Community Cycling Center on NE Alberta faces closure, asks for donations

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Community Cycling Center, a bike nonprofit in Portland, is begging for help to keep their bike shop open.

The nonprofit helps provide bike-related services that include running their shop on NE Alberta Street. But if they don’t raise enough money, they could be forced to close.

“Despite reaching our 30th Anniversary this summer, the Community Cycling Center has been grappling with an escalating financial challenge over the past five years,” Executive Director Ruben Alvarado said.. “This issue has now reached a critical point, and without swift, decisive action and the support of our community, we face the very real possibility of shutting down by October 1, 2024.

The nonprofit said they qualified for more than $700,000 in grants but still need donations because that money won't come soon enough.

“This funding is reimbursement-based, which requires us to pay costs upfront and wait a few months for reimbursement,” Alvarado said.

By the end of the month, they hope to raise $115,000 and bump that number to $350,000 by 2025. 

To donate, visit the Community Cycling Center website or mail a check to 1700 NE Alberta St. 

If the community center reaches its fundraising goal, Alvarado said they would honor their community’s generosity by promoting cost-savings, revenue producing, planning, relationship building, and transparency.