Finding stable housing can be a life-changing step for a veteran experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. But moving into a home is only the beginning. Gathering everyday necessities like soap, bedding, cookware, food, and cleaning supplies can quickly strain a limited budget.
Courtney Place Veterans Housing is hoping to fill that gap through their new Essential Goods Pantry in southeast Salem. Open to veterans throughout the community, the pantry provides free household items, hygiene products, food, furniture, and other practical resources. Just as importantly, it creates a welcoming place where veterans can connect with people who understand their experiences and are ready to help.
Meeting Everyday Needs with Dignity
Many programs help families purchase groceries, but basic household and personal-care items are not always covered. For someone starting over or working through a difficult season, the cost of toilet paper, laundry detergent, shampoo, towels, dishes, and bedding can become another barrier to stability.
The Essential Goods Pantry helps veterans meet those immediate needs at no cost. By easing some of the pressure on limited budgets, the program gives veterans more room to focus on their health, employment, long-term goals, and greater self-sufficiency.
The pantry is located at 2907 22nd Street SE in Salem and is open to any veteran—not only residents of Courtney Place. Current pantry hours are Tuesdays from 4 PM to 7 PM and Thursdays from 10 AM to 3 PM. Veterans must be present to access the items.
Because hours and inventory may change, check Courtney Place’s official channels for the latest information before stopping by.
More Than a Place to Pick Up Supplies
A visit to the pantry can also open the door to additional support. Program specialist Baltazar Campuzano helps veterans identify available resources for their households and connects them with organizations that may be able to assist with other challenges. Courtney Place works with partners including the Marion County Veterans Service Office and Oregon Department of Human Services to help veterans navigate programs and services.
That personal connection is an important part of the pantry’s purpose. Veterans might visit looking for food or cleaning products, but they can also find someone willing to listen, answer questions, and point them toward the next helpful step. They’ll also be invited to Courtney Place social events, which include going to baseball games, trivia nights, and more with other local veterans.
Courtney Place’s broader mission is to provide safe, affordable, and supportive housing while helping veterans build independence, wellness, and a sense of belonging. Its wraparound services include resource navigation, peer support, transportation assistance, healthcare navigation, financial counseling, and community activities.
Creating Connection and Camaraderie
The pantry was designed to be more than a supply room. At its core, it also serves as a community connection point for veterans who might be navigating isolation, major life changes, or the transition into permanent housing. A routine visit could become an opportunity to talk with a peer, learn about a local activity, or spend time with others who share a similar background. Courtney Place regularly encourages social connection through outings and events, which helps veterans form friendships and rediscover a sense of camaraderie close to home.
This community-focused approach reinforces the idea that long-term stability includes having practical resources, trusted relationships, and a community that cares.
How Salem Can Support the Pantry
Courtney Place welcomes donations of new or like-new essentials to keep the pantry stocked for local veterans. Community members can also contribute financially through the donation portal on the organization’s website.
By providing everyday necessities alongside encouragement, personal guidance, and opportunities for connection, Courtney Place is helping local veterans move toward greater comfort and stability. It’s also a wonderful reminder of what can happen when Salem comes together to serve those who served for us.
Official Program & Resource Links
- Pantry & Community Portal: Courtney Place Essential Goods Pantry
- Original Article by Salem Reporter: New pantry gives Salem’s veterans a place to get help and community – Salem Reporter