PORTLAND, Ore. — Danny Contreras Martinez has a mission to give back to those who need a little guidance — as he once too needed some help.
“How do you not know Danny?” asked Clinton Triangle resident Josh Smolar. “He’s always smiling from ear to ear, making sure everyone’s day is better.”
Contreras Martinez is a care coordinator for Urban Alchemy’s Clinton Triangle location off Southeast Powell Boulevard, one of Portland's alternative homeless shelter sites. There, he helps people get back on their feet with the end goal of permanent housing.
“Danny’s the one that helps me feel safe and respected,” said Clinton Triangle Resident Stephanie. "I’ve witnessed him helping people move forward and get housing.”
Contreras Martinez has helped over 50 people get into permanent housing in just two months in Portland, and has helped over 100 homeless people since starting at Urban Alchemy three years ago.
“That’s getting them ready with their IDs, social security, food stamps, healthcare,” said Contreras Martinez.
It’s a job that may not be suited for everyone. But for Contreras Martinez, it’s a way to give back.
“It’s a way of me helping people instead of hurting people,” said Contreras Martinez. “Giving back instead of taking.”
Contreras Martinez served 16 of his 29-year jail sentences in California due to laws being changed. He shares that he spent much of his life involved in gangs, violence and drugs. Now, he’s using his past to help the future of others by showing compassion and understanding.
“My experiences helped me connect with people here,” said Contreras Martinez. “I kind of know what they’re going through.”
Contreras Martinez got out three years ago and joined Urban Alchemy in San Francisco. From there, he moved to the Rose City in search of a fresh start.
“Like for myself, I’ve been 10 years clean from drugs. I don’t participate with gangs anymore,” said Contreras Martinez.
Now he’s helping others do the same.
“Danny has lived the life and knows how to turn it around and do something positive with it,” said Smolar. “So, we definitely need to have more people like that.”
Contreras Martinez currently oversees about 20 to 25 residents. His job is to find solutions to the barriers keeping his residents from moving forward in their housing search.
“I’ll go around and talk to my caseload and see what they need and see what’s going on. Update them on anything if there are any updates,” he said.
Contreras Martinez shares with KGW that family connection is very important in the Hispanic culture and he strives to bring that to work every day — by leaving a positive mark on the people around him.
“It’s like family. Everybody is like family here,” said Contreras Martinez. “That’s how I would help my real family I would help this family at the Clinton Triangle.”
Contreras Martinez shared that he and his partner became homeowners recently — something he never thought would be in the cards for him.
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