Advocate with Central City Concern
Our clients’ stories matter. Not just to those we serve, but to people in the halls of power who can support CCC’s mission of ending homelessness.
Our public policy team works year-round to advance policies to end homelessness, improve health care access, increase economic justice, correct racial disparities and achieve greater alignment of the support systems our clients rely on. And as a direct-service organization, we know that the most powerful agents for change are CCC’s clients, alumni and direct service staff.
We help our clients and staff share their experiences — of recovery from homelessness, substance use disorder, illness or unemployment — in ways that encourage elected officials to change systems that aren’t working for our community.
You’ll find CCC clients, former clients and staff:
- Speaking in support of renter protections and supportive employment before the Portland City Council.
- Meeting with Oregon legislators to talk about improving community health and wellness through criminal justice reform, housing access, and economic opportunity.
- Advocating for Multnomah County to invest more in culturally specific behavioral health services for our Latinx and Black communities.
- Explaining to local and state officials why Oregon needs a better re-entry and diversion program to improve health, wellness and justice in our African American community.
Here are the policy changes we’re focused on this year:
Supportive and Affordable Housing
We work with government leaders and community partners to end homelessness by improving access to housing, rent assistance, health care and social services for those in need — especially Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).
Integrated Health Care
We push for funding to make sure mental health and recovery services, primary care and culturally specific care are available to our community. This includes working with government officials to prioritize care for BIPOC and people with complex health needs who are uninsured or on Medicaid or Medicare.
Economic Opportunity
We aim to address income inequality and increase financial stability for our clients by making sure job training and supportive services are funded. We also work to dismantle policies that criminalize and discriminate against people who experience homelessness and poverty.
Race and Social Justice
We identify policy and funding issues rooted in systemic discrimination against BIPOC, then work to change these systems. This includes support of policies that reduce over-incarceration and make it easier for our community to gain financial stability, access to health care, housing, transportation and educational opportunities.
Recent letters and comments
April 30, 2020: Letter of support, Emergency Rental Assistance and Rental Market Stabilization Act, U.S. Congress
July 15, 2020: Letter of support, Stimulus Package: Employment Social Enterprise Inclusion, U.S. Congress
July 23, 2020: Comment letter, 2020 Oregon State Budget
August 14, 2020: Letter of support, Stimulus Package: Medicaid Reentry Act, U.S. Congress
August 24, 2020: Letter to federal partners
CCC’s Public Policy Team
Mercedes Elizalde
Public Policy Director
mercedes.elizalde@ccconcern.org
Email Mercedes
Gary Cobb
Community Outreach Coordinator
gary.cobb@ccconcern.org
Email Gary
Billy Anfield
Advocacy Coordinator
billy.anfield@ccconcern.org
Email Billy