Ground Score Association

Mission

Ground Score Association (GSA) is an association of informal recyclers, canners, dumpster divers, and other waste pickers who create and fill low-barrier waste materials management jobs in Portland, Oregon. Ground Score is collectively-organized and radically inclusive, prioritizing work opportunities for those facing work and housing insecurity. Ground Score seeks to build a more environmentally and socially aware community, while also changing society’s perceptions of what and who is considered valuable.

Bottom Line for Portland

Our programs keep Portland clean, prevent greenhouse gas emissions, divert tons of materials monthly for recycling or reuse, and help our most vulnerable community members. We meet people where they are and provide jobs that allow them to earn a dignified income. All of our workers are paid at least $20/hour; many start out with significant barriers to employment such as lacking ID documents or being unhoused. Since having started work with Ground Score, over 70% of unhoused workers have become housed.

Quote

“I'd probably be out on the streets if it wasn't for Ground Score.”

• –Phorrest, Ground Score worker
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• "I didn't come to Ground Score just for a paycheck. I came looking for hope. I've experienced loss, abandonment, disability, and survival on the edge. I've cried under the stars, sleeping where no one should have to, praying for something to change. Then Ground Score appeared in my life like a divine appointment. A space where people saw me, not just my struggle. A space where I could give back, build community, and find meaning again.”
• –Sonja, Ground Score worker

Incentives

Donors who give $100+ will receive a bookmark handmade by a member of our Reuse Team from upcycled textiles.

Donors who give $250+ or more will receive a special zip pouch handmade by a member of our Reuse Team from upcycled textiles.

Artist Roger Peet from Justseeds collaborated with canners at The People's Depot to create a special edition print celebrating their work! Supporters will be able to procure this limited edition print by making a $50 gift at our November 6th First Thursday event.

Partner(s)

Hygiene4All offers hygiene, medical supplies, and clothing for houseless Portlanders.

Japanese American Museum of Oregon educates on Japanese American history and civil rights.

Portland Street Art Alliance empowers artists and advances inclusive street art culture.

Rose Haven offers community and trauma-informed care for women and children experiencing poverty.

Sisters of the Road addresses the roots of poverty and houselessness.

Stone Soup PDX provides culinary and workforce training to individuals facing barriers to employment.

Street Books provides literature, connection, and resources for people living outside or at the margins.

Street Roots publishes a street newspaper that provides income opportunities to people experiencing houselessness.

Wapato Island Farm is a 32-acre family farm that includes regenerative agriculture in harmony with the Earth as well as wild areas where native biodiversity can thrive; its operation is guided by Indigenous values of nourishing the spirit and offering ethically grown and harvested plants.