July 11, 2011

Our partners at the Oregon Opportunity Network recently updated us on happenings in the housing world, both locally and nationally, and we thought we'd pass a few highlights along:

• Our friend Victor Merced, former Director of Oregon Housing and Community Services, has been selected to take the helm at Hacienda CDC on September 1. Hacienda is one of our most valuable community partners, developing affordable housing and building thriving communities in Portland and around the state.

• Portland Housing Bureau Director Margaret Van Vliet and Multnomah County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury were on OPB's "Think Out Loud" recently discussing the City/County 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness. Download the podcast.

• The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) just debuted an online resource called the "Case Study Clearinghouse," a compilation of case studies featuring innovating projects and programs from around the country that promote sustainable and affordable housing. The first series features Portland's very own "Living Smart Program," which offers permit-ready, high-quality designs for houses on small lots.

• Innovative Changes, a local non-profit helping low-income families and others who lack access to traditional financial services, will be offering its quarterly series of classes on personal financial management beginning Saturday, July 23. Sessions on 'Making Ends Meet,' 'Budgeting and Saving,' and more offer important tools to people wanting to get on solid financial footing.