Central City Concern

08/31/2026

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

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

08/28/2026

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.

08/27/2026

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

08/18/2026

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

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

08/13/2026

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

08/03/2026

We're proud to celebrate National Health Center Week alongside our partner Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). CCC staff show up every day to serve our most vulnerable neighbors with kindness, dedication, and care, just like the teams at FQHCs across Oregon. We offer our sincerest thanks to all of the healthcare professionals and support staff who make this work possible. Your dedication helps ensure Oregonians can access the services and support they need while strengthening communities throughout our state.

07/29/2026

Classrooms run on the little things—pencils, notebooks, folders, and other everyday essentials that help students feel prepared to learn.

Through our Back to School Supplies Drive, you can provide a complete 45-piece school supply kit for a child in CCC family housing. Each kit ships directly to CCC family housing, making it easy to support local families.

Gift a kit: https://amzn.to/3sOu1G7

07/28/2026

In recognition of on July 28, this Meet the Mission spotlight features Lillie Reder, CCC’s Hep C Program Manager, who shares how the Hep C Team is expanding access to testing, treatment, and care throughout our community.

CCC’s Hep C Elimination Program provides low-barrier, trauma-informed care designed to make treatment more accessible. Through community partnerships and innovative screening methods, the team helps connect people to care while reducing barriers that can prevent treatment.

Because Hep C is curable, access to care can have a lasting impact. By supporting patients with compassion, respect, and practical resources, the team is helping more people improve their health and build a stronger future.

07/28/2026

In recognition of on July 28, this Meet the Mission highlights CCC's Hepatitis (Hep) C Elimination Program and the dedicated team helping expand access to testing, treatment, and care!

By bringing services into the community and reducing barriers to treatment, the program helps more people access care and improve their long-term health.

Learn more about the team and their work: https://bit.ly/4fpU40e

Read our blog post about: Meet the Mission: Hepatitis C Elimination Program.

07/27/2026

Built in 2016, Town Center Courtyards includes 60 affordable housing units located less than one block from Clackamas Town Center in the beautiful community of Happy Valley. We’re excited to break ground on Phase II, which will add twelve affordable three-bedroom homes for larger families.

With support from Walsh Construction Co., KASA Architects, Oregon Housing and Community Services, Federal Home Loan Bank, Network for Oregon Affordable Housing and Heritage Bank, this project will open doors to families in April of 2027.