This weekend Joe is happy to flash a new message on the Time & Temp to promote The Portland Opportunity Crew, a pilot program building on the successes several other cities have had by offering panhandlers the opportunity to earn money to clean up public areas. The program also links these folks with needed services, such as job training and support. Workers will pick up trash and beautify the city's parks and trails, primarily on the peninsula. Program participants will be paid minimum wage, which in Portland is $10.68 an hour, at the end of each shift.
Learn more about the Portland Opportunity Crew here, and please consider making a donation to this great cause here or by texting CREW to 91999 (get it? Text Crew?).
Joe applauds the City of Portland for their innovative approach to combat poverty, and wishes all the participants in this program good luck!
