CCC’s podcast, They Are Us: Breaking Through Stigma, continues to shed light on the realities of homelessness and substance use in Portland, featuring voices from people in recovery and frontline experts. Hosted by Juliana Lukasik, CCC’s Public Affairs Director, the series challenges stigma by sharing stories and professional insights on the complex paths to healing and stability.
As episodes air, they will be available on our Podcast page!
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Listen to Episode 10
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Episode 10 Summary
In the season finale of They Are Us, host Juliana invites listeners into a wide-ranging conversation shaped by their own questions. Joined by Central City Concern President and CEO Dr. Andy Mendenhall, the episode explores the realities of recovery, the gaps between service needs and availability, and the importance of aligning housing, healthcare, and employment systems to better support people on their recovery journeys. The conversation balances urgency with optimism, grounding complex policy discussions in real-world experience and human impact.
Access to Care and Supportive Housing
A central theme of the episode is access — the idea that when someone is ready to seek help, services should be available without unnecessary barriers. Dr. Mendenhall explains why supportive housing and step-down care are essential, particularly after detox, and why recovery looks different for each person. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, successful outcomes depend on meeting people where they are and supporting them with the right level of care at the right time.
Recovery, Employment, and Changing Drug Trends
The episode also examines the role of employment in recovery, highlighting the importance of second-chance employers and supportive employment services that help both workers and employers succeed. Dr. Mendenhall discusses emerging substance use trends, including the growing impact of P2P methamphetamine, and why evolving drug landscapes require longer recovery timelines and stronger behavioral health support.
Accountability, Alignment, and Hope
As the conversation widens to community investment and accountability, Juliana and Dr. Mendenhall emphasize the need for better alignment across city, county, and state systems — and for data that reflects real outcomes. The episode closes on a hopeful note, grounded in the lived experiences of people in recovery and the many CCC staff members who bring that experience into their work every day. Their stories serve as a reminder that recovery is possible, progress takes time, and community support makes all the difference.
Listen to the tenth episode here and THANK YOU to everyone for helping make this a great first season!
