Despite a small degree of skepticism, the comments below the announcement were overwhelmingly supportive.
“This is the heart and soul of America,” one Threads user replied. “Thank you for caring about others less fortunate.”
“I’ve seen such kindness and goodness from individuals and businesses here in Portland,” another wrote. “I’m one of the hundreds of thousands of Oregonians not getting my SNAP next month. Anything and everything helps.”
Within 24 hours of the announcement, hundreds of people were already asking how they could help offset the cost.
“The typical cost of a breakfast burrito and coffee is around $15,” Josh said. “If you’re local, come grab a coffee and ask to pay for someone’s ‘SNAP breakfast.’ If you’re interested in donating your time more than your money, we’re also a volunteer-run coffee shop, and we’re always looking for new volunteers.”
Locals looking to volunteer for a shift at Heretic Coffee can visit this Google Form.
For people hoping to support the cause from outside of Portland, Heretic Coffee also has a donation link available online.
“We hope it reminds people that community doesn’t have to be complicated; that a cup of coffee and a breakfast burrito can be a small act of resistance against a system that leaves people hungry,” Josh said of the cause.
“If even one person feels seen, cared for, or less alone because of this, then it’s worth every ounce of effort.”
And as peaceful protests continue outside of Portland’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities — spurring charged rhetoric and false claims from the White House — Josh said it’s more important than ever to show people what the city actually represents.
“There’s been a lot of conversation about Portland in the news lately, that we’re some kind of rioting, looting, burning-down city,” he said.
“But this act is just one small glimpse of the REAL Portland. We’re a big city with a small-town heart. When people are pushed to the margins, we’ll be the first to respond. That’s what it means to be a Portlander.”