Urban Alchemy transforms people and places

Urban Alchemy heals neighborhoods by employing the unique talents of returning citizens to transform communities and urban spaces. Using methods rooted in love, respect, and science, it has achieved remarkable success.

In the News

Formerly incarcerated man now helping homeless people in Portland find permanent housing

Danny Contreras Martinez has a mission to give back to those who need a little guidance — as he once too needed some help...

Safe Communities

Urban Alchemy's Safe Communities initiative addresses public safety concerns through relationship-building. Practitioners are trained to provide immediate interventions that promote peace.

Housed Communities

Urban Alchemy's Housed Communities initiative is dedicated to helping people exit homelessness and achieve long-term stability.

Urban Alchemy practitioner cleaning streets

Clean Communities

Urban Alchemy's Clean Communities initiative promotes sanitation, space activation, and well-being in communities that are often neglected.

Mayor London Breed, along with many residents, businesses and community leaders in the Tenderloin and Mid-Market neighborhoods, praise Urban Alchemy for making streets cleaner and safer.

San Francisco Chronicle

Practitioner Story

Roger

At 54 years of age, married, and having spent 23 years behind bars, I emerged from prison with a determination to redefine my life. Urban Alchemy hired me to monitor public bathrooms, and I did not know that this was the beginning of my career in community service.

Meet Roger

Guest Story

Sheila Fitch

After experiencing unexpected tragedy, Urban Alchemy gave Sheila Fitch hope. Sheila, a long-time Portland resident, was forced to leave her lifelong career as a hairdresser due to the development of arthritis.

Meet Sheila