Yara supports the rescue and protection of domesticated animals in need. We are devoted to the stewardship of their health and well being.

The Sweethome Sanctuary

Situated on a ¼ acre of land in NE Portland, the sanctuary is home to a variety of rescued animals. Its residents are always changing. Some animals are fostered here until they find a forever home, some have always been here, and some have passed and found their resting place here. Each being has a story worth reading.

Caring at the sanctuary::
This is Moody. She was very sick (not sure what). We thought she was a goner, but we brought her in the house. She is living with the two indoor bunnies. She gets lots of snuggles, warm baths, she’s hand fed and drinking water from our hands. She literally asks to sit in your lap. She just might pull through. Chickens can be so darn sweet.

I am so very grateful to be the steward of the Sweethome Sanctuary here in Portland, Oregon where we have created a safe and healing space for animals and people alike. We provide a home for farm animals who have been neglected and mistreated in the past and now they live here well cared for and loved by all the visitors and volunteers that make this place a community for cultivating lovingkindness and deep respect for all life. Here at the Sweethome Sanctuary, we encourage developing selfless service and healthy lifestyles by teaching workshops on gardening, seed saving, natural building with cob construction as well as offering writing workshops, yoga classes, virtual courses and workshops which inspires compassionate activism. We work with mutual aid such as feeding the houseless community and being involved with the civil rights movement.

YARA also educates by offering International retreats in Thailand where we support The Never Forget Elephant Foundation and in Yelapa, Mexico where our efforts are focused on The Yelapa Animal Project. Our dream is to offer a retreat on every continent honoring and supporting the work of Animal Sanctuaries all over the world. Compassion, devotion, selfless service, and self inquiry are the stepping stones to living in an awakened world where our lives benefit this miraculous experience we call life.

We would be honored to have you be a part of this journey here and there are infinite ways to get involved. You can volunteer or take a virtual course, give financially, or join us on an international retreat. We would love to connect and build community through this deep and meaningful work.

Many blessings to you, sweethome