collaborations
created more spaces to give the LGBTQ+ community a voice
coordinated annual Pride Month events with multiple happenings planned daily, and so much more!
Since becoming a program of The Next Door, CGPA has helped hundreds of people create a sense of community and belonging. At a recent event hosted this winter by CGPA’s Youth Leadership Council, a group focused on promoting equity and inclusion, community members took the time to share heartfelt feedback. Sentiments like, “This event was important,” “I’m so glad I showed up for this,” and “This is exactly what I needed right now,” were shared with CGPA staff.
While this vital work has already made a difference, there is still so much more to do. The need for safe, affirming spaces and accessible resources is urgent, especially as community members navigate ongoing challenges and an uncertain future.
Your support will help us expand our team by adding a certified Community Health Worker so we can strengthen our reach and advocacy within our Health Promotion Services department, continue creating spaces of belonging, and provide essential resources to all who need them. Visit nextdoorinc.org/donate to support our work today!