At CCC, we believe sustainability goes hand in hand with social impact. This Earth Day, we’re shining a light on our Recycling & Reuse Operations Center (ROC), a vital program embodying the principles of a circular economy while directly benefiting people transitioning out of homelessness.
What is a Circular Economy?
A circular economy keeps materials and products in circulation for as long as possible, reducing waste and conserving resources. Unlike the traditional linear model—where items are produced, used, and then discarded—a circular economy reuses, repurposes, and recycles materials to extend their life cycle. By embracing this model, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also create a more sustainable and equitable way to meet people’s needs.
The ROC: Giving New Life to Discarded Items
The ROC is CCC’s hub for processing donated and abandoned property for reuse. Every year, thousands of clients enter CCC’s housing, health, and employment programs—many with very few belongings. The ROC ensures that usable clothing, household goods, and other essential items are diverted from landfills and given directly to those who need them most. Before the ROC existed, abandoned property in CCC’s housing units often had to be discarded.
Today, the ROC sorts, cleans, and redistributes over 17,000 pounds of items annually, supporting more than 100 individuals each month with clothing, household items, cookware, and hygiene items as they stabilize their lives.
A Bridge Between Excess and Need
Growing up in Hawaii, ROC Manager Paul Clissold learned the phrase “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ‘Āina i ka Pono,” a Native Hawaiian saying that translates to “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” For Paul, carrying on that tradition means doing his part to keep the land, rivers, beaches, and oceans clean—not just talking about sustainability, but actively contributing to CCC’s mission of making the world a better place.
Through his work at the ROC, Paul is committed to minimizing waste, maximizing reuse, and ensuring that CCC’s resources are used as efficiently as possible. “We do what is right to protect not only Portland but the environment we all share,” he says. “By keeping products in circulation, we’re not just reducing waste—we’re helping people rebuild their lives.”
The ROC isn’t just about keeping materials out of landfills—it’s about helping people build a fresh start. Whether it’s warm clothing for someone moving into housing, kitchen supplies for a family rebuilding their lives, or hygiene essentials for someone accessing health services, the ROC exemplifies our dedication to a triple bottom line: financial, environmental, and social well-being.
Join Us in Building a More Sustainable Future
This Earth Day, we invite you to be part of the solution. By supporting the ROC, you’re not only reducing waste—you’re helping individuals and families take the next step toward stability and independence. Together, we can turn discarded items into opportunities for change.
For more information on how to donate or get involved, including what items we accept and how to schedule a drop-off, visit the ROC’s webpage.
