Here, they gave me an opportunity.

It's a big dream, but it's coming true.

Jose's tale is one of resiliency and hope. Through homelessness and addiction, Jose has stayed positive and determined to get himself and his son into a more stable situation. Jose has been an intern with Cultivate Initiatives, and has worked as an apprentice with the Showers & Hygiene team. He is a great example of how you can take your shortcomings and turn them into something meaningful. He is a great example of being for and with the people.

It had an impact on me like I've not experienced before.

In this episode of The Bucket Fire, Caleb reconnects with Greg—a longtime friend of his and of Cultivate Initiatives. They share stories from over the years, talk about the first time Greg came to the HUB, and reflect on growth, community, and what it means to feel seen.This conversation weaves together lived experience, humor, resilience, and a whole lot of heart.

Every morning, my goal is to wake up and be a better person than I was the time before.

Being a military kid, Tenorio has moved around a lot in his life and spent most of his life in Arizona. These days, he finds himself in Portland. He came to Cultivate Initiatives for a shower, and has made a lasting impression.

Here, they gave me an opportunity.

Anthony met our team at a mobile shower site and was grateful for the opportunity to get a clean shower. He then came to our Workforce Hub where he got into our intern program and met with an Employment Specialist. And then a week later - HE GOT A JOB. And he also got a community. Anthony benefited from our services, but he also felt seen, welcomed, and trusted.

My home is here, my heart is here.

Jen is a lead on our Community Beautification team and helps coordinate the cleanup of multiple areas around Portland. Though Jen would surely rather be out in the wilderness, identifying flowers and trees most days, she spends her weekdays here with us in the city. The work of her and her team benefits us all by helping to keep our streets more clean and safe for everyone. Listen to find out more about Jen, what brought her to where she is now, and the pride that she has in the work that she does.