To create a welcoming, accessible community space where everyone belongs— regardless of their ability to pay.
Oak Street Commons is Hood River's community gathering space—a place where you can work, connect, eat, and belong without pressure to spend. We're creating a downtown third place that serves quality food at fair prices, welcomes everyone from families to night owls, and operates on the principle that community access should never depend on your wallet.
We believe Hood River deserves a space that is open to all, stays open late, and puts people before profit. That's why we're building Oak Street Commons as a community-operated cooperative where founding members have a voice in how we grow.
Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario
A community-operated café and gathering space that has been serving its neighborhood since 2011. Queen Street Commons demonstrates how a pay-what-you-can model can sustain a thriving community hub. They've proven that when you trust your community and build systems of mutual support, everyone benefits.
Kitchener, Ontario
An honor system bakery where customers choose their own prices. City Café shows that trust-based systems work when you design them with intention. Their model of transparency, suggested pricing, and genuine welcome has created a beloved neighborhood institution that serves everyone.
These models inspire Oak Street Commons' approach: fair pricing for those who can afford it, pay-what-you-can for those who can't, and a Pizza Bank that ensures no one is turned away. We're adapting these proven models to Hood River's unique community and needs.
We're a diverse group of Hood River community members who want to see our town stay accessible and approachable to all. Our founding team includes chefs, technologists, artists, musicians, bakers, educators, and neighbors who believe that everyone deserves a welcoming place to gather.
We come from different backgrounds and bring different skills, but we share a common vision: Hood River should have a downtown space where you can show up as you are, connect with your neighbors, and never worry about whether you can afford to stay.
Oak Street Commons is being built by the community, for the community. Our founding members aren't just customers—they're co-creators of this space. Together, we're proving that another model is possible.