Celebrating the 2024 Cleaners of the Year

On July 23, 2024, Central City Concern and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe honored two Inicio limpio employees at the 15th annual Clean & Safe appreciation day. Es such a privilege that we get the chance to celebrate the amazing work our people do day in and day out. We’re thrilled to celebrate James Woodard and Damien Lovan as the 2024 Cleaners of the Year.

Clean Start is an employment program offering consistent work opportunities while giving back to the community and addressing Portland’s pressing issues of street cleanliness and homelessness recovery. It provides peer mentoring, job training, and access to CCC’s wraparound services, including supportive housing, health care, substance use disorder treatment, and employment assistance. Over six months, participants receive job training and mentorship while removing graffiti, trash, needles, and biohazards throughout the Portland metro area, partnering with Downtown Clean & Safe to fill cleaning requests in the downtown core.

In 2023, our cleaners removed 4.1 MILLION pounds of trash from throughout the Portland metro region and over 122,000 needles!

Meet the 2024 Cleaners of the Year

At CCC, we’re incredibly fortunate to have team members who exemplify dedication, positivity and adaptability on a daily basis. Two individuals who truly stand out are James and Damien. Their remarkable efforts and unwavering commitment have made a significant impact on our team and operations. Today we’re honored to be celebrating them both as Cleaners of the Year!

James Woodard is an exceptional trainer and an inspiring leader. His dedication to training others is unparalleled, as he is always willing to step in and provide guidance without a single complaint. James prioritizes safety on the job, especially when training, and uniquely incorporates humor to lighten the mood, making learning both engaging and enjoyable. His positive attitude and unwavering commitment to fostering growth and development in others make him an invaluable asset to our team. James’s leadership not only enhances the skills of those he trains but cultivates a supportive and motivating environment.

Damien Lovan’s infectious smile and passion for his job light up the workplace. His quick response to dispatch calls and readiness to tackle any task with enthusiasm showcase his dedication and reliability. Damien’s adaptability and flexibility are truly commendable, as he seamlessly transitions to wherever he is needed most. His ability to embrace change and perform exceptionally in various roles makes him an indispensable member of our team, always ensuring that the job gets done with efficiency and a positive attitude.

Learn More About our Honorees

James Woodard

James Woodard found his stride two years ago when he joined Clean Start, also marking a pivotal point in his life of sobriety and personal growth. He first learned about Clean Start while attending a 12-step group, where he connected with several CCC employees and started inquiring about the program. Transitioning from labor jobs to CCC provided not only stability but a profound sense of purpose and possibility he hadn’t experienced before. As a full-time single father, James’s dedication to his child has always been paramount, shaping his career aspirations and daily choices.

He explains, “I’ve never had a job before where a supervisor or manager told me I was worth anything, so being told on a regular basis that I am appreciated and valued is amazing.”

Beyond his role at CCC, James is a passionate artist and illustrator, known for his pen and ink illustrations, watercolors, and colored pencil works. His artistic pursuits reflect a passion for punk culture and 60s reggae music, paralleling his love for collecting records and Legos.

James’s commitment to CCC is rooted in more than professional achievement; it’s about finding a supportive community where his contributions are valued. This recognition serves as a testament to his resilience and dedication. James says, “it’s a huge pat on the back! I used to say I would take a pat on the back from the main supervisor that understands what I do instead of a raise, because that is a truly sincere acknowledgment.”

For those beginning their journey with Clean Start, James encourages them to embrace the support offered and persevere—because showing up consistently, in work and in life, is key to success.

Damien Lovan

Since April 2023, Damien Lovan has been a valued Clean Start employee, initially joining through the 6-month program and currently serving on Special Projects Bikes. His journey with Clean Start began while homeless and participating in the Portland Rescue Mission program. Intrigued by a fellow participant’s employment success story with Clean Start, Damien followed suit and found his place through Transition Project’s referral.

Damien thrives in the outdoor urban environment of Portland. He loves the fact that in his role he meets many different people. People who aren’t from here see him riding the bike in his uniform and treat him like an ambassador of the city, asking him questions. He enjoys engaging with people, sharing insights about Portland, especially its history like the infamous shanghai tunnels.

Damien expressed, “I’m humbled and honored by this recognition. I was really surprised! It means a lot; it means that they’re paying attention to the work I do.”

Receiving recognition is deeply meaningful to Damien, reflecting on his journey from uncertainty to stability and self-sufficiency. To newcomers at Clean Start, Damien advises consistency and dedication, emphasizing the opportunities for growth and recognition within the program.

Outside of work, Damien indulges his passion for music, particularly drumming, enjoys traveling and reading about history. Looking ahead, he harbors aspirations rooted in his family’s craft—leatherwork and shoe repair—a potential future pursuit that excites him.

Clean Start has not only provided Damien with a sense of pride and belonging but explains that “for the first time in my life, I really feel like I’m self-sufficient. I can really think about my future vs just the day to day, it’s a good feeling.”

He hopes others will find similar opportunities for personal and professional growth with the company!