In an organized effort to combat litter and support the well-being of Portland's business districts, SOLVE collaborated with 12 business sponsors between February and December 2023. With the engagement of 668 dedicated volunteers, they successfully removed 3,290 pounds of trash from the streets in nine different business districts, spanning Old Town, Central Eastside Industrial, Stadium District, and Downtown Portland.
SOLVE's mission is to create opportunities for individuals and businesses to give back to their communities, playing a crucial role in protecting or preserving the beauty and integrity of our city from the harmful effects of litter. The monthly cleanups combat the immediate threat of trash and foster community unity and pride, creating cleaner, more inviting business districts for all.
Litter poses a significant threat to our community's well-being and impacts the aesthetics and health of our streets, neighborhoods, and waterways. SOLVE is committed to preserving clean city streets and vibrant neighborhoods, with our monthly cleanups actively contributing to the vibrancy of our community. "The Portland Business District Cleanups are a valuable opportunity for SOLVE volunteers and local businesses to join forces, ensuring clean and litter-free streets. Reflecting on the numerous cleanup events throughout the year, it's awe-inspiring to see the collective impact of community engagement, transforming our urban spaces into cleaner, more dynamic environments," states Kris Carico, SOLVE CEO.
2023 events to highlight:
Portland Rose Festival, May 2023
As Portland geared up for the annual Rose Festival in May 2023, SOLVE collaborated with downtown businesses to ensure the city's waterfront and commercial districts were welcoming and ready for the festivities. The CareOregon Starlight Parade, a festival highlight, inspired CareOregon to partner with SOLVE and the Portland Rose Festival Foundation. This cleanup event brought 125 volunteers together who picked up an impressive amount of trash along the waterfront and downtown business district.
Tree Well and Groundbreaking Event in Old Town, September 2023
In partnership with the Society Hotel and sponsored by Gevurtz Menashe, SOLVE hosted a Tree Well and Groundbreaking event in Old Town in September. Beyond traditional cleanup efforts, volunteers were part of a pilot program to improve Old Town's tree wells. This initiative involved leveling, adding resin, and cobblestone work to aid water retention and prevent trash contamination. The event showcased the potential for collaboration between community members, local businesses, and organizations to enhance the urban environment.
What's next? Upcoming MLK Day of Service, January 2024
As 2023 comes to a close, SOLVE is gearing up for the next big event: the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Cleanup Event at Irving Park on January 15, 2024. MLK Day is the only federal holiday recognized as National Day of Service, and SOLVE invites everyone to volunteer and contribute to improving their communities. This event not only honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. but also underscores SOLVE's commitment to enhancing the environment for everyone.
Together, we can continue to positively impact our community and create a cleaner, more sustainable future for Portland. The monthly Portland Business District Cleanup events will resume in February 2024. For more information about SOLVE and upcoming events, please visit www.solveoregon.org.
Source: SOLVE