The CEIC is partnering with the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods and the City of Portland to bring the Central City Concern’s (CCC) Clean Start program to part of our district. Not only will it help our district stay clean through weekly trash and graffiti removal, it’s also a mentored six-month work experience that gives individuals who have been impacted by homelessness an opportunity to work and gain crucial experience and confidence to pursue employment opportunities. CCC Clean Start runs three Portland crews and in Gresham, each consisting of two people and a truck The City has granted us enough funding to cover parts of the Central Eastside. We would like to expand this program to the entire district ! Find out how you can help by writing us here.

Cleaning will happen weekly between Water and 12th from Yamhill to Burnside, and between 1st and Grand east of Burnside. Beginning in mid July, you can access CCC Clean Start through the City of Portland’s One Point of Contact page online form or the PDX Reporter app. The City reviews the request and often calls upon CCC Clean Start crews to visit the area to clear trash or assist campers with cleaning. CCC Clean Start crews do not move people from sites or participate in campground “sweeps.” Their mission is to help keep neighborhoods free of litter and debris, as well as to provide residents of encampments with resources to maintain a safe and hygienic environment. For more information, visit the CCC Clean Start webpage.