For $1300, businesses can hire the Portland Opportunity Crew for one week. The $1300 contribution will provide jobs and meals for workers for that week, cleaned up public spaces, and a pathway to future career and support services. The $1300 sponsorship includes advertising at clean-up sites while workers are working, publicity from the City on our website and social media, and is tax deductible.
To hire the crew and sponsor this nationally-recognized program, contact Aaron Geyer at 207-482-5131 or via email.
about the panhandling-to-work program
The Portland Opportunity Crew is a pilot program, building on the successes several other cities have had such as in Albuquerque, New Mexico and San Jose, California. The program offers panhandlers the opportunity to earn money to cleanup public areas and links them with needed services, such as job training and support. Workers will pick up trash and beautify the city's parks and trails, primarily on the peninsula. Program participants will be paid minimum wage, which in Portland is $10.68 an hour, at the end of the shift.
The City's Social Services Division is working with the City's Parks Division to run the program. It will operate two days a week for approximately 36 weeks from April/May through November, and on each day up to five people will be hired. The City is partnering with Workforce Solutions and People Ready to link participants with additional services such as job training and employment support.
For more information on this program, please read the documents below or reach out to Aaron Geyer, Social Services Program Manager, 207-482-5131.