The Bucket Fire Podcast
This video and audio podcast brings us back to the early days of our nonprofit—gathering around a bucket fire to share stories of life, personal growth, hope, and perseverance. We are a nonprofit organization rooted in East Portland, working alongside marginalized neighbors to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Through an inclusive range of services and supports, we envision communities that are safe, supportive, and full of opportunity. We build community from the inside out—through workforce development, housing & homemaking, and supportive sheltering.
Episodes
Jose's tale is one of resiliency and hope. Through homelessness and addiction, Jose has stayed positive and determined to get himself and his son into a more stable situation.
Jose has been an intern with Cultivate Initiatives, and has worked as an apprentice with the Showers & Hygiene team. He is a great example of how you can take your shortcomings and turn them into something meaningful. He is a great example of being fo...
In this episode of The Bucket Fire, Caleb reconnects with Greg—a longtime friend of his and of Cultivate Initiatives.
They share stories from over the years, talk about the first time Greg came to the HUB, and reflect on growth, community, and what it means to feel seen.This conversation weaves together lived experience, humor, resilience, and a whole lot of heart.
Being a military kid, Tenorio has moved around a lot in his life and spent most of his life in Arizona. These days, he finds himself in Portland. He came to Cultivate Initiatives for a shower, and has made a lasting impression.
Anthony met our team at a mobile shower site and was grateful for the opportunity to get a clean shower. He then came to our Workforce Hub where he got into our intern program and met with an Employment Specialist. And then a week later - HE GOT A JOB.
And he also got a community. Anthony benefited from our services, but he also felt seen, welcomed, and trusted.
Jen is a lead on our Community Beautification team and helps coordinate the cleanup of multiple areas around Portland. Though Jen would surely rather be out in the wilderness, identifying flowers and trees most days, she spends her weekdays here with us in the city. The work of her and her team benefits us all by helping to keep our streets more clean and safe for everyone.
Listen to find out more about Jen, what brought her to...
In this episode, we hear from Ty, our Intern Coordinator. Formerly an intern himself, he now coordinates the inner workings of the intern program that allows people living on the streets to earn money working alongside our Community Beautification team.
Ty talks about what keeps him coming back to Cultivate—the values and goals that guide the work. Ty in turn gives everyone he works with joy, hope, and encouragement.
In this episode, Caleb talks with the beloved Jerry, around a bucket fire. Jerry is a lead on our Showers & Hygiene team and is one of the realest people you will ever meet.
Jerry's roots are in Southeast Portland. He grew up on the same streets that he was later living unhoused. About 30 years ago, he also worked at a place that was called Bob's Ski Rental and Equipment located at 14625 SE Stark - the building that is now Culti...
In this episode, Caleb talks with long time friend and colleague who has been around with the organization from the start, Doll, around a bucket fire.
To learn more about the Workforce Development program that Doll has been a part of shaping, visit www.cultivateinitiatives.org/workforce-development.
"We're building a community. People come here and they know that somehow they're going to be alright. They know w...
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