edibleportland.com | 17 e common knowledge (like changing a tire or sharpening a knife). "On any given block, we want to have the richest mix of skills possible because that block is going to be your source of safety, security and survival in weird times," said Joughin, who founded the center in September 2023. In popular culture, discussions about disaster preparedness and sustainable living are often associated with fear-mongering, supremacy, and isolationism – all things Aria intentionally avoids at MakeWith. They approach these frequently loaded topics in a way that's welcoming to a range of people who might otherwise avoid learning preparedness skills entirely. It's not just about the practicality of the skills learned but the added benefit of building camaraderie within your neighborhood or city. Particularly in a world increasingly saturated with apps and websites that make human interaction more and more rare (think Lyft, Postmates, Amazon), Joughin encourages folks to explore the material needs and skills they can exchange with their neighbors and friends. Joughin is a massive fan of Reclaim NW, and the Rebuilding Center uses as many found or repurposed materials as possible. Portland is well-positioned as a do-it-yourself haven, with its long history of reuse, restoration, and salvaging, from the wrecking industry to cob building and City Repair. It's also a city that grants many residents more space for at-home projects and gardening (backyards, basements, porches, and garages) compared to most other urban environments. Joughin plans to run a fully functioning hardware store within the workshop, which will usher in folks who might not have otherwise heard of MakeWith. Hardware stores are a critical part of a community, supplying essentials that everyone needs. Joughin would love for the future hardware store to be a resource for greater resilience. They plan to seek additional funding to make this expansion possible. Keeping in mind the climate and economic crises, both present and looming, Joughin said, "The question is no longer, 'How do we stop it?' but 'How do we survive it?'" For MakeWith, at least, the answer is that we can survive it together. MakeWith releases quarterly schedules on makewithpdx. com and consistently updates its Instagram @makewithpdx with events, plans, and helpful information. 5908 SE 72 in Portland, Oregon.
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