When we started Portland Repair Finder in 2016, we did so with an eye toward the fragility of some of the systems we take for granted– the uncanny ease with which those of us with an internet connection and a credit card can summon products to our doorsteps, for instance. Clearly, it seemed, this could not go on forever, because eventually we will just run out of something– cheap fuel, clean water, working infrastructure, whatever. We saw repair shops and the DIY, community-centered culture of repair as a way to build local resilience in the face of whatever turmoil lay ahead.
That was 2016 though, even before Kobe Bryant dropped a casual 60 points in his last NBA game.
One thing, I think, that catches me off guard about the COVID pandemic, is how aggressively it attacks communities. Certainly, any recession hits the less privileged among us the hardest, but local businesses closing their doors, cutting hours and laying off workers has the potential to disrupt the fabric of our community in a way that can’t be easily repaired. Meanwhile, the stock market and the airlines get a federal bailout, and Amazon pays $0 in taxes, and its subsidiary Whole Foods asks employees to “donate” unused sick time to coworkers in need.
Getting jeans mended and toasters fixed may not be at the top of anyone’s priority list right now, (though apparently, getting our oil changed is) but looking after our community ought to be. To that end, if you have the ability to lend support, here are a few ideas:
• Jonathan Maus of BikePortland has compiled the status of Portland’s Bike Shops (also available in spreadsheet form). Many are selling gift certificates or store credit to help with cash flow, and many remain open with accommodations for social distancing.
• JD’s Shoe Repair is offering pickup and drop off service. Details on their website.
• The PDX COVID Mutual Aid Network is soliciting donations, organizing volunteers, and has a request form for those in need.
• Representative Earl Blumenauer’s office has compiled a listing of emergency resources, including food, health services, utilities and rent support, and more.
We’ll continue updating over the coming weeks. Take care of each other out there.