
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expansion for?
The Canby Center is expanding to better serve low-income families and youth in Canby, Aurora, and Hubbard. Right now, we provide over 35,000 services each year, including distributing more than 700,000 pounds of food. Our new building will allow us to:
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Expand our Thriving Together program, which helps families build financial stability and life skills. (Participants volunteer one hour per month and take a finance class in their first six months.)
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Increase food storage and distribution space, creating a no-cost shopping area similar to a small grocery store.
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Add classrooms for youth and family programs focused on life skills, education, and resilience.
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Create an employment center and additional spaces to support our community.
Each year, over 600 volunteers help us build strong relationships with those we serve, making personal connections a key part of our work.
How big is the new building?
The Canby Center is growing from 5,000 square feet to 18,000 square feet. Right now, many of our programs share space, which can make scheduling difficult. The new facility will have dedicated areas for:
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Food distribution, including expanded cold storage.
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A "Costco-like" shopping experience where families can pick up food in a dignified way.
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Spreading out shopping times throughout the week to reduce crowding.
Is this a homeless shelter?
No. While we do serve homeless individuals by providing meals, food, clothing, and toiletries, we are not an overnight shelter or drop-in center. Many of our homeless guests also volunteer to help others in need.
The majority of the people we serve are low-income families and youth who, without a little support, could be at risk of homelessness. Our focus is on preventing homelessness by helping families build stability and reduce poverty.
When will the new building be completed?
The expansion is expected to be finished by December 2025.
What is The Canby Center?
The Canby Center is a community-supported nonprofit with a mission:
“In God’s love, we renew dignity and inspire learning for youth and families.”
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Founded in 2008 by five Canby-area churches, we are faith-motivated but not tied to any single denomination.
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We bring together community leaders to solve local challenges together.
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We are funded by local families, businesses, churches, and foundations.
Our core values — faith, community, and dignity — guide everything we do.
How can I help?
We're so glad you asked! Join us in serving our neighbors. Here’s how you can get involved:
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Volunteer – Find opportunities HERE that are great fit for you.
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Donate – Your support helps keep our programs running. GIVE TODAY.
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Pray – Your prayers are powerful and deeply appreciated.
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Buy-A-Brick – Help fund the new building while honoring someone special.
Find all the details on our Get Involved page!


How We Empower Families Out of Poverty
Meeting People at Their Point of Need
It is difficult to plan for the future when you have an immediate need for food, clothing, or housing. Many of our families come to The Canby Center needing immediate relief of some sort. The Canby Center stands ready to address these needs through our programs and local partnerships. Access to food and clothing at no-cost is the first step in providing relief for families who may be struggling to make ends meet.
Empowering Families for the Long Term
We meet people where they are, but we don’t leave them there. The Canby Center offers educational opportunities that give families the tools to improve their financial situation and learn other valuable life-skills they can implement right away.
Relational
Solutions
Poverty has relational roots. Broken relationships with family, friends, and God, can prevent a person from growing even while economic opportunity abounds. At The Canby Center, we get to know people by name and take the time to listen to their story. We ask our program members to volunteer, serving alongside others in relationship together. This may seem simple, but it is transformative in it’s impact in renewing dignity and inspiring growth in those we serve.