Every Action Matters—Here’s How You Can Help

At CCC, we believe lasting change is possible, and it takes a community to make it happen. Whether you’re looking to get involved, support recovery in your city, or simply do something meaningful today, here are six impactful ways to help!

Donate now to support critical services and help people rebuild their lives.

Listen Without Judgment Engage and Educate Advocate for Real Solutions Volunteer Your Time Donate Items Make a Gift

1. Listen Without Judgment

One of the most powerful things you can do is also the simplest: treat people with dignity. That might mean truly listening to someone’s story, or just making eye contact and saying hello to someone you pass on the street.

If someone experiencing homelessness asks you for help, you don’t need to have a perfect answer. A kind response, a respectful nod, or a short conversation can go a long way toward making someone feel seen. Stigma thrives on silence and shame—compassion disrupts both.

Want to hear what recovery really looks like? Keep an eye on our blog or tune into our They Are Us podcast where we regularly share real, personal stories.

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2. Engage and Educate

Changing minds starts with understanding. Learn the facts about homelessness, substance use disorder, harm reduction and what actually works to support long-term recovery. Challenge stereotypes, and seek out the voices of people with lived experience.

Then, take that knowledge into your community. Attend neighborhood meetings, speak up when you hear misinformation, and reshare content on social media from trusted sources. Amplifying the work of organizations and individuals on the front lines helps shift the conversation in a more compassionate, informed direction.

The more we engage with curiosity and empathy, the stronger our communities become.

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3. Advocate for Real Solutions

Policy change is a critical part of ending homelessness and addressing substance use at the root. Whether it’s supporting an increase in affordable housing production or mental health funding, or employment assistance, your voice matters.

Stay informed about policymaking by signing up for newsletters from your elected officials—whether local, state, or federal. To engage more deeply at the local level, consider attending public meetings. For broader legislative updates, explore resources like the Oregon State Legislative System for Oregon-specific information or GovTrack for U.S. Congress and White House activity.

Once you’re informed, take action: write to your elected officials, hold them accountable, and vote for candidates who support evidence-based solutions. Systems only change when people push for it.

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4. Volunteer Your Time

Whether you can commit weekly or just a few hours a year, volunteering your time makes a real difference. You can volunteer individually or as part of a group—every bit of help counts.

While CCC hosts group events like hygiene and move-in kit assembly parties, supporting our community goes far beyond our own walls. Collaborating with partner organizations is essential to building a strong, coordinated response. By working together, we maximize our collective impact and help ensure people receive the comprehensive support they need.

Volunteering with our trusted partner organizations throughout the Portland metro region is a powerful way to make a direct and lasting difference where it matters most.

Visit our volunteer page to explore partner organizations offering a variety of volunteer opportunities and to learn more about group volunteer events with CCC.

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5. Donate Items That Make a Difference

In-kind donations are a tangible way to show support and meet the immediate needs of community members working toward stability.

From clothing to hygiene items to basic household essentials, these donations help ensure that people accessing CCC services have what they need to move forward with dignity. While we aren’t able to accept all in-kind donations, there are several ways to give meaningfully:

CCC In-Kind Donations

CCC accepts select items through specific programs:

The Recycling and Reuse Operations Center (ROC) processes and distributes gently used clothing and household goods to our clients. Visit the ROC webpage to see what’s currently accepted.
The Employment Access Center (EAC) accepts new or gently used office-appropriate attire to help clients prepare for job interviews and new employment. Contact the EAC to learn more.

Other Local Organizations

Other local organizations are better suited for certain types of donations:

Electronics: Free Geek
Furniture and beds: Community Warehouse
Women’s clothing: Rose Haven, Dress for Success
Food and cooking supplies: Lift UP
Children’s toys and games: Friendly House

6. Make a Gift—Big or Small

Every day, lives are changed at CCC because someone like you decided to give.

Your support fuels real solutions: housing for those without shelter, health care for those in crisis, and job opportunities that help people reclaim their future. When you give, you’re not just donating. You’re helping someone take their next step toward stability and dignity.

Whether it’s a monthly gift, a one-time donation, a contribution of stock, or a tax-smart option like a qualified charitable distribution or legacy gift, there are many ways to give, so you can choose what feels right for you.

Big or small, your gift matters. It sends a powerful message: everyone deserves the chance to rebuild.

Visit our Give page to donate or learn how you can make a difference today.