Nonprofit Ukandu Opened The Loft for Cancer-Impacted Families
The new Portland facility offers free daily activities for families navigating childhood cancer treatment.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Should local non-profits prioritize establishing community resource centers for families of children undergoing medical treatment?
Families of children undergoing cancer treatment now have a permanent space to escape the clinical environment at The Loft, a new year-round facility in Portland. The nonprofit Ukandu opened the center to provide free activities five days a week.
Why it matters
The center offers families a dedicated sanctuary located between Portland’s two children's hospitals to help mitigate the stress of ongoing medical care. By expanding from summer camp programming into a permanent facility, the nonprofit aims to support the community’s pediatric cancer patients year-round.
Ukandu now offers free activities five days a week at its new year-round site, marking a shift from its origins as a summer-only program. The exact capacity of the facility remains unknown.
The players
Ukandu
A nonprofit organization that provides support and activities for families of children undergoing cancer treatment.
The details
Located at 3015 SW 1st Ave, the facility is designed to serve as a respite between the city's two children's hospitals. The space features an obstacle course, a two-story climbing wall, and a firepit for children, alongside a sanctuary space, arts and crafts room, and a multimedia room for adults. These amenities are intended to provide families with a reprieve from the stresses associated with active hospital treatment.
Timeline
The nonprofit Ukandu began as a summer camp in the 1980s.
The Loft officially opened in Portland on October 1, 2026.
Beyond the Bridges
This move marks a departure from the historical model of seasonal summer camps for pediatric medical support. It shifts the organization toward a permanent, year-round support structure to better address long-term family needs.
Families can now access the facility at 3015 SW 1st Ave five days a week for support and recreation. The space is specifically situated to be accessible for those moving between the city's two children's hospitals.
The takeaway
The Loft provides a new, consistent resource for local families navigating pediatric cancer. Families looking for respite should note the facility is now operational at 3015 SW 1st Ave.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to support families in our Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KXL Newsradio 750.
Live Poll
Should local non-profits prioritize establishing community resource centers for families of children undergoing medical treatment?
