Impact: Stories from our Community
Testimonials
NWCC Press Releases
Northwest Community Conservancy Announces $150,000 in Gifts from Two Portland Business Leaders and Their Families
Portland, Ore. – June 14, 2023 – Northwest Community Conservancy (NWCC), a non-profit entity in the Pearl District, announced the receipt of significant gifts in May 2023 totaling $150,000 from two of Portland’s leading business and community leaders and their families. Mary and Tim Boyle and Bobbi and Ray Davis, prominent figures in Portland’s business and community sectors, each contributed $75,000 to NWCC to strengthen its efforts to improve livability and support businesses in Portland’s Pearl District. The contributions will initiate a matching gift program to help to further advance NWCC’s work.
“These two amazing leaders and their families care tremendously about Portland,” said Ken Thrasher, NWCC Board Chair. “They view NWCC’s work as an example of how communities can come together to reduce homelessness and improve neighborhood safety through a humanitarian-first model. We are greatly appreciative of the contributions both families are making to support the entire Pearl District community.”
Tim Boyle is CEO of Columbia Sportswear, one of America’s premier apparel, outerwear, and footwear companies. Ray Davis is the retired CEO of Umpqua Bank, one of Oregon’s leading banks.
“For anyone who lives in the Pearl District; if you care about improving the livability of our neighborhood and if you’re interested in reducing crime and homelessness, then we encourage you to join with the NWCC as we together reclaim the Pearl.” - Ray Davis, NWCC Advisor and Pearl Resident
About Northwest Community Conservancy (NWCC)
NWCC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed to address the Pearl District’s growing challenges and enhance safety and livability for all who live, work, and learn in the Pearl District neighborhood. NWCC’s humanitarian-first approach collaborates with Loving One Another (LOA), a non-profit organization, to provide essential services to help individuals transition from living on the streets to shelters. NWCC also partners with Pacific Echelon to enhance neighborhood security. For more information: nwccpdx.org.
Contact: Ken Thrasher
Email: ken.thrasher49@gmail.com
###
NWCC Stories
Dear friends at Echelon/NWCC/LOA,
Thank you for an informative and inspiring opportunity to join you for the afternoon. I am so impressed with the genuine compassion and positive attitude I saw in everyone I encountered, from the security folks (Evans and his colleagues) who were firm but always kind and understanding with the folks who needed to be moved from a property to the LOA folks (Leif and his colleagues as well as the people on the street who assist LOA) who are tirelessly dedicating every single day to improving the lives of the unhoused population in Portland, even as the job undoubtedly takes an emotional toll on them.
You demonstrated to me how your companies are all built on a foundation of understanding our fellow human beings and preserving their dignity. Each of you showed me in your own way how you build relationships and rapport with people to improve the neighborhood and living conditions for all residents, housed and unhoused. My experiences yesterday strongly contradicted any negative preconceptions I may have had about "security officers/companies".
I was also struck by the thoughtful, talented, and intelligent leadership behind these initiatives; each of your leaders demonstrated that you defy the stereotypes of people in your profession/position and that you are compassionate people with remarkable insight into the needs of the community. The shared vision of your companies shines brightly throughout each branch. Having some experience in business, I was impressed with how consistent this vision was in everyone's narratives as they related its significance within their own role.
Please share my email with those I encountered, since I only have an email address at the moment for Alex and John.
Thank you, I look forward to seeing you all again soon, and I am working with our attorney on the contract for Avenue Lofts.
Cheers,
Dr. Claire Y. van den Broek
Adjunct Professor in Literature / Pedagogical Consultant
Southern New Hampshire University / University of Oregon
Hi All,
I want to share an experience I had yesterday.
While outside at Ovation with Mary Sipe, a distressed individual walked up the street yelling about suicide, girlfriend, and killing. I immediately called the hotline with a response in about 30 seconds. In the meantime, the individual wandered into Fields Park, yelling and screaming. He planted himself near the playground as Mary and I kept an eye on him while awaiting Echelon/LOA. A Good Samaritan (a gentleman from Pinnacle) meanwhile was doing a good job of trying to talk this individual down.
Mike from Echelon arrived within 10 minutes but kept his distance. He identified the individual and called Spencer from LOA, who arrived in 5 minutes, interacted with the individual, and eventually calmly walked away with him, presumably to get him help somewhere.
Part of the story for us is that two women approached afterward and commented about how wonderful it was to witness this and that they would spread the word. Turns out they were both from the Pinnacle and were aware of NWCC. I gave one of the women my contact info and asked that we get together for coffee. The other gentlemen from the Pinnacle was also quite impressed and said he would lobby for NWCC with the board.
These types of interactions will build momentum for us over time as more people witness them and we share the stories.
Thought you would all want to hear this.
Stanley Penkin - PDNA President, NWCC Board Member