219 NW 2nd Avenue Portland, OR 97209
503-226-4368, ext. 6
503-226-2509
www.innovativehousinginc.com

Emma Martinez, Resident Services Coordinator
emartinez@innovativehousinginc.com 503-896-7117
Village Square Apartments–Multi-Family-72 units
Hewitt Place Townhomes-Multi-Family-44 units

Erin Levenick, Resident Services Coordinator
elevenick@innovativehousingin.com 503-528-4565
Broadway Vantage Apartments-Multi-Family-58 units
Kinnaman Townhomes-Multi-Family-40 units

Merri Gonsalves, Resident Services Coordinator
mgonsalves@innovativehousinginc.com 503-380-6270
Musolf Manor Apartments-Seniors and Adults with Disabilities-95 units
Bridgeview Apartments-Adults with Disabilities-14 units
The Clifford-Adults-88 units

Angela Harbin, Director of Resident Services
aharbin@innovativehousinginc.com 503-226-4368, ext. 6
Morrison Park Apartments-Adults-60 units

SERVICES OFFERED

1. Service Coordination

(New Tenant Orientations) Each new resident is given written information about Resident Services at move-in and Resident Services staff contact new residents within one month to welcome them to their new home and explain the services available to them. 

(Information and Referrals (I&R) Resident Services staff circulate bi-monthly newsletters and flyers with site specific community resources/events. Resident Services staff also coordinate on-site resources and are available on-site and/or via telephone to respond to specific I&R requests.

(Direct Services and Advocacy) Resident Services staff help residents complete applications for employment, education, benefits, etc., help residents access resources, and provide advocacy at appointments/meetings or over the phone.

(Tenant Education) Resident Services staff partner with community agencies such as the Oregon Food Bank or Write Around Portland to offer regular site-based workshops. These include both detailed presentations about specific community resources and direct education about a variety of topics such as health and nutrition, resume writing, registering to vote, etc. Resident Services staff also work with site management to present an annual Tenant Rights and Responsibilities Workshop.

2. Conflict Resolution

(Eviction Prevention) Resident Services intervenes whenever a behavior or circumstance threatens a resident’s tenancy. Resident Services staff respond to notices, provide relevant resource referrals, educate residents about landlord/tenant law and make sure that residents are aware of all their options and the potential consequences. When rent is paid late, residents can get their late fee waived if they meet with Resident Services staff for a needs assessment and budgeting session.

(Conflict Mediation) Resident Services staff work with property management to provide on-site conflict mediation between neighbors or between residents and site staff. We also refer residents to free community mediation services as necessary.

3. Community Building

Community cohesion is a critical component of vibrant communities and Resident Services works closely with site managers to ensure a variety of successful community building events throughout the year. These include barbeques, community dinners, ice cream socials and holiday celebrations. In addition, we sponsor volunteer recognition ceremonies, tenant meetings, family nights and regular activities and events.

PROGRAMS OFFERED

• Youth Programs—IHI’s general youth services include summer lunch and activities programs, an annual school supply giveaway, a winter coat fundraiser and giveaway, after-school activities, workshops, events, field trips and homework help. In addition we coordinate Innovative Youth$ave- a youth financial education and Individual Development Account program that provides age-appropriate financial education, community service opportunities and matched savings for youth in grades 6-12 and Innovative Futures – a program in which IHI partners closely with resident children’s classroom teachers and school staff as well as a variety of community organizations to improve the academic success and community engagement of resident youth.

• Financial Education—IHI provides one-on-one financial education and counseling that includes identifying priorities and goals, developing a practical household budget, paycheck planning and credit protection and repair. We also offer a Financial Fitness and Asset Building Program in which resident parents receive Section 8 rental subsidies in exchange for a commitment to participate in an education or job training program and work with Resident Services to develop positive money management skills and repair and build credit scores.

• Employment Program—Resident Services staff work one-on-one with job seekers to improve job search skills, develop resumes and strengthen interview skills. We work closely with local employment agencies to ensure that residents can access job-related trainings, education and resources. We also provide direct resources such as interview attire or work boots.

• Emergency Fund—Resident Services staff can provide residents a resource or pay a bill when there are no other community resources available to meet the resident’s specific need. IHI’s Emergency Fund ensures that residents meet basic needs and do not miss critical opportunities.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Resident Services accomplishments that Innovative Housing values most are those that improve the lives of our residents. For example:

• We provide 1,500-2,000 resource referrals a year.
• Each year, we serve over 3,500 summer meals to 150 children, provide over 3,500 summer meals to 150 children and provide 75-100 brand new winter coats to children who would otherwise go without.
• We provide homework help, academic supports, after-school activities, field trips, workshops and scholarship and employment assistance to 200 children a year.
• We coordinate monthly community events and workshops.
• We provide financial counseling and support to 30-40 families each month.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

CASH Oregon * Oregon Hunger Relief Task Force * Impact NW * Oregon Food Bank * Portland Children’s Museum * Centennial School District * Gresham Barlow School District * Beaverton School District * Cascadia BHC * Write Around Portland * Community Cycling Center * American Red Cross * Multnomah County Library * Montavilla Community Center * Big Brothers Big Sisters * Project Return * Metropolitan Family Service * Housing Authority of Portland * MercyCorps NW * Portland Housing Center * Dress for Success * Camp Fire USA * Cascade AIDS Project * Luke Dorf, Inc. * Community Warehouse