Cultivate Initiatives

Mission

Cultivate Initiatives provides wrap-around services for unhoused neighbors in Multnomah County. We work alongside those on the margins to empower individuals and create lasting change. Together, we are building communities that are safe, supportive, and full of opportunity. Our mission is simple: “FOR & WITH THE PEOPLE.”

Our three core initiatives help neighbors move from the streets to stability and long-term housing. 

• Workforce Development: Providing paid jobs and hands-on training through Community Beautification, Property Stewardship, Intern Programs and Health & Hygiene programs (providing showers & laundry services).

• Housing & Homemaking: Offering housing navigation and homemaking support to help neighbors secure and maintain permanent homes.

• Supportive Sheltering: From life’s storms to weather emergencies, Menlo Park Safe Rest Village and seasonal shelters provide 24/7 care, emergency resources, and a safe environment.

Bottom Line

Cultivate Initiatives was born from a grassroots effort — housed and unhoused neighbors coming together to welcome a new shelter into their community. Today, that spirit of collaboration drives everything we do. Every day across Portland, you’ll see our crew hard at work:

+ Building transformative community and empowering our neighbors in vital ways

+ Removing over 1 million lbs. of garbage per year, while creating jobs for our unhoused neighbors

+ Helping people secure housing and make it a home

+ Providing up to 900 free showers each month through our mobile hygiene services

+ Sheltering hundreds of neighbors at the Menlo Park Safe Rest Village and emergency weather shelters

Join us by donating to Cultivate Initiatives’ 2026 Give!Guide campaign — every gift makes an impact for the better!

Quote

“Prior to the internship that I got through here, I haven’t worked in four years. Background; treatment, incarcerated and everything in between. So, basically I have been looking for a job for a year straight or more. Everywhere, I applied everywhere...   I was facing barriers I thought I would never overcome, and Cultivate [Initiatives] helped me break through those barriers. I just really wanted a chance, and they gave me one.”

Emily, Health & Hygiene Apprentice

Incentives

As a way of saying thank you, we will award gift cards from Pinolo Gelato and movie tickets to the Academy Theater at special times throughout our 2026 Give!Guide campaign.

Gift Matching

Double your impact! The first $15,000 donated will be generously matched by our incredible neighbor, Melanie Ann Nelson! 

Partner(s)

Beneficial State Bank is our business partner again this year – they lead by example, collaborate with and invest in change-makers, and build sustainable prosperity in our communities!  

Pinolo Gelato was launched in June of 2015 by Pisa-born native Sandro Paolini with the intention of reviving traditional Italian gelato-making methods to create pure, simple products in an authentic way. 

Green Bridge Coffee has partnered with us for years - providing beverages for our events, and bringing coffee to our Workforce Hub to support our employment programs. This local coffee producer also donates 10% of every whole bean bag of coffee, online subscription, and drip coffee at their café to local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations.

Academy Theater is an Independent cinema featuring Revival & 1st Run films, located in the heart of Portland's Montavilla neighborhood.. 

Minuteman Press Gresham has supported our work for years and has helped us bring our stories to the masses through print! Most recently, they provided in-kind printing services for our 2025/2026 Annual Report. The digital version will soon be available on our website. 

Thank you to Melanie Ann Nelson and all of our great partners! 

SHOUT OUT to our amazing Nonprofit Partners for their collaboration throughout Give!Guide: 

PDX Saints Love provides access to basic needs, wraparound services, and most importantly, a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. 

My Voice Music amplifies young voices and ignites self-discovery through music. 

Depave works intentionally with communities to remove underutilized pavement, replacing it with living, permeable design.

Literary Arts is a community-based nonprofit with a mission to engage readers, support writers, and inspire the next generation with great literature