“Give what you can, take what you need:” How little free pantries are supporting Portland locals

This week, Portland Salvation Army and United Way Glenelg announced a partnership to step up and provide relief for struggling locals.

The charity organisations have joined to launch a new Little Free Pantry, offering hygiene products at no charge to the Portland community.

Little Free Pantries are a community-based initiative with the aim of making basic necessities available to those in need in the easiest way possible.

The concept was created to support individuals and families who may be experiencing financial pressure or have limited access to these everyday essentials.

These pantries are set up across the Glenelg district, stocked with non-perishable products, with a simple concept in mind: take what you need, give what you can. The pantries are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Located at 33 Henty Street - just a short walk from public amenities - the newest pantry provides access to items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, and sanitary products. 

Executive Officer of United Way Glenelg Nicole Carr said this latest pantry is part of a growing network across the region.

“Access to hygiene products is fundamental to maintaining dignity and wellbeing. We’re proud to work with the Salvation Army to provide this discreet and easy-to-use pantry in a central location,” she said. 

“We know the difference a small item can make to someone’s day—this is about showing care in practical ways.” 

Salvation Army Portland captain Peter Stamp reiterated the importance of the initiative.

“We regularly see people come through our doors who are doing it tough. The hygiene pantry is another way we can respond to those needs, helping people feel confident, cared for, and supported,” he said.

Fellow Portland Salvos captain Heather Stamp noted the pantry’s ease of access to ensure community members could rely on it at any time.

“It’s accessible 24/7, and it’s anonymous - people can take what they need, when they need it, no questions asked,” she said. 

This is the first Little Free Pantry in Portland focused solely on hygiene items. It complements the 15 existing pantries in the area that provide food, stocked through community donations and support from local partners.

Image supplied - pictured are Portland Salvation Army Captains Heather and Peter Stamp.