their lives. On the average, women stay in the hotel three to four months before they can get the apartment on their own that society says is better for them and their children. By providing a supportive atmosphere, the hotel gives women who have no other place to go and no hope for themselves another chance in life. As Karen says, "We give people options." North Portland Citizens Committee c/o Neighbors North 7508 N. Hereford Portland, OR 97203 503/284-4524 Whenever there's a community project underway in North Portland, chances are the North Portland Citizens Committee (NPCC) has something to do with it. From street improvements to senior citizen services, from housing rehabilitation to neighborhood commercial revitalization, NPCC, founded in 1972, has been one of the most active and influential neighborhood organizations in the city. It was even selected as a case study by the National Commission on Neighborhoods appointed by President Carter. "We're basically just people getting together to solve community problems," Steve Roso, president of NPCC, states. "We're a receptive organization, a focal point looking to get things done in the simplest way possible." NPCC is an independent umbrella organization encompassing the seven North Portland neighborhood associations. Each neighborhood association elects two representatives to serve on the board and elects four officers at- large. Anyone who lives, works, owns property or has an interest in North Portland can join. The Neighbors North office coordinates activities among all organizations in North Portland and serves as NPCC's headquarters. About thirty core people are active in NPCC at any one time, but literally hundreds of North Portlanders have been involved in the working subcommittees. "It's democracy in action. If some people are concerned about a particular issue, they're encouraged to form a subcommittee and use NPCC as a back-up resource," Roso explains. NPCC has been very successful in building public/private partnerships and leveraging available resources for such community projects as the development of Cathedral Park and the improvement of the St. Johns Business District. "We're not interested in raising turf issues," says Roso. "We're interested in facilitating—trying to make things happen. NPCC's approach has been to link neighborhood residents, business interests and government resources when dealing with a community problem. Cooperation is always the key." Sunflower Recycling 2230 S.E.Grand, Box 14061 Portland, OR 97214 503/238-1640 Cloudburst Recycling 2440 N.E. 10th Portland, OR 97212 503/281-8075 "You have to be aware of garbage to recycle. It's very clear when you pick up both recycling and garbage. To some people, garbage is gross," Mike Barnes of Sunflower Recycling explains. Sunflower is a democratically run The Sunflower Recyclers 68 Judith Rafferty
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