Most of the people you’ll see there are volunteers. Most of the rooms you’ll see there are chaotic. If you live in Portland and can’t afford to buy a computer, you can volunteer and get one that’s built from used parts, free software, and love. If you just like tinkering or saving the world, you can hang out, make friends, and do a little bit of tinkering or worldsaving. If you hate computers, there are always ones set aside specifically for smashing. If you’re into functional anarchy, consensus, democratic workplaces, gift economy, talk to the folks there for a while. You’ll find all kinds.

There’s also a computer thrift store that helps support the mission. Cheap used computer bits and other miscellaneous stuff like typewriters! Groovy.

For the curious and those who want to get involved, there are tours at noon and six pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

(Disclaimer: yes, i used to be staff, and now i’m a volunteer. So i really know what i’m talking about.)