Empower Up's history can be traced back to a collection event started by the City of Vancouver and Clark County in June 2001.

Due to the success of the second event, comments by sponsors, and the general public showed an interest in these collections.

CREAM would also make sure of the proper disposal of materials in electronics not suitable for redistribution.

With the help of Habitat for Humanity, and Clark County ReStore, the state created a 3-year plan to make CREAM an independent nonprofit.

[1] In October 2013 Empower Up moved to 3206 N E 52nd Street Vancouver Washington 98663 on St Johns Road.