About Us

Friends Stay Warm * P.O. Box 86185 * Portland, OR 97286 * 971-865-3530

Rev. Connie Yost

www.connieyost.com

Friends Stay Warm

Supporting our farm, service and seasonal workers in Oregon

Founder and Coordinator

I founded Friends Stay Warm because I wanted to do what I can to help those who struggle within systems of economic oppression and injustice. I have never gone hungry nor worked for minimum wage as an adult. I was lucky that my family immigrated to the USA when it was perfectly acceptable to be an immigrant. My family had careers in a large company that offered them benefits and a pension. We weren't rich, but we certainly never had to worry about paying for our housing, utilities, food or clothing. Isn't that what every person deserves?

I became a Unitarian Universalist minister to provide hope and healing to those who suffer. In the face of so much injustice, abuse and environmental degradation, it is easy to feel as though there is nothing I can do that will really make a difference. Providing financial assistance for those in desperate need does make a difference. It literally keeps the lights on. But more than that, it shows our most vulnerable workers that we care about them.

Ultimately we have to change our economic and social systems so that everyone has the opportunity to earn a living wage. I urge you to join in the efforts of the organizations below which organize low-wage workers to advocate for their needs. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Organizations that work with farm, seasonal and service workers in Oregon, Northern California, Southwest Washington and Alaska

Farm Worker Ministry Northwest

part of the National Farm Worker Ministry

PO Box 86185
Portland, OR 97286

Rev. Connie Yost, President

971-865-3530

revconnie @ friendsstaywarm.org

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Friends of Seasonal and Service Workers

2228 NE Glisan St.

Portland, OR 97232

503-231-4826