October 2026

Growing a Greener,
More Welcoming Community.…

Dear Friends,

This fall, Cultivate Initiatives partnered with Depave and Multnomah County Public Health on a project bringing together climate justice, workforce development, and community care. At Central City Concern’s Evergreen Crossing in East Portland, a recuperative care facility for people experiencing housing instability as they recover from hospital stays, Cultivate Initiatives’ Workforce Development team played a hands-on role in transforming the space. 

After receiving training from Depave, the team removed and hauled away 500 square feet of asphalt—two to three parking spaces—making way for shade trees, raised garden beds, and an outdoor area where residents can rest and connect with nature. Their work is helping create a cooler, greener, more restorative environment for people recovering from illness.

Too often, communities address climate change and the challenges facing people without stable housing in isolation. This partnership shows what's possible when organizations work together, creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals while also improving the neighborhood for everyone. By combining resources, skills, and a shared commitment to community, Depave and Cultivate Initiatives are helping build a model that can grow across East Portland. 

Workers are not just gaining experience and contributing their skills—they are helping create a place of care, connection, and belonging for their neighbors. This is an example of how to create a thriving community.

Building Community Through Collaboration

The partnership between Green Bridge Coffee and Cultivate Initiatives exemplifies the power of collaboration in social entrepreneurship. For years, Green Bridge has supplied ethically-produced coffee to Cultivate Initiatives, bringing workers and neighbors together outside the Workforce Hub to start their morning. Supplying hot beverages at events and also for the Safe Rest Village residents.

What sets this partnership apart is not just the product exchanged but the underlying philosophy that drives both organizations. The collaboration began long before Green Bridge Coffee and Cultivate Initiatives became tangible names in their respective spheres. It was birthed from a mutual desire to step away from traditional methods of approaching social challenges and instead, to explore new, non-conventional ways of serving and engaging with neighbors. This "third way of thinking" as encourages innovative solutions that prioritize community well-being over mere profit.

Together, Green Bridge Coffee and Cultivate Initiatives demonstrate the impact of collaboration, embodying a commitment to community well-being and showing that organizations united by shared values can achieve remarkable outcomes for the common good.

Thank you for believing in the power of compassion and connection.

With gratitude,

Cultivate Initiatives