August 11, 2010

Story by Sarah Wigginton

Today, Nick is excited to join staff from the Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) for a day of volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in the Lends Landing neighborhood. Habitat for Humanity offers homeownership opportunities to low-income families by selling homes at cost, making no profit, and asking the family to contribute 500 sweat equity hours. Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East is the largest Habitat for Humanity affiliate on the West Coast and has served hardworking families in our community for over 25 years. At a time when Oregon is in the top five for foreclosure, the organization has experienced less than a 1% default rate on its mortgages.

The City of Portland is committed to bringing affordable housing to this historically diverse neighborhood, and working with partners like Habitat for Humanity is essential to the success of this effort. Stable housing is essential for helping children stay in school and creating a secure home environment. Habitat for Humanity plans to bring nine new homes to the Lents Landing neighborhood and the Portland Development Commission has plans to extend MAX Light Rail to connect the neighborhood with downtown Portland. These improvements will create great new opportunities for many hardworking families in Portland.

Today's construction begins at 8:30 am sharp and will continue through the afternoon at 6305 SE 97th Avenue. Pictures to come!