A heartfelt thank you!
On October 15, 2025, Central City Concern came together for Compassion in Action, celebrating lives transformed through empowerment, connection, and commitment. Thank you to everyone who joined us to make this year’s event a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in what works.
Together, we raised $454,000 to support CCC’s mission of ending homelessness and helping people achieve lifelong recovery, health, and stability.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Compassion in Action wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose partnership fuels real change across our community. We’re deeply grateful for their ongoing commitment to building pathways to housing, health, and hope.
A special thanks to Skypoint AI, our presenting sponsor; U.S. Bank, our reception sponsor; Alaska Airlines, our paddle raise sponsor; BottleDrop, our street outreach engagement kit sponsor; and to our platinum sponsors: Walsh Construction Co and CareOregon.
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Inspiring Change, Strengthening Community
Here’s a recap of this year’s Compassion in Action luncheon, highlighting key takeaways from the speakers, important discussions, and the impact we celebrated together!
Senator Jeff Merkley and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson
This year’s program featured messages from two community leaders deeply committed to addressing homelessness and recovery in Portland.
Senator Jeff Merkley shared a video message recognizing CCC’s impact across Oregon and praised CCC’s comprehensive approach to tackling the root causes of homelessness, noting that CCC’s work “revitalizes Portland and restores hope for thousands.”
Our keynote speaker Mayor Keith Wilson noted that, “Supporting Central City Concern builds the fabric of a safer, stronger community where we’re going to repair, restore and revitalize [our city].” He emphasized that stable housing and meaningful work are essential to recovery: “That’s why I’m so impressed with Central City Concern, and especially the Clean Start program […] to supercharge that recovery and give those individuals that lease on life, that step forward and the self-actualization and the dignity of that job.”
Dr. Andy Mendenhall, President and CEO
CCC President and CEO Dr. Andy Mendenhall thanked the community for their steadfast support during a year of challenge and change. He emphasized the urgent need for expanded behavioral health treatment, recovery housing, and sustainable funding, all areas where CCC continues to lead.
“At CCC, we know what works,” he said. “When people have access to care, housing, and meaningful work, recovery becomes possible.”
Dr. Mendenhall celebrated the opening of our new 16 x Burnside Recovery Center, serving people with complex behavioral health needs who were previously considered “too ill” for services. He closed with a call to action: “Investing in CCC means investing in the health of our entire community. Every dollar you give will go towards evidence-based programs. It’s an investment in what we know works. Thank you again.”
Announcing our New Building
During the event, we announced a very special private gift: a generous capital donation from long–term CCC supporters Larry and Pam Naito. This gift will enable us to lease—with the intention to purchase—a building in Old Town.
The building, located at 121 NW Everett, will serve as our new space for our constrained Employment Access Center, our Clean Start program, bring our entire fleet into one secure lot, and bring our broadly stretched administrative teams and leaders together in one space for the first time in many years.
We extend our deep gratitude and thanks to Larry and Pam Naito for this generous gift.
Lived Experience in Action
One of the most powerful moments of the day came during a panel discussion led by Jon Wall, CCC’s Workforce Development Partner, and a former client. Jon guided a powerful conversation with four panelists, each a former CCC client who now serves as a staff member, sharing their stories of recovery and service.
Penny Park, SUDS Counselor Trainee at Old Town Clinic, opened the discussion with a deeply moving story of reaching a breaking point in 2022, and choosing life. “There’s no desperation like the pain of a mother missing her children,” she shared. “That day, I looked out over the water from the Broadway Bridge and decided to live to fight another day. I ran straight to Hooper Detox.” With CCC’s support, Penny has since completed over 1,000 hours of clinical work and will soon graduated as a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor.
Chelsea Donnor spoke next, describing her years of struggling with addiction and multiple attempts to find recovery. “Every time I went to Hooper, I learned something more about hope and trust and courage,” she said. “They loved me until I could love myself.” Today, Chelsea is a Residential Case Manager at CCC’s new 16 x Burnside Recovery Center, where she helps others find the same hope she discovered.
Next was Anthony Johnson, whose story began after his release from prison. He spoke about meeting Billy Anfield, an Advocacy Coordinator at CCC’s Flip the Script program: “I was able to get a job that day after only being out two days to the streets,” said Anthony. “I became a member of Flip the Script that day.” Anthony went on to help advocate for laws reducing barriers for people reentering society alongside Flip the Script staff and fellow clients. Today, Anthony works as a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor at Hooper Detox, helping others begin their recovery journeys.
Lastly, Brandon Quinn, now a Program Supervisor at CCC’s River Haven transitional housing program, shared his experience of losing a successful, rewarding career as a corrections officer to opioid addiction. “Addiction does not discriminate,” he said. “It doesn’t care how hard you’ve worked or what you’ve done.” Through CCC, Brandon rebuilt his life and rediscovered his purpose. “Central City Concern walked with me every step of the way. They helped me become a better man, husband, father, and compassionate leader.”
Jon closed the discussion with heartfelt gratitude, recognizing the full-circle power of the stories shared: “We are the result of a community investing in us. This isn’t just about us—it’s about our families, the people we serve, and our community getting better. And we can only do it together.”
“When I got here, I thought I was unlovable—and CCC showed me that love. Now I get to show that love to others. When it comes to Central City Concern, no matter the question, love is always the answer.”
-Brandon Quinn, Program Supervisor and former CCC client
Bryant’s Story: From Recovery to Leadership
This year’s featured story centered on Bryant, a former CCC client who now works as a Community Building Assistant, helping others rebuild their lives. Bryant’s journey from homelessness and addiction to stability and leadership exemplifies the true meaning of compassion in action.
Looking Ahead
As the event came to a close, guests were reminded that the greatest investment we can make is in people: in their potential, resilience, and futures.
To everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, or helped make this event possible: thank you for investing in what works. Together, we’re proving that compassion creates lasting change.
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