March 2022

What are we doing to address houselessness?

The narrative regarding our neighbors experiencing houselessness often seems bleak. While the struggle is real, you have helped make massive moves over the last few months for and with our unhoused neighbors.

Our December - March Highlights

• Over 250,000 lbs of garbage removed with compassion. Our streets are more beautiful and livable for all neighbors!

• Over 15 neighbors have completed our internship program that provides short-term work opportunities for neighbors with employment barriers.

• 10 interns hired for full-time work with Cultivate Initiatives!
  Offering livable wages, supportive community, health benefits, and meaningful work. 

• We operated two Warming Shelters! In the midst of life-threatening conditions, we gathered in community with over 400 of our neighbors in need of a warm place to stay. 

• We’ve provided critical showers, hygiene supplies, and health screenings to over 500 neighbors.

• We gathered a broad and diverse group of people at our Eat & Greet in early March including our houseless neighbors, housed neighbors, public officials, and more! 

“I don’t use an alarm anymore”

The exhaustion and hopelessness created by 18 years of houselessness led J to sleeping for days on end. After finishing a 10 day internship with Cultivate Initiatives, J was eager for a full-time role. Since that time, J has grown from an intern role, to leading a team. From living in a tent to having his driver’s license and independent housing for the first time in 18 years. J has gone from sleeping through the days to not needing an alarm anymore because his excitement for the day now wakes him up “at 7:30 am sharp!”

What’s Next?

• Cultivate Initiatives will be operating a Safe Rest Village!
  This is a temporary, transitional shelter in East Portland.

• Many of our team members are accessing independent housing
  for the first time in years through our Master Lease Partnership.