Central City Concern

We were glad to support We Believe in Portland’s citywide cleanup on Friday, September 25!

More than 1,000 participants came together to clean 250+ blocks, collecting 310 bags and removing 1,200 pounds of trash from Portland’s streets.

After the cleanup, CCC’s Clean Start crews collected the bags and made sure the trash was properly disposed of, helping carry the day’s work through to the finish.

It was great to see so many people come together to care for Portland, and we’re especially grateful to our Clean Start team for helping make sure the impact lasted beyond the cleanup itself. They do incredible work every day!

It's frustrating to see people not getting the help they need, and it should be.

Without the right level of housing and support, people often cycle between homelessness, hospitals, incarceration, and housing that isn't equipped to meet their needs.

For Bryant, after struggling with addiction and experiencing homelessness, the pathway to stability didn't begin with a house key. It began with a referral to treatment, followed by ongoing supportive housing, healthcare, and employment services.

"Being able to focus on recovery was huge..." he said.

No single service made the difference. Together, they provided the foundation he needed to regain stability and keep moving forward.

The path back to stability looks different for everyone. Housing paired with the care and services people need is how we build stronger, healthier communities. Let's keep investing in what works.

Read Bryant’s full story: https://bit.ly/4aXpd7x

In observance of Labor Day, on Monday, September 7, all programs and clinic sites will be closed, except for Hooper. Hooper will be open normal hours.

All normal hours will resume Tuesday, September 8.

After extensive review and consideration, CCC has made the difficult decision to close the Letty Owings Center (LOC) effective October 31, 2026. Since opening in 1989, LOC has supported thousands of women and their children through residential substance use disorder treatment.

To CCC’s clients and families, thank you for trusting us to be part of your journeys. To our community partners, supporters, and donors thank you for standing alongside LOC over the years.

Learn more on our website: https://bit.ly/3SPD9vA

Read article from The Oregonian: https://bit.ly/4yhT44K

Letty Owings Center Since 1989, Letty Owings Center has helped young mothers to become sober, healthy and hopeful about the future.

For 25 years, on August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day has brought people together to remember lives lost to overdose and recognize the work still needed to prevent future loss.

This year's theme reminds us that even as progress is being made, overdose continues to affect families, friends, and communities across Oregon and beyond. Today, we encourage you to take a moment to remember those we've lost, support those who are grieving, and share information that could help save lives.

Learn more about this year's theme and the importance of remembrance, grief support, and overdose prevention: https://bit.ly/4zR4xdp

International Overdose Awareness Day: 25 Years On. Still Needed. Read our blog post about: International Overdose Awareness Day: 25 Years On. Still Needed..

The affordable housing gap touches more people than you might think. Local housing costs have risen faster than local incomes, and even the people who teach our children, care for our parents, and keep our local businesses running are increasingly priced out of the communities they serve. For years, our region hasn't built or preserved enough homes to keep up with what people need. Closing that gap starts with adding over 188,000 more homes across our community.

Here's the good news: we know this works. Since 2020, public investment has helped create about 3,026 affordable homes in the tri-county region, and rental assistance has helped more than 21,000 households remain stably housed. Families staying rooted. Older adults living securely. Workers staying close to the places they rely on.

Now we need to keep going. More homes at every price point. More lower-cost homes preserved. More support to stay housed when rent rises faster than what people earn. None of that happens without continued public investment.

The first day of school is getting closer!

We're working to collect 300 school supply kits for children in CCC family housing by September 10. Every purchase helps make sure students have the supplies they need to start the school year prepared and ready to learn.

Purchase a kit through our Amazon Wishlist, and it will ship directly to CCC.

Shop the Wishlist: https://amzn.to/3sOu1G7

Every year, Clean & Safe Appreciation Day brings together the people who help keep Portland clean, safe, and welcoming. This year's celebration was especially meaningful as Downtown Portland Clean & Safe and CCC recognized Ray Greenwood and Victor Leon as the 2026 Cleaners of the Year.

Ray and Victor exemplified the dedication, reliability, and commitment that define Clean Start. While the recognition celebrates two outstanding individuals, it also honors the contributions of every member of the Clean Start team whose work makes a difference across Portland each day.

Learn more about this year's honorees and celebration: https://bit.ly/4qpSLlF

Celebrating Dedication: 2026 Cleaners of the Year Read our blog post about: Celebrating Dedication: 2026 Cleaners of the Year.

For less than $20, you can help a student start the school year with the supplies they need to learn and succeed.

Each purchase from our Amazon Wishlist provides a 45-piece school supply kit filled with classroom essentials for a child in CCC family housing and ships directly to CCC.

Shop the Wishlist: https://amzn.to/3sOu1G7