Launched in the fall of 2023, We Believe in Portland (WBIP) is a program of AdoptOneBlock, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The purpose of We Believe in Portland is to mobilize businesses and individuals to take the first step in revitalizing our city by coming together to clean, restore, and inspire collective pride and lasting community impact. Today, We Believe in Portland engages hundreds of companies and thousands of participants each year through its twice-annual cleanup events.

WBIP grew out of a simple idea that began at Thesis. What started as Litter League, led by Ryan Buchanan and Carling Leon, invited coworkers to step away from their desks for two hours on a Friday to clean up a handful of city blocks, and then support local restaurants by gathering for lunch. That small but meaningful act of care revealed something bigger. People wanted an easy way to show up for their city, to do something tangible together, and to feel connected to the places where they worked and spent time.