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.