As many of you have heard by now, the property where Skatechurch was founded in 1987, which we had been leasing for many years in NE Portland, recently sold. The ramps were moved out prior to the closing date of the sale and are now in storage in two locations, one of which is our executive director’s driveway. The move was abrupt and not what we had hoped for, but we firmly believe God is not done using Skatechurch to reach skaters with the Gospel here in Portland and beyond. For this reason, we are fully devoting ourselves to finding a new facility to house the ministry as quickly as possible.

To that end, we have been meeting with church leaders throughout the city, working with key ministry supporters, combing through commercial real estate listings, and doing extensive research on Portland’s zoning ordinances. After careful consideration, we are convinced that the best path forward is raising enough monthly support to cover the mortgage or lease payments on an 8,000 to 12,000 sq.ft. facility zoned for commercial or retail use.

The going rate for buildings meeting these criteria in Portland right now is between two and three million dollars. That’s a lot of money, but let me show you some math that illustrates how this can work. First of all, we are already half-way to raising the necessary funds for a down payment on such a facility. A down payment won’t be needed if we choose to lease, but we strongly feel that owning a facility gives us the greatest amount of stability and sustainability in the long run. Regardless, rent prices and mortgage payments would be in the same financial ballpark, which is between $12,000 and $15,000 a month.

Bottom line: We are looking for 300 people to give $50 a month for the next 5 years to make a way forward for Skatechurch!

That’s $15,000 a month to cover a mortgage payment and other operating expenses, and 5 years gives us time to pursue grants and additional donations to cover the balance of the principal and pay the whole thing off by 2026.

Consider this: We have over 3500 fans on Facebook, 2500 followers on Instagram, almost 1200 subscribers to our newsletter, and over 400 people that have served on staff with us in the past 34 years! All we need is 300 of you to make this work. It’s an attainable goal. Let’s do this!

If you’re ready to jump on board right now (witty skateboard pun), simply do one of the following:

– Click the “Donate Now” button below
– Text “Skatechurch” to 77977 and follow the link in the reply
– Download the Pushpay app and search “Skatechurch”
– Mail a check to PO Box 429 in Fairview, OR 97024

Remember to direct your gift to the “facility fund” and select the recurring option to make your gift on a monthly basis. Automatic monthly payments may be set up with a credit card, debit card, or linked checking account. One-time gifts are also welcome, and gifts of stock or property can be arranged through the National Christian Foundation by contacting joanne@skatechurch.net.

Thousands of lives have been impacted for God’s glory through the work of Skatechurch, lives that are often lived on the fringe of society and outside the influence of traditional Christian outreach. The Skatechurch model is time-tested and effective in reaching those immersed in skateboarding culture. Please prayerfully consider partnering with us as we seek to reach thousands more skaters with the love of Christ in the future.

Dave Smith – Ministry & Development Director