When Central City Concern gave me housing, healthcare, and addiction treatment services, they didn’t change the world. But for my daughter and me, the whole world changed.

In December 2006 I was pregnant, homeless, and addicted to drugs and alcohol. I wasn’t feeling very merry or bright about the approaching holidays.

The gift I wanted more than anything? Change. And I wanted it desperately.

A friend told me about the Letty Owings Center, a program run by Central City Concern that provides housing and healthcare for pregnant women who are homeless and struggling with addiction. I got in, and by March 2007, I was clean and sober. For the first time in a long time, I was living in a safe, stable, supportive environment surrounded by people who wanted me to succeed. In August 2007, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

In April 2008, I moved out of the Letty Owings Center and into Central City Concern’s alcohol- and drug-free family housing. Over the next three years, Central City Concern gave me the support I needed to stay sober through their Recovery Mentor Program, get job training through their Supported Employment program, and be a good mom.

Central City Concern gave me the gift of change I so desperately wanted five years ago. Now my daughter and I have our own place. I have a job that I love and I’m off all public assistance. And this year, I’m looking forward to the holidays.

I am so grateful for the support I received from Central City Concern. But I know there are hundreds of people out there who are still struggling like I once did. This holiday season, you can help by supporting Central City Concern with a gift of $500, $250, $100, or whatever you can afford. To make your gift on our secure, online server, click here.

Please make that gift today. The need for your support has never been greater.

 

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Thank you for visiting this website to learn more about how Central City Concern helped me turn my life around.

Arrogant, unstable, unwilling to change.

High school dropout. Cocaine addict. Hustler and thief.

Chronically homeless. A drain on society.

That’s how I’d describe myself up until Thanksgiving 2008, when Central City Concern gave me one more chance to turn my life around.

I’d run away from home at age 10 and starting using drugs at about the same time. Between the ages of 12 and 44, I’d been arrested almost 200 times—126 times in Portland, alone. I’d spent 32 years living on the streets, been through four rehabs, and made countless trips to jail.

I was exhausted. And I was ready for something different.

I first became a client of Central City Concern in the Fall of 2006. CCC offered me a safe place to live and a case manager to help me get pointed in the right direction. I wasn’t particularly grateful for the help, at first. In fact, I continued to cause trouble for two more years. But Central City Concern never gave up on me.

In March 2009, I got a room at The Estate, one of several CCC buildings dedicated to housing people who are newly engaged in treatment and recovery. Shortly thereafter, I was hired on as a “barrel pusher” for the Clean & Safe program, where I started to gain job skills and earn a reputation as a dependable employee. I worked my way up, becoming a janitor through CCC’s Business Enterprises program.

Now I’m the Weekend Supervisor for the Clean & Safe program, a father to my children, and a mentor to other addicts struggling to get clean and off the streets. I’ve got my driver’s license, I’ve paid off my debts, and I’m planning on enrolling in community college so I can continue to advance professionally.

None of this would be happening for me without Central City Concern. I’m in the mainstream for the first time in my life.

I know there are countless other people out there like me who still need help. On any given night, approximately 2,500 adults—some with young children—are sleeping in shelters or doorways in the City of Portland. Nearly all of them are suffering from mental health problems, alcoholism or drug addiction. Some are victims of domestic violence. Some are military veterans with PTSD. Some have had experience with the legal system.

They all deserve the same chance I got to get on their feet.

That’s why I’m asking you to make a donation today to Central City Concern of $250, $100, $50, or whatever you can afford. You can click here to do so.

Thank you very much for supporting Central City Concern and giving others like me the chance to turn their lives around, too.

Sincerely,

Darrell W.

P.S.: For more information on who is homeless and why, please visit the National Alliance to End Homelessness website’s FAQ page.

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at left: Selena, happy customer employed (and promoted) at Burgerville with her supervisor
Daniel Cogan.

I want to congratulate the 200+ individuals who turned out Wednesday night at City Hall to celebrate the accomplishments of the 460 customers of the Employment Access Center (EAC) who became employed in 2010.  Customers were placed in jobs across 15 different sectors in 53 zip codes with an average hourly wage of $13.46. 


above: David Wynde at left, Rachel Beaudoin in center with her supervisor and manager from U.S. Bank

It was a remarkable event that was organized and orchestrated by the entire team of 24 staff at the EAC and Kathy Pape.  Ed Blackburn, Commissioner Nick Fish , Mayor Sam Adams, Customer Walter Ryce, Customer Rachel Beaudoin and U.S. Bank Employer and Vice President David Wynde all spoke so beautifully about the importance of employment in recovery and ending homelessness. 

Jennifer Wilcox then handed out 91 graduation and outstanding achievement certificates after which everyone enjoyed a large spread provided by VOA’s food services.  May next year be as bright as 2010!

Rachel Post
Director of Supportive Housing and Employment
Central City Concern

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On what we hope will be a sunny Sunday on May 22nd, more than 30 of our staff members, clients, providers and friends from the 12th Avenue Recovery Center will join hundreds in the community for the NAMI Northwest Walk. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a strong advocate for people with mental illness in the community, working to reduce stigma and isolation, and providing support to family members as well as professionals in the field.

The 2011 event marks the third year of an official Central City Concern team and every year we draw more and more participants. Each walker joining our team will receive a CCC 12th Ave Recovery Center t-shirt. We will provide transportation to and from the walk from the Recovery Center location. Click here to register for the walk today!

There are a number of compelling stories from people in our community about why they participate in this walk - check it out here. Join us!

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Recently, Central City Concern grieves the loss of a very special friend, Hal Saltzman. From the beginning, Hal was part of the family. When we weren’t discussing Central City Concern’s Veterans programs, we discussed local and national politics, sports and, of course, family. Hal is survived by Ruth, his wonderful wife and best friend of 57 years, and four children, Debbi, Cindy, Stephen and David. Although Hal was a successful businessperson, professional pitcher, Marine captain who served twice (once in World War II and the Korean War) and dedicated civic leader, family was his first priority.

His many values, and order of those values, were always reflected in our conversations. The last time Hal and I spoke on the phone, he asked me the same five questions he always asked:

What’s new at Central City Concern?

How are you?

How is the running?

How is your boyfriend?

Do you have “plans” (insinuating marriage, of course)?

He always began with business, and ended with family. All of it was important to Hal.
Hal was an extraordinary person with deep character who positively impacted lives. At Hal’s memorial service, various loved ones spoke about Hal’s compassion, strength and upstanding moral character, all of which affected his family members and friends. One man said Hal was his mentor for over a decade, and it was from Hal who he received the soundest advice. Hal Saltzman created, and hosted, Central City Concern’s Veterans’ Celebration Picnic held in June these past few years.  On average, 100 Veterans representing over 300 years of military experience, attended the picnic. The Veterans enjoyed a picnic lunch and music from the 60s and 70s performed by The Shwing Daddies. It was an opportunity for everyone involved to stop and appreciate the individuals who have done so much to protect our country and freedom, some at a high expense. Hal reminded us of what was truly important, and he lead by example.

Success is defined in many ways. Hal was an incredibly successful person, and not because he always “won.” Like everyone, Hal suffered his own hardships. However, he handled the ups and downs of life with a grace that few can claim. He embodied an optimistic yet realistic spirit, compassion for others and drive to be the best form of himself, whatever the task or goal. The following Ralph Waldo Emerson quote reminds me of Hal. It reads:

“To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.  This is to have succeeded!”

If the terms in Emerson’s quote are the barometer, Hal was an outstanding success. He will be gravely missed by Central City Concern. He was a teammate, leader, strategist, volunteer, donor, advisor and friend.

The world is indeed better because of you, Hal. Thank you for your many enduring gifts. 

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Last Thursday we spent the day at the Hollywood Senior Center, where we are always greeted with smiles. The first thing I noticed was the exercise class that was going on in the big area. It was nice to see seniors taking care of themselves.

We were able to help the Center with their holiday set-up. They had a party to get ready for and we were there to make sure the place was ready. We trimmed the tree and hung decorations throughout the Center. We were able to help with every request. I organized things in their Thrift Store while others cleaned the kitchen, cleared leaves off the roof, cleaned up outside, organized magazine racks, and did general clean-up.

You could tell that the seniors really appreciated the help. They always interact with everyone and seem to enjoy our group’s age range. When we left they were extremely thankful.

I think we made their day. That’s what Community Volunteer Corps is about – giving to all.

Chris O.

Community Volunteer Corps provides meaningful volunteer opportunities to people in CCC housing. Over a three-month period, participants volunteer for 80 hours learning new skills, improving work habits and preparing themselves for permanent work. Successful completion earns people a small stipend, a letter of recommendation, a graduation ceremony and connection to CCC’s Employment Access Center services.

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Central City Concern’s Chief Operating Officer Traci Manning is among 12 newly selected members of the Portland Housing Advisory Commission (PHAC). ThePortland Housing Bureau initiated an open application process for the new commission in October, and received more than 60 applications from a broad cross-section of the community.  The Commission will advise PHB Director Margaret Van Vliet, Housing Commissioner Nick Fish and the Portland City Council on a range of housing policy and program issues.

Traci began her CCC career in 1993 as a receptionist. She quickly moved into fundraising and public affairs before settling into housing development work. Traci spent nine years working in this segment of the organization, and was directly responsible for the renovation, acquisition or construction of 7 buildings ($61 million), representing 770 units to the agency’s portfolio. She led financing, design and construction on all projects. Her passion and involvement in ending homelessness via increased access to affordable housing has had a substantial impact on the City of Portland’s Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness.

In 2008, Traci was selected for NeighborWork’s Achieving Excellence program, a collaboration with Harvard Kennedy School. This qualified CCC to compete nationally for a $100,000 James A. Johnson Community Leaders Program for leadership development. CCC was one of six affordable housing organizations to receive the James A. Johnson award.
 
Other committee members include:
Jesse Beason, Executive Director, Proud Ground
Andrew Colas, Principal, Colas Construction
Rey España, Housing Development Director, Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA)
Deborah Imse, Executive Director of Metro Multi-family, represents owners of larger multi-family properties. 
Marc Jolin, Executive Director, JOIN
Christine Lau, Chief Operations Officer, Asian Health & Service Center
Carter MacNichol, Principal, Shiels Obletz Johnsen, Inc.
Carmen Rubio, Executive Director, Latino Network
Tobias Washington, retired investment banking executive
Michael White, Chair, Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association and East Portland Neighborhood Office. 
Brian Wilson, Executive, Kalberer, Inc.

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Stand Down & Job Fair

Central City Concern serves upwards of 800 Veterans every year. We revel in our success stories and share the following to inspire your Veterans Day – tomorrow – November 11, 2010!

Dedicated Father
A 36-year-old US Army Veteran came to CCC’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) seeking assistance with employment and housing. A father to 5 young children, he came to us homeless, separated from his family, and determined to be reunited with his partner and children. He worked diligently with his HVRP Employment Specialist and the Job Developer to build his resume and increase his computer skills. All of his hard work eventually paid off and he took a temporary job through CCC’s Clean & Safe Program, and has since then obtained a permanent position. Despite these difficult times, he and his family have stayed together and, through it all, he has worked hard and has stayed positive.

From the Streets to His Own Apartment
Another of our veteran customers arrived in Portland from Las Vegas only to find himself sleeping on the streets. We were able to provide temporary shelter through vouchers to City Team Ministries until he was accepted into TPI. He completed his HVRP pre-employment action plan and became active participant in our job club. He obtained a 6-month position with CCC’s Clean & Safe, and then became a janitor, earning nearly 50% more than in his previous position. He is currently living in his own apartment, and has moved into retention with HVRP.

A Veterans Program Specifically for Women Makes the Difference
One customer recently found herself homeless again, and was living in the woods. While reluctant to return to traditional programming, the fact that Central City Concern now has a female specific program attracted her enough that she re-engaged. As a result, she is now accessing safe housing and employment development support as well.

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If you  live in Portland, you’ve likely driven by the Sally McCracken Building at NW 6th & Everett in Old Town, perhaps never knowing that Sally McCracken is a real person! 

She is one of Central City Concern’s founding board members and a friend for many years. We are pleased to be honoring Sally (as well as longtime board member Dean Gisvold) at our Working Our Way Homeluncheon on Nov. 9, 2010. The luncheon benefits self-sufficiency programming at CCC; you may buy your ticketshere.

Here’s some background on Sally:

Sally has been a committed volunteer all her adult life. In the late 1960s when her children reached school age, she expanded her volunteer life to embrace community action. She joined the boards of a church community action program (East-CAP), then the board of PACT (now known as Portland Impact, but then was part of the “War on Poverty.”) In 1976, Sally was chairing the PACT board and also the Emergency Helping Agencies Committee (EHAC) of the Tri-County Community Council. In EHAC meetings the needs of the Burnside community came into focus and several meetings were held to see what could be done. As a result, a small group of Portland civic leaders formed the Burnside Consortium in 1979 and it later became Central City Concern.

Sally served as CCC board chair for seven years and spent many hours working with the agency’s executive director, navigating complex governmental requirements and always scrambling for the next dollar. She retired from the CCC board in 1990. Among her other volunteer activities are the Oregon Community Foundation where she served for 11 years as a board member (two of those as chair) and where she still serves on some committees as well as chairing the Giving in Oregon Council.

Currently she is a member of the Joseph E Weston Public Foundation Board, an Emeritus Board Member of the Ford Family Foundation in Roseburg and an Emeritus Trustee at Reed College. In addition, she is a former board member of the University of Oregon Foundation, the Providence Medical Center Advisory Board and two State Commissions. Sally has received many honors for her contributions including the 1985 George A. Russill Community Service Award and the 1998 Aubrey Watzek Award. She was declared a “Model Citizen” by the Portland City Council and the Multnomah County Commission, when she ended her term at CCC. In 1991, CCC persuaded Sally to allow it to name a building after her – today, the Sally McCracken Building houses 95 very low-income individuals as well as the agency’s administrative operations.

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Central City Concern is pleased to announce approval of a VA Per Diem grant specifically for female veterans. We now have access to 22 beds for female, homeless veterans in need of safe housing. This grant will be a huge support to a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Grant for Women we received earlier in the year.

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