CCC Celebrates Black History Month By Opening New Culturally Specific Programs (Photo) -02/27/23
much needed transitional housing for Black and African American men now available
February 27, 2023, Portland, OR – Tomorrow, Central City Concern (CCC) celebrates the opening of Karibu, a new program offering culturally specific stabilization and treatment services for Black and African American men who are involved or at-risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. Celebrating Black History month and Karibu’s Open House, the event takes place at 2020 SE Powell Blvd, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m., Portland, OR.
Joined by the Oregon Health Authority’s new Director of Behavioral Health Ebony Clarke and CCC’s Organizing Coordinator Billy Anfield, tomorrow marks the expansion of CCC’s culturally specific programs. Karibu (pronounced “kah-REE-boo") provides individualized stabilization and treatment services for Black and African American men who are involved or at-risk of involvement with the criminal justice system and who may have behavioral health needs. Karibu also offers 14 beds of transitional housing. Up to 20 beds will be available by the end of 2023. In Swahili, Karibu means “Welcome.”
“With the opening of Karibu, CCC is following through on our commitment to serving our neighbors and community members who’ve been historically and disproportionately affected and chronically underserved within our region.” says President and CEO Dr. Andy Mendenhall. “Clients always feel safer when treated by experts who have shared backgrounds, cultural experiences, and who have both overcome and continue to navigate similar challenges. These challenges include simply being treated with dignity and respect as full members of our society. We couldn’t be more honored to open our Karibu program and celebrate this tremendous milestone.”
CCC is also moving the Imani Center into the building, which has been providing mental health and addiction treatment for the Black and African American community since 2015. It will be moving from Old Town and housed alongside Karibu, creating a hub for culturally specific support. The Imani Center provides culturally specific and responsive Afrocentric approaches to mental health and addictions treatment, peer support and case management. The Center connects participants to all CCC services, including employment, benefits support, transitional housing, and natural support systems. In Swahili, Imani means “Faith.”
In Swahili, Pamojo means “Together.” Please join CCC as we celebrate Black History Month with the opening of Karibu.
About CCC
Located in Portland, Oregon, Central City Concern (CCC) provides a comprehensive continuum of affordable housing options integrated with direct social services including health care, recovery and employment. Founded in 1979, CCC has a staff of over 1,000 and an annual operating budget of $100 million. CCC serves more than 13,000 individuals annually. Up to 30,000 people across the tri-county region are affected annually by homelessness.
