CityTeam Portland

Tonight, Andrea and I had the privilege of attending the Impact Gala for Transition Projects, turning it into a meaningful date night while celebrating the incredible work of one of our community’s key partner organizations. For 56 years, Transition Projects has been at the forefront of #sheltering, #housing placements, and #veteran services—work that closely parallels our mission at CityTeam Portland, which has been serving for 57 years. These kinds of connections make celebrating together all the more special. As a US Army veteran, I have a deep appreciation for their commitment to supporting those who served. It was an honor to run into Mayor Keith Wilson and his wife, Kathrine, District Attorney Nathan Vasquez and his wife, as well as Oregon State Representative Rob Nosse among many other dedicated leaders. And it wouldn’t be a night out on the town without running into Blanchet House & Farm ‘s Scott Kerman!!! We can’t figure out who is stalking who! ?? One of the highlights of the evening was checking in and being greeted by Kevin Farmer, CityTeam Portland graduate, former intern, and now a staff member at Transition Projects. Seeing the impact of our work carry over into other organizations reinforces why we do what we do! Grateful for a night of celebration, connection, and collaboration as we continue working together to make the City of Portland a place where everyone has access to shelter, a home, and hope. ….. we even took TriMet Max to support our cities, public transportation! #ImpactGala #TransitionProjects #CityTeamPortland #Community #VeteranServices #Housing #Partnerships #Portland

Portland’s Central Eastside: A Hub for Innovation, Vision, and Renewal Today, I had the privilege of attending a dynamic panel discussion hosted by the Central Eastside Industrial Council at Coopers Hall featuring Mayor Keith Wilson and Portland’s new City Manager, Michael Jordan. It was an inspiring gathering of business and government leaders, all committed to shaping the future of our city—particularly in the Central Eastside, a crucial and innovative heartbeat of Portland. Two quotes stood out that truly captured the energy in the room: ?? “Portland is on the cusp of a Renaissance.” – Mayor Keith Wilson ?? “Our future is not going to be based on data, but on heart and vision.” – City Manager Michael Jordan The event brought together leaders from across the city, including newly elected City Council Member Tiffany Koyama Lane (District 3), Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang, and Prosper Portland’s Kate Merrill, among many others. A special thanks to the CEIC’s Executive Director Carolyne Holcomb for organizing such an impactful discussion and to Cooper’s Hall for hosting us. CityTeam Portland has been serving in the Central Eastside since 1998, providing emergency shelter, long-term residential recovery, and workforce development—helping individuals find stability, employment, and self-sufficiency. It’s encouraging to see so many diverse groups investing their time and vision into this district’s future. The City of Portland is at a pivotal moment, and today’s conversations reaffirmed that real change comes from bold leadership, collaboration, and a shared commitment to renewal. Here’s to the heart, vision, and action that will shape what’s next! #Portland #CentralEastside #Leadership #Collaboration #CityTeamPortland

????Reviving the City of Roses event ???? Tonight at the Portland Art Museum, I had the privilege of attending Reviving the City of Roses, an event hosted by Becker Capital Management, Inc that brought together some of Portland’s most influential leaders to discuss the future of our city. The panel featured Mayor Keith Wilson, District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, Columbia Sportswear Company founder Tim Boyle and ECOnorthwest President Emeritus John Tapogna, each offering valuable perspectives on what it will take to restore Portland’s vitality. Throughout the evening, I had the chance to connect with business and nonprofit leaders like Ryan Buchanan (The Script), Thesis and We Believe in Portland, Scott Kerman of Blanchet House & Farm, Robby Larson, Ed.D. of Charitable Legacy Partners, and Jeff Grubb of M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. The discussions centered on key issues: revitalizing our population growth, improving safety and livability, and addressing #homelessness through #housing and #treatment solutions. What stood out most was the collective commitment to action. Mayor Keith Wilson’s optimism and get-it-done attitude were inspiring, DA Nathan Vasquez emphasized the importance of safer streets, and Tim Boyle highlighted the need for a more competitive tax structure to attract businesses and fuel economic growth. City of Portland is at a crossroads, but events like this remind me that we have the leadership, vision, and determination to move forward. Grateful to be part of the conversation—and even more excited to be part of the solution alongside my crew at CityTeam Portland! #Solutions #ThrivingPortland #RevitalizePortland #Collaboration #EconomicDevelopment

Advocating for Recovery and Treatment Access at the Oregon State Capitol Today, I had the privilege of testifying at the Oregon State Capitol on two critical House bills—HB 3146 and HB 2239—both focused on expanding access to addiction recovery, treatment, and recovery housing. Standing alongside fellow leaders with lived experience, including Tony Vezina (4D Recovery), Bo Brinson (Oregon Recovers), and Melissa Bishop (MHAAO), we shared firsthand why increased investment in these services is not just necessary but urgent. Our collective voices represent thousands of Oregonians struggling to find accessible treatment and stable recovery housing. We know the gaps in the system because we’ve lived them. And we also know what’s possible when people get the right support at the right time. A highlight of the day was meeting one-on-one with Rep. Rob Nosse and Rep. Daniel L. Nguyen to discuss the incredible work CityTeam Portland is doing to provide recovery housing, holistic treatment, and long-term solutions for those battling addiction. Their engagement and willingness to listen give me hope that Oregon is moving in the right direction. A special shout out to Marissa Cade for always helping us navigate the politics of our work! She truly understands the system and is using it for the greater good! Advocacy matters. Policy change matters. Today was a reminder that our stories and our voices have power—and we must continue using them to ensure more people have a pathway to recovery. #RecoveryWorks #TreatmentAccess #Advocacy #OregonLegislature #CityTeamPortland #LivedExperience #AddictionRecovery

Multnomah County’s Deflection Center: A Good Start, But We Must Go Further The launch of Multnomah County’s?Deflection Center?marks an important step in addressing addiction and public safety. The goal of diverting individuals from jail and getting them connected to treatment is something I fully support. However, we must take a closer look at how we define?“success.” Currently, completing the program means that an individual—after being arrested for a drug-related offense—meets with a referring partner and then checks in with that partner within 30 days. That’s it. Completion does not mean they actually enter treatment, only that a connection was made. While any effort to connect people to treatment is a positive step, we have to acknowledge that?low-barrier engagement alone isn’t enough?to create real change amidst a crisis. The reality is that most of us struggling with addiction need?structured, mandatory treatment?to truly break free. At?CityTeam Portland, we know this firsthand.?75% of our clients come to us through court-mandated referrals from surrounding counties in Oregon—yet rarely from Multnomah County.?Our program has seen transformative success because it requires deep engagement and accountability. I am living proof! I stand in support of the Deflection Center and its mission. But we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to go further. If we are serious about recovery, we must?strengthen the requirements for completion?to ensure more people actually enter treatment.?CityTeam Portland is ready and willing to receive those who need help. We can do better. Let’s work together to build a system that truly changes lives. Erik Cole Keith Wilson Vince Jones-Dixon Meghan Moyer Bob Weinstein Matt Stein Robert "Bob" Day Jessie B. Nathan Vasquez Eli Arnold Brian Owendoff Revitalize Portland Coalition Mitchell Green, Ph.D. Eric Zimmerman, MBA Multnomah County City of Portland Brian Hughes Carolyne Holcomb John McIsaac

Building Bridges in Old Town: Coffee with Cops at CityTeam Portland Today, we had the privilege of hosting an incredible “Coffee with Cops” meeting at our newly purchased CityTeam Portland building in Old Town—the future home of our residential recovery program and emergency shelter. This gathering brought together Chief Robert "Bob" Day of the Portland Police Bureau, Commander Brian Hughes of the Central Precinct, faith-based service providers like Union Gospel Mission of Portland, The Salvation Army, Blanchet House & Farm and CityTeam as well as a representative from Multnomah County Sheriff’s Department, Nicole Buscher and PPA Sgt. Aaron Schmautz. The entire discussion centered on collaboration—how faith-based homeless services and addiction recovery programs can partner with Portland Police Bureau, Multnomah County Corrections, and each other to ensure that people experiencing homelessness and addiction receive the right services and support. These kinds of partnerships are what make the Old Town Village such an incredible team. By working together, we are strengthening the network of care that helps people move off the streets and into the appropriate services that can transform lives. A huge thank you to everyone who participated today, especially newly elected City of Portland councilor Mitchell Green, Ph.D. for taking the time to listen in. And thank you to all of the Portland stakeholders that joined in as well. Finally, none of this would have been possible without the efforts of Corinne and Aaron Frenchette for organizing and leading the discussion! Matt Stein Scott Kerman Eli Arnold Brian Owendoff Erik Cole Revitalize Portland Coalition Bob Weinstein Christy Emlaw McMurtry #Portland #OldTownVillage #CityTeamPortland #HomelessnessSolutions #Collaboration #Recovery #FaithInAction