Central City Concern’s fourth annual “Working Our Way Home” luncheon

Portland, November 1st. Central City Concern’s luncheon raised funds for the organization’s self-sufficiency programs. Joey and Emily Harrington were guest speakers and urged the attendees to donate. Wells Fargo Bank joined Walsh Construction, Kaiser Permanente, Howard S. Wright, Legacy Health Systems and Providence Health Plans as major supporters. (Photo Credit, Andie Petkus.)

Honoree Ed Reeves of Stoel Rives LLP Attorneys at Law, Ruth Saltzman who accepted a posthumous award for her husband Harold “Hal” Saltzman, Central City Concern Executive Director Ed Blackburn.

City Commissioner Dan Saltzman with his aunt, Ruth Saltzman. And on the right, Hardy Myers helped create Central City Concern (along with George K. Meier) when they were partners at Stoel Rives LLP in the 1970s.

The event honored attorney Ed Reeves, the law firm of Stoel Rives LLP and the memory of Harold “Hal” Saltzman. Hal’s wife, Ruth, and his son, David, accepted on behalf of the Saltzman Family.

David Saltzman, (Hal's son) and CCC Director of Community Relationships Carole Romm.

Central City Concern meets its mission through innovative outcome based strategies which support personal and community transformation.

Direct access to housing which supports lifestyle change.
Integrated healthcare services that are highly effective in engaging people who are often alienated from mainstream systems.
The development of peer relationships that nurture and support personal transformation and recovery.
Attainment of income through employment or accessing benefits.

The success of these four elements results in an transformation of world view and self image from a negative to a positive outlook, enabling people to become productive citizens who want to “give something back” to the community.

Central City Concern (CCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency serving single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions. Founded in 1979, the agency has developed a comprehensive continuum of affordable housing options integrated with direct social services including healthcare, recovery and employment. CCC currently has a staff of 600, an annual operating budget of $38 million and serves more than 13,000 individuals annually.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.