Help Strengthen the Pearl District: Give to NWCC
By giving a year-end gift to NWCC, you directly support the critical humanitarian and security initiatives serving the Pearl District.
Dear friends of NWCC,
As part of a great community—and as the year comes to a close—this is a meaningful time to celebrate our accomplishments and grow support for NWCC. Three years ago, the community identified three key priorities:
1. Increased safety and livability
2. Improved business conditions
3. Making the Pearl District a destination again for visitors. Our action plan has guided NWCC in helping fulfill those priorities.
We must first thank the many members who have joined NWCC and those who have made donations toward the strategies we have deployed to create action around shared needs. We appreciate these generous gifts from donors and members, along with the many positive comments you have shared with us. We also extend our gratitude to our board and service team for their great work.
We rolled out our humanitarian outreach in March 2023 because the community wanted to help unsheltered individuals move off the streets and into shelters. Through our team’s efforts, over 2,100 people have been sheltered, with tent counts decreasing by more than 70%. In April 2023, we added day and night security focused on protecting the community and member properties. Since then, we have seen a 20% reduction in crime and an increase in new business openings—while also responding to new needs created by shelter expansions.
In May 2023, we introduced our hotline, which has now answered nearly 3,500 calls, with an average response time of nine minutes, helping residents and businesses navigate difficult situations despite limited police resources. In June 2023, we began issuing monthly metric reports, providing transparency and accountability for the community’s investment in our work. This includes partnering with government agencies to develop solutions and improve business conditions—such as extending the City’s business income tax credit to the Pearl District.
Stories from the Street: Reconnecting Home: A Family Reunion on the Streets of Portland
With compassion and persistence, NWCC’s humanitarian team helped a mother reunite with her daughter after years apart—showing that sometimes the first step isn’t shelter, but connection.
We continue to seek ways to serve you better as community needs evolve, including adding a new humanitarian support staff member and launching our humane crow abatement program. Please consider making a year-end gift or become a member to further our mission of addressing the priorities listed above and supporting our new initiatives. Contributions can be made through a one-time gift (cash, credit card, or stock), a monthly commitment, or, for eligible individuals, an IRA required minimum distribution—an excellent way to support a high-impact community organization.
The work NWCC is doing is centered on building a better and stronger community. We appreciate your consideration of NWCC as a place to invest in support of our shared priorities. On behalf of our board and team, we wish you a joyful holiday season with family and friends.
Sincerely,
Ken Thrasher, NWCC Board Chair & Chase McPherson, NWCC Executive Director
