This is completely up to YOU! Some Ambassadors go out once a week as they are able, and others take their cleaning supplies out for a spin more or less depending on their block and schedule. We understand that your life is busy and your schedule is full, so your cleaning schedule is as flexible as you want it to be!

Just like people, no block is created equal. The type and amount of trash from block to block will vary, but we expect the average block to take 15 minutes to one hour per week to clean.

The great thing about our model is that it can be easily integrated into your daily or weekly routines such as your early AM walk with the dog or an evening stroll to the park with your family. You decide what works best for you and your life. If you have any questions regarding the maintenance of your chosen block, please reach out to us for support by emailing contact@adoptoneblock.com

YES! All are welcome but we do ask for one person per block to be the primary point of contact as a Block Ambassador.

As of right now, an individual Ambassador can sign up for two (2) blocks in their dashboard. While it isn't required, some Ambassadors still clean beyond their chosen blocks - this is a practice that we like to call "free-ranging" or "going rogue", and we absolutely love to see it! Any property that you clean must be public property only! PLEASE - NO trespassing on private property. If you have any doubts, please reach out to us and we will help clarify.

Go to the AdoptOneBlock landing page to view and access the Heat Map. Enter the zip code of the area you want to view, and the map will update to show you the block adoptions in that area. Each red dot represents one person committed to cleaning up that square block on a consistent basis.

If the heat map shows that your desired block has already been adopted, then we strongly encourage adopting the next closest block available to you. Also, keep in mind that Ambassadors do release blocks and switch blocks — so if you've got your eye on a certain block, then check back every now and again, as it might have become available.

If you are confident a block near you is not being cared for please send a note to contact@adoptoneblock.com to let us know. Given our program is based on volunteers, we appreciate your feedback on the areas you care about.

We will reach out to the current Block Ambassador to see how they’re doing and if we can support their cleaning efforts. In cases where the block is not being cared for, we will release the block or hand it off to someone else who wants it.

In the event you can no longer care for your adopted block, we ask that you please release your block via your Block Ambassador dashboard by selecting “RELEASE BLOCK” so someone else may care for it.

YES! In your Block Ambassador dashboard, you can select the button that says "RELEASE BLOCK" and that will then allow you to select a new block in the mapping tool.

Because of the independent nature of our work, AdoptOneBlock is not able to verify individual hours. We are happy to verify your volunteer start date, your adopted block(s), and your commitment to continued cleanups.

Portland Block Ambassadors can refer to the following City of Portland Bureau resources to facilitate seamless reporting of specific requests:

Report a Problem with a Public Trash Can | Portland.gov

Residential trash can or commercial dumpster hotline: wasteinfo@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-7202

Abandon vehicles Report an abandoned vehicle | Portland.gov 503-823-7309 (recording) — Speak with staff regarding existing report or provide update, weekdays 0800-1630 503-823-6814

Illegally parked vehicle can be reported to non-emergency 24/7 503-823-3333

PBOT Parking Enforcement hotline 503-823-5195 — Staffed Monday-Friday 0615 – 2315, Saturday 0815-2315 and Sunday 0845-2315 – be sure to have location information, color, make/model/license plate if known. Might not reach a live person but they check voicemails regularly during the listed hours.

Report trash near encampments can be reported to 311 or filing a report online pdxreporter.org (log in required)

Graffiti removal assistance website Request Graffiti Removal Assistance | Portland.gov

Report graffiti on private or public property Report Graffiti | Portland.gov

City of Portland public safety dashboards (Smart City PDX) City of Portland public safety dashboards | Portland.gov

Portland Bureau of Transportation home page: Transportation | Portland.gov

Maintenance Operations dispatch pdxroads@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-1700 available 24/7 — Potholes, sinkholes, other emergency road hazards can email, call number above or enter request on pdxreporter.org, there are many more categories for reporting on PDX Reporter

Parks & Rec site Find a park | Portland.gov

Report an Obstruction on a Street, Sidewalk or Other Right-of-Way | Portland.gov

Note: 311 Customer Service is the best resource if one of the following categories do not apply. 311 is available 7 days a week 7am to 8pm, excluding holidays email: 311@portlandoregon.gov