Portland, OR. Portland/Metro East and Willamette West Habitat affiliates have joined forces and become Habitat for Humanity Portland Region. Leaders say now they can serve more people like Sandra (pictured above in the center with her family). “As I built my house for my own children, the feeling is hard to describe,” Sandra explained. “It’s kind of like standing on top of the roof saying, ‘Oh my God, this is mine, I did this.”
With the expansion, the nonprofit’s leaders say they will be able to tackle the shortage of affordable homeownership with even more efficiency.
“As each organization has grown, it has become increasingly clear that we can have a greater impact in our region as a single organization that fully integrates our programs and staff,” states CEO Steve Messinetti.
The new Habitat for Humanity Portland Region has four active build sites. Habitat for Humanity provides homeownership opportunities to families earning as little as $30,000 a year.
The organization is offering an overview of each of the new projects:
Simpson
At Simpson, we are building a 10-home community in the heart of the Cully neighborhood. Located on the 6300 block of Killingsworth Street, this community will be home to a diverse set of homebuyers. Of the 10 homes, there will be two-, three-, and four-bedroom options along with one parking space per unit and will feature electric-powered appliances, fenced backyards, and Earth Advantage certification. Currently, three of the four duplexes and triplexes have been framed. The first unit’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation has been completed with the next units’ rough-installs occurring in January and February.
Kenton
In Kenton, Habitat is building a 30-home community consisting of two structures reaching three stories high. These 30 sustainable homes are located at the intersection of N. Interstate Avenue and N. Kilpatrick Street in the Kenton neighborhood. Many of the homes will be sold to homebuyers who have generational ties to the area, as part of the City’s North/Northeast Preference Policy—a tool that helps address the harmful impacts of marginalization and displacement.
So far, 12 homes are in the finishing stage, which will continue into January. Home interior finishes are being installed, including: lighting, appliances, flooring, and painting. Final exterior finishes, such as a ramp for accessibility, corridor deck waterproof coating, mailboxes, bicycle racks, and address numbers are also being installed. Once our crews do a final deep cleaning of each unit, we’ll welcome homeowners in early 2021! Then, we’ll move onto building 18 more homes. Right now, we’re working with sub-contractors to help lay the foundation. We will begin framing in early 2021.
Cherry Blossom
Located in the Mill Park neighborhood in SE Portland, Habitat’s newest community will consist of 31 homes. This community will feature a green space, playground, one garage for each unit, and the homes will vary in size from two- to five-bedrooms. Right now, we’re installing the retaining walls to secure the homes on the property’s slope. The stormwater, sewer, and water service pipes installation is complete. Soon, we will lay foundations and framing for each home.
Denney Gardens
Denney Gardens is located in SW Beaverton and will be a 16-home community. Currently, the project is about half-way completed. Eight homebuyers and their families have already purchased and are now living in their homes. The remaining eight units consist of two triplexes and a duplex. Right now, one building is nearly through electrical and plumbing installation and will have insulation and drywall installed at the end of January. On the other two homes, we are excavating the final portion of land and pouring concrete foundations, which include: home slabs, garages, and sidewalks. This process is scheduled to be completed by the end of January, soon followed by framing.
Olin
We are excited to announce that Olin Townhomes in the Portsmouth Neighborhood is nearly complete! We are so grateful for all of the support we have received to get these N/NE Preference Policy homes built. Congratulations to Habitat’s newest homeowners!
We are so grateful for the many donors, volunteers, and homebuyers who made these homes a reality! Though it isn’t possible right now, we cannot wait to welcome back Habitat’s many construction-site volunteers.
This year, 2021, is the 40th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity working in the Portland region. Habitat Portland/Metro East and Willamette West Habitat have long, successful track records. Since its founding in 1981, Habitat Portland/Metro East has partnered with more than 1,700 people, and Willamette West Habitat nearly 700 people, to purchase affordable homes and receive critical home repairs.
More info at https://habitatportlandmetro.org/
