On July 30, 2026, CCC and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe came together for the annual Clean & Safe Appreciation Day, a celebration of the dedicated individuals who help keep Portland clean, safe, and welcoming. During the event, several people were recognized for their contributions, including two remarkable members of CCC’s Clean Start program, Ray Greenwood and Victor Leon, who were honored as the 2026 Cleaners of the Year.
This year’s celebration was especially meaningful and bittersweet for CCC. One of the awards was presented posthumously to Victor Leon, whose dedication, hard work, and impact left a lasting impression on his colleagues and community. While we deeply miss Victor, it was an honor to recognize his contributions and celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.
Building Skills, Confidence, and Community
Through CCC’s Clean Start program, participants receive peer mentoring, job training, and hands-on work experience while helping address two of Portland’s most pressing challenges: street cleanliness and recovery from homelessness. Over the course of six months, participants remove graffiti, trash, needles, and other biohazards throughout the Portland metro area while building skills, confidence, and pathways to future employment. They are also connected to CCC’s wraparound services, including supportive housing, integrated health care, substance use disorder treatment, employment assistance, and more.
The impact of this work is significant. In 2025 alone, Clean Start crews removed nearly 6.4 million pounds of trash and more than 63,000 needles from neighborhoods across the Portland metro region. This year also marked the expansion of a partnership between Clean Start and the City of Portland’s Public Environment Management Office (PEMO), bringing sidewalk cleaning services to more than 50 districts across the city and helping create cleaner, safer public spaces for residents, businesses, and visitors.
“Clean Start isn’t defined by the trash we remove, but the lives we impact,” says Kris Jeffries, Manager of Clean Start Operations. “Through our struggles, our successes, and our unity, we build a family and leave a stronger program for those who come after us.”
Meet the 2026 Cleaners of the Year
At CCC, we’re fortunate to work alongside people who demonstrate dedication, reliability, and compassion every day. This year, we’re proud to recognize two individuals whose contributions have left a lasting mark on their coworkers, the program, and the community.
Ray Greenwood
Ray Greenwood was selected as a 2026 Cleaner of the Year in recognition of his outstanding dedication, exceptional work ethic, and invaluable contributions to the graveyard pressure washing team.
One of Ray’s key responsibilities is helping keep Portland’s bus mall shelters clean, safe, and welcoming for the many people who rely on public transportation each day. His commitment to maintaining these spaces reflects the pride he takes in his work and has a meaningful impact on the community. Whether working overnight or tackling difficult cleaning assignments, Ray consistently shows up ready to contribute and support the team.
Congratulations, Ray, and thank you for the positive difference you make every day. We appreciate you.
Victor Leon
Victor Leon was selected as a 2026 Cleaner of the Year in recognition of the dedication, positivity, and commitment he brought to Clean Start every day. Victor passed away earlier this year, making this recognition especially meaningful for the teammates, friends, and family members who knew him. The award honors the lasting impact he made on the Clean Start program and everyone who had the opportunity to work alongside him.
Victor approached each day with a positive attitude, a willingness to help, and a smile that brightened the workplace. Whether he was cleaning downtown streets, supporting the Impact Reduction Program and PEMO contracts, or helping ensure safety at the Alder Garage, Victor consistently stepped up wherever he was needed.
His journey through Clean Start exemplified the power of perseverance, hard work, and recovery. Through his dedication and character, Victor demonstrated how one person’s commitment can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy continues to inspire his teammates and the broader Clean Start community.
We proudly honor Victor’s contributions, his character, and the example he set for those around him. We were grateful his sister accepted the award on his behalf.
Celebrating the Entire Team
During the event, CCC President and CEO Dr. Andy Mendenhall reflected on why the celebration remains one of his favorite events of the year. “Today is about honoring transformation,” he said. “It’s about growth, recovery, resilience, and the courage it takes to create positive change in your life. It’s about hope and the truth that every person on this team matters. You matter to our community, to CCC, and most importantly, to one another.”
While these honors recognize two exceptional individuals, the celebration is also about every member of the Clean Start and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe teams. Every person on these crews brings their own story of resilience, strength, and hope. Together, they help create a cleaner, safer Portland while demonstrating that recovery is possible and that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Congratulations to Ray Greenwood and Victor Leon, and thank you to CCC’s entire Clean Start team for everything you do for our city and community every day.
