About Bethel AME EDC
The EDC is located at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, in Portland, Oregon and was established in the fall of 2002.
We emphasize inclusivity to meet the needs of various income levels, with the overarching goal of counteracting the impacts of displacement impacts for communities of color.
We continue our ongoing food program started by Clara Peoples in the 1960s, while concurrently developing our Affordable Housing Project which will greatly increase our impact.
Fundraising
Funds from donors, our members and grants help us network and make us better neighbors. Volunteers in our pantry and at events are just as critical as capital for our daily operations.
Bethel AME EDC is a 501-C3 our fundraisers in 2026 include Black History walking tours, annual popcorn fundraiser, annual wreath fundraiser, and a block party.
2026 Wreath Fundraiser
We have a number of Holliday Wreaths for sale from approx. 10″ to 28.
Orders are Due November 13, 2026.
Pick up at Bethel AME Church Friday November 20, 2026.
Free delivery to businesses in N & NE Portland.
Link to our online shop.
We accept food and clothing donations on Fridays and Sundays and by appointment.
Know of a possible grant or partnership?
We are always seeking lead, so if you know of a grant or partnership please reach out.
EDC Board Members
Reverend Phillip E. Ross
Pastor
Reverend Philip Eugene Ross is the Pastor of Bethel AME Church, the founding church of Bethel EDC. Phillip grew up at Grant AME Church, Los Angeles where he was actively involved in a host of organizations. He attended Kenyon College in Ohio where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music and is currently seeking his Masters Degree from Regent University. Reverend Phillip was ordained as an Itinerant Elder by Bishop Francine A. Brookins and prior to locating to Portland, OR he served as Pastor at Primm Tabernacle AME Church, Seattle, WA.
Debbie Ingram-Payne
Board member
Debrah Ingram-Payne works for Visit Vancouver WA as the Office Administrator/Manager, board experience as President of the Leisure Hour Jr. Golf Program for over 25 years; she helped establish Bridge2Success. Bridge2Success drives to ensure that all students are supported through transition out of high school by providing clearer direction, lifelong tools and enrichment for all students regardless of the selected path and currently serves as First Lady of First AME Church Zion, Portland Oregon and Grace United Methodist, Seattle, Washington.
Barbra J. Van
Board Member
Barbra J. Van has been a member of Bethel AME since 1960. She has been employed with United Parcel Service (UPS) for the last 30 years and is now a Dispatch Supervisor. She is a member of the church Steward Board, director of the Young Peoples and Children’s Department, a member of the Fannie Cook Women’s Missionary Society, member of the Bethel Choraleer Choir, member of the church media team, executive assistant to the Pastor and is a foster mother to 4 young men.
DEBORAH HALL
President
Deborah Hall has been a member of Bethel AME Church since 1959. Currently serving as a commissioner of the City of Vancouver Civil Service Commission. She is a founding member of the Oregon Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists , where she served as Secretary-Treasurer.
KEITh EDWARDS
Board Member
Keith Edwards a member of Bethel Church since 1959. Mr. Edwards is the chair of our Education Committee. Additional board experience includes but is not limited to being a member of the Coalition of Black Men since its inception in 1988. Mr. Edwards served as president of the Portland chapter of the NAACP (2000-2001). The first African-American to be appointed Business Representative (IBEW LU 48), later appointed Assistant Business Manager (1998). Mr. Edwards serves as president of the AME EDC from 2016-2021.
Carol Chism
Board Member
Carol Chism has been a Member of Bethel AME Church since 1989; returning to the EDC board in 2017. Former member of the North-Northeast Enterprise Zone Advisory Board, The Tri-Met Interstate Avenue Transportation Committee and PDC Urban Renewal advisory board. Chism holds a MSSA degree in social work and LCSW license in Oregon.
Tanya Lyn March, PHD
Treasurer
Tanya Lyn March joined Bethel AME in 2015. She has a PhD in Urban Studies from PSU. Gained experience with project development of affordable housing while interning at Habitat for Humanity in NYC, towards her Urban Affairs Masters from Hunter College. She owns a small history walking tour company. See is on multiple boards: Slabtown Kiwanis Club Treasure, NWDA board member and parks committee chair.
Elaine Hartzog
Board Member
Elaine Hartzog retired from Portland Public Schools in 2000, after 27 years of service, including as Principal of Faubion School. After retirement, Elaine became an educational consultant and returned to Portland School District to coach/mentor new principals and vice principals, as well as volunteer in classrooms and special student programs. She is a founding member of Bethel EDC and a trustee and board member of the Bethel Economic Development Corporation. She serves on the Bethel EDC Education Committee..
Adrienne Simmons
Secretary
Member of Saint Pauls Missionary Baptist Church. Former Bethel AME EDC Treasurer. Member of Bethelites Choir.
Pastor Dr. Dennis Payne II
Ex-officio Board Member
Chair of our Housing Committee. He currently is the pastor of First AME Zion Church. He has worked as an organizer for CACI, a church-based community organization which assists congregations in building communities within their churches and surrounding neighborhoods. CACI is the vehicle that ordinary people of faith will use to participate in sharpening the work around them.
