Founded by TJ Harris, our organization was born out of a powerful realization of the
magnitude of the fentanyl crisis in downtown Portland. TJ, an ex-convict who spent 13 years
in prison, knows what it means to face immense challenges and rebuild a life from the ground
up. While he didn’t struggle with addiction himself, he saw firsthand how addiction can
devastate lives and communities. Upon his release, TJ made it his mission to dedicate his life
to helping those facing the depths of addiction and homelessness.
In prison, TJ found his own redemption, he discovered the strength within to change the
course of his life, and in doing so, realized the profound impact of human connection. He
learned that sometimes, all it takes is one person reaching out, offering compassion, and
seeing the potential in someone when they can't see it themselves. This became the
foundation of our mission: to not only offer food and resources but to foster genuine human
connections that reignite hope and spark transformation.
What began as a grassroots outreach effort to meet immediate needs has blossomed into a
powerful movement, one that recognizes the importance of both recovery and rediscovery.
TJ’s personal journey of resilience and reinvention fuels our vision: to create safe, welcoming
spaces where people can engage in sober activities, express themselves through art, and
access the resources they need to regain control of their lives.
At our heart, we are more than a service provider, we are a community, a family where
connection and creativity lead the way toward healing. Through the creation of our community center, we provide a space for individuals to reconnect with their true selves, share in
recovery through art and sober activities, and build lives grounded in hope and stability.
TJ’s story reminds us that transformation is possible, no matter where we come from. It’s
about embracing a new beginning, finding strength in unity, and understanding that every
person has the power to change their path. Whether you're seeking support or looking to
offer it, we invite you to walk with us as we show the world that no one is beyond redemption.