Oregon ON The Beat – August 25

Oregon’s Affordable Housing and Community Development Digest

Oregon ON News
Oregon ON Trainings and Events Calendar, Jobs List
Banquet Registration Deadline in One Month

Member Events
Reportback on US Social Forum with Music, Food – Aug 28
Town Hall on Foreclosure – Aug 31
Wildwood Trail Run Benefits Human Solutions – Sept 6
JOIN Welcomes Comic Amy Roloff and The Unscriptables – Sept 9
Art and Soul- PCRI Presents Paintings by Felicia Capuia – Sept 16
Art Resale at Community Alliance of Tenants – Sept 18
Hacienda Viva La Comunidad Event – Sept 23
Save the Date – HLA Conference – October 7

Member News
REACH Wins Recovery Act Dollars to Go Green
Hacienda Gathers City Officials to Discuss Portland Latino Community
Workforce Housing Toolkit for Lincoln County Published
Portland Housing Center One of 180 USA CDFIs to Get Assistance
Carleton Hart Enhances Walnut Park with Raised Garden Beds
NEDCO Welcomes New Regional Housing Centers Manager
SVdP Newly Redesigned Website Features More Info, Stories

Action Alert
Voice Support for CDBG Microenterprise Assistance Program!

One Fun Thing
Arizona Hilton Guest Suing for $6 Million Over Bed Bug Bites


Oregon ON News

Oregon ON Trainings and Events Calendar, Jobs List–top

Did you know Oregon ON’s website has a great calendar of trainings and events of interest to Oregon’s affordable housing and community development community? Click here to check it out.

We routinely add our members’ and partners’ items from each Oregon ON enewsletter to the calendar, but if you have other events or trainings you’d like to appear in the calendar, please send them to Ruth.

We also have a jobs list where we distribute Oregon ON members’ job postings via email – anyone may sign up to receive job postings. If you would like to join our jobs list or are a member (voting or affiliate) and would like us to help distribute your job announcement, let us know.

Banquet Registration Deadline in One Month –top

jeff merkleyThere are few annual opportunities for affordable housing and community development practitioners to get together, rub elbows, swap stories, recognize the year’s successes and losses, and build relationship.

So don’t miss the annual Oregon Opportunity Network Banquet, to be held October 11! The more the merrier – we want you there. We need to know if you’re coming by September 27.

Please note that because of a labor dispute at the Convention Center, we have moved the event to the Doubletree Hotel in Portland, in the same district of town.


Member Events


Reportback on US Social Forum with Music, Food – Aug 28 –top

sisters us social forum report backJoin Sisters Of The Road this Saturday evening (Aug 28, 7-10pm) for a multi-media, interactive reportback on the US Social Forum.

The event will be at Sisters Of The Road (133 NW 6th Ave) featuring live performances by Mic Crenshaw and Danny Kelly.

The event will focus on the reinvention of Detroit through short film screenings by the B Media collective on bike cities, urban farming and anarchist art, photography from local artists and activists Andrea Townsand, Berd Whitlock and Nat Needham on the cross-country journey from Cascadia to the Forum, and a sound installation by Right 2 Survive on alternative visions of justice.

Local representatives from Jobs with Justice, PCASC, Sisters Of The Road, Rising Tide, Creating Democracy and others will be on hand to bring context to the relevence of the Forum here in Portland.

Food and drink provided. FREE.

Town Hall on Foreclosure – Aug 31–top

Oregon just received $138 million to help homeowners facing foreclosure – attend a town hall to learn about this program and other resources.

foreclosure preventionPlease Join State Representative Tina Kotek and Special Guest Congressman Earl Blumenauer on Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 6—8 PM at the St. Johns Community Center, 8427 N. Central. The goal is to link people who are affected by foreclosure with resources such as housing counselors, and information about the $138 million that Oregon just received from the Federal government to help homeowners.

If you’re worried about the stability of housing in your community, know people struggling to hold on to their homes, or are facing foreclosure yourself, this town hall will give you a chance to tell your story and hear from others. In addition, you’ll have a chance to ask questions about available resources, including the new federal funded programs.

Guests will include:

For More Information Contact Alex Berke at (503) 286-0558 or via email.

Wildwood Trail Run Benefits Human Solutions – Sept 6 –top

wildwood_trailHuman Solutions, Inc. is the beneficiary of a wonderful Wildwood Trail Run on Labor Day, Sept. 6th.  It is produced by Oregon Road Runners Club. Here is the link to all the information on their website. This year Human Solutions is the primary beneficiary. This is a wonderful run through forested park land in Forest Park, mostly downhill with a 200’ elevation gain in the last half mile. Great for all kinds of runners, and a wonderful way to support Human Solutions.

Register at ORRC’s site: http://www.orrc.net/races/wtt/wtt_tba.htm


JOIN Welcomes Comic Amy Roloff and The Unscriptables – Sept 9 –top

join hullabalooAmy Roloff, star of TLC’s hit show “Little People, Big World” will team up with local improv group “The Unscriptables” for a night of hilarity at JOIN’s 1st Annual Home Sweet Home Hullabaloo! The show is on Thursday, September 9th from 5:30-9:00pm at Cheatham Hall in the World Forestry Center—all proceeds support JOIN’s efforts to end homelessness in our community.  The ticket price of $50 includes dinner, beer & wine, and endless laughs!  More information and ticket purchases at www.joinpdx.com.

Art and Soul- PCRI Presents Paintings by Felicia Capuia – Sept 16 –top

Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives (PCRI) is pulling out the stops!  In preparation for their upcoming premiere gala benefit (coming January 28–mark your calendar!), PCRI will be hosting an exhibition of paintings by renowned local artist Felicia Capuia, September 16 from 5:30-6:30.

Felicia’s vivid mural-like artwork has been featured on OPB’s Oregon Art Beat and she was the featured artist at the City of Portland’s 2009 Black History Month Celebration. She will be featuring a selection of paintings at PCRI’s offices in the historic M. G. Nease house.

“Art has different interpretations and meanings to all types of people regardless of race or a person’s upbringing,” says Felicia. “Even though the word ‘art’ is small, it opens up so many big ideas and thoughts.”

Besides being a talented artist, Felicia is also a participant in PCRI’s homeownership program–and the Art and Soul exhibition is also the kick-off event for our upcoming Dancing with the Stars Portland gala, which will benefit PCRI and our homeownership program.  This kick-off event will be an opportunity for guests to engage as Table Captains and learn more about the upcoming gala benefit.

Table Captains are the soul of Dancing with the Stars Portland.  Each table captain strives to fill a table, creating their own guest list and enjoying a swinging evening with local celebrities and professional dancers burning up the dance floor at The  Nines in Downtown Portland.

Due to space constraints, PCRI’s Art and Soul exhibition with Felicia Capuia is by invitation.  Didn’t receive yours yet?  Email PCRI for more information.

Art Resale at Community Alliance of Tenants – Sept 18 –top

Saturday September 18th from 11am to 3pm, Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT) is holding an “art resale”, with a second chance for you to purchase all kinds of artwork made by local artists.  We have many exciting pieces of art left over from our December Cheap Art Party, and we’d love to give you the chance to buy some and support your favorite renters’ rights group in the process. The event will be at the Community Alliance of Tenants’ space at 2710 NE 14th Ave, Portland.

Also, Wednesday, September 1st, OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon is holding a rally endorsed by CAT. “Bus riders are under attack, fares have risen 70% and on September 1st, service is being cut by 70,000 hours.  We demand TriMet meet its mission and provide affordable and reliable bus service for working people.” 4pm march, 5pm rally at Portland City Hall (SW 4th and Main).  For more info, visit opalpdx.org or call 503.928.4354.

Hacienda Viva La Comunidad Event – Sept 23 –top

You’re invited to a night of music, dancing, food, and fun!  Come celebrate the achievements of our community and support Hacienda CDC’s work in housing, economic development, and youth/family development! [Editor's note - I draw your attention to the phrase "Tamale Sampler" in the flier below: have you HAD Micro Mercantes' tamales?? I'd walk a mile in tight shoes for them!]

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER:  Tickets are now only $25 when purchased in advance via our website www.haciendacdc.org.  Don’t miss your chance to save on this fun event!”

viva la communidad flier

Save the Date – HLA Conference – October 7 –top

Housing Land Advocates and Willamette University College of Law present:

The Road Home:  The Intersection of Transportation and Affordable Housing
2010 Housing Land Advocates Conference
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Willamette University College of Law, Salem, OR

Who should attend:
•    Government lawyers
•    Land use lawyers
•    Planners
•    Community activists
•    Housing advocates

The US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development is launching a $100 million Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant program, the first of its kind designed to create stronger, more sustainable communities by connecting housing to jobs, fostering local innovation and building a clean energy economy.

How will this all play out in Oregon, with our unique-in-the-nation land use system? We’re bringing together national and state experts to explore what could happen here, what changes need to be made in Oregon’s policies and laws to accommodate this future, and how Oregon can ensure that economically diverse communities emerge in the process.

Look for more information soon. Questions? Email them.

Member News

REACH Wins Recovery Act Dollars to Go Green –top

On Monday, August 23rd, representatives from the U S Dept of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) joined REACH at their Powell Boulevard Apartments to announce receipt of a $258,426 grant through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act.

Powell Blvd Apt_ExteriorFunds were awarded to REACH under the HUD Green Retrofit Program for Multifamily Housing and are part of $1 million in grants to perform energy-efficient renovations on aging housing complexes awarded in Oregon. The other projects to receive grants were the 50-unit Englewood East complex owned by the Salem Housing Authority, which has been awarded $730,092, and the 53-unit Whispering Pines complex in Estacada owned by Volunteers of America, which was awarded $1,023,924.

“These are facilities that are perfectly good but that were built in the ’70s and aren’t as efficient as they could be,” Jones said. “Our goal with this grant program is to provide energy retrofit assistance to 100 of these complexes around the country.”

“Thanks to these grants and the good work of our partners,” said HUD Regional Director Mary McBride, “energy costs will be reduced, residents will be more comfortable, the buildings’ useful life will be extended, our carbon footprint will be smaller and out-of-work or underemployed trades people will be put back to work.”

REACH will use the funds to make significant energy upgrades and retrofits to the Powell Boulevard Apartments, and provide much needed jobs in the construction trades.

REACH built Powell Blvd Apartments in 1998, a 20 unit apartment building, to help address a critical need in the community for much needed supportive, affordable housing for those with mental health issues recovering from drug and alcohol abuse.  Over the life of the building, REACH has partnered with various mental health service providers to ensure that residents receive the supports they need to aid them in their recovery.

REACH received $258,426 in funds to provide needed energy upgrades to the building.  Among these are photovoltaic solar roof panels, replacement of all kitchen countertops with formaldehyde-free, low VOC countertops, and replacement of old hot water heaters in each unit with 93% efficient models.  Replacement products are providing superior energy efficiency, improved air quality, and renewable, earth-friendly materials. The general contractor will recycle, or properly dispose of all materials from the building if recycling is not possible.

The solar panels will produce over 10,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, equivalent to approximately one month’s worth of building electricity. The new reflective roof will significantly curb cooling costs of the building. Through this project, REACH is contributing to Oregon’s employment in the sagging construction sectors; approximately 35 jobs in these trades will contribute to its completion. This project aligns with REACH’s “Going Green” Initiative, focused on greening our portfolio of affordable housing buildings; reducing our energy dependence; while emphasizing healthy, green homes for our tenants.

REACH Executive Director Dee Walsh was joined by HUD Northwest Regional Administrator Mary McBride, and two other recipients of American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds, Andy Wilch of the Salem Housing Authority and Kay Toran of Volunteers of America.

Hacienda Gathers City Officials to Discuss Portland Latino Community –top

On August 13, Hacienda played host to Commissioner Nick Fish and Margaret Van Vliet of the Portland Housing Bureau over a delicious Mexican breakfast prepared by members of Micro Mercantes, Hacienda’s own microenterprise program.  This was a great opportunity for the Hacienda team to show the city the important work we’re doing in housing, economic development, and youth/family services, while discussing the current and future needs of Portland’s Latinos.

hacienda CDC and Nick fish550

Commissioner Fish and Ms. Van Vliet were supportive of Hacienda’s work and stressed their commitment to equity for all Portland residents in terms of housing and recreation opportunities.  It was encouraging to receive a positive response from city administration and we look forward to future collaboration with our colleagues downtown.

Workforce Housing Toolkit for Lincoln County Published –top

workforce housing toolkit lincoln county300Housing for the workforce that is both available and affordable is a vital component of a thriving Lincoln County. Unfortunately, wages
have not kept pace with the cost of housing and so a large segment of the workforce is struggling. In addition, there is a shortage of land for workforce housing and the land that is available is highly sought after. The result is a workforce housing crisis that is expected to get worse over time without concerted action from stakeholders including the workforce (renters and buyers), employers, developers, local government, and the community.

To address these serious concerns, Lincoln County’s Workforce Housing Committee, including participation from Oregon ON member CDC Of Lincoln County, has prepared “An Outcome of At Home in Lincoln County: A Ten-Year Housing Plan for Lincoln County with a Special Focus on Chronic Homelessness.” (2009)

The purpose of the Workforce Housing Toolkit is to provide resources,
information, and ideas – the tools – that will promote and facilitate an increase in the quantity and affordability of housing for the workforce. The tools are organized around the unique needs and opportunities of each stakeholder:
• RENTER TOOLS – Rental opportunities are the foundation of affordable workforce housing. Yet, rents are driven higher from a limited supply of apartments and rental houses throughout Lincoln County.
• HOMEBUYER TOOLS – Ownership housing is not faring better than rental housing. Market prices for homes in Lincoln County are under pressure from second-home buyers who want to locate on the Oregon coast.
• EMPLOYER TOOLS – Employers have a stake in helping to create a strong regional economy and know that the availability and affordability of workforce housing is a critical component of Lincoln County’s economic vitality.
• DEVELOPER TOOLS – Developers make workforce housing happen. Building affordable workforce housing is not just a social good, but it can also be profitable with the right resources and approach.
• LOCAL GOVERNMENT TOOLS – County and City government are in a unique position to shape workforce housing activities in their jurisdiction and provide leadership through the crisis.
• COMMUNITY TOOLS – When housing is unavailable and unaffordable, the community suffers in a number of small ways that upset potential stability and prosperity.

Please click here to read the report.

Portland Housing Center One of 180 USA CDFIs to Get Assistance –top

Portland Housing Center became one of 180 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) nationwide to receive a financial assistance award for Fiscal Year 2010. [Also congratulations to Oregon ON members NOAH (Network for Oregon Affordable Housing) and Oregon Microenterprise Network (OMEN)!]

On behalf of the staff and board of the Portland Housing Center, we are immensely appreciative of the CDFI for believing in and investing in our mission and work we do. Portland Housing Center received a $750,000 award, which it will be used to increase its lending activity.

Portland Housing Center is a certified CDFI established in 2000 and NeighborWorks Homeownership Center that serves the Portland Metropolitan by providing quality home buyer education, counseling and financial services.

“This CDFl award will allow Portland Housing Center to make more loans to moderate income buyers in the Portland Metro area during a time when so many need assistance,” says Peg Malloy, Executive Director. “To be a recipient of such an award is an honor and a privilege and comes to our agency as a direct result of hard work and dedication on the part of staff, with support and guidance from our Board of Directors.”

This year’s awards total $104.9 million for 180 CDFIs serving struggling communities in states across the country. These grants will help those nonprofits to spur local economic growth and recovery, as well as expand access to affordable financial products and services.

Please join Portland Housing Center at our special breakfast October 15th from 9-10:30am sponsored by Portland State University College of Urban & Public Affairs where we will release our annual report and share some insight on the state of homeownership in the Portland Metro Area. Please get on the RSVP list for this event via email. We hope you will participate in these timely discussions.

Carleton Hart Enhances Walnut Park with Raised Garden Beds–top

reach garden beds walnut park400This summer, a whole lot more than grass is growing in the new backyard at REACH’s Walnut Park Apartments in Northeast Portland. Thanks to a generous in-kind contribution from Carleton Hart Architecture, Walnut residents have 16 raised beds dotting the back space, all bursting at the seams with plants from tomatoes and peppers, to herbs and zucchini.

Carleton Hart Architecture, who designed the Walnut Park renovation in 2009, donated materials and the volunteer time from their staff and families to build the beds on a misty Saturday early this summer after budget constraints had put the project on hold. “Creating the garden boxes,” said Brian Carleton, “was a great opportunity to give back to the project and make something happen that is near and dear to us. The garden enhances the building, its place in the community, and the residents’ place in the community.”

Residents agree. Said Bill, a Walnut Park resident: “The garden’s great. I’m growing peppers and tomatoes, and am out there every day. People are out there so much, there aren’t even any weeds.”

NEDCO Welcomes New Regional Housing Centers Manager –top

Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) is pleased to NEDCO - Emily Reimanwelcome Emily Reiman as the new Manager for our Regional Housing Centers in Lane and Marion counties.  She will be responsible for overseeing our pre-purchase and foreclosure prevention programs, developing new outreach and community partnership efforts, and expanding NEDCO’s services for homeowners.

Emily joins NEDCO with a wealth of program coordination experience, most recently with Looking Glass Youth and Family Services and previously with the Oregon Judicial Department. “I’m thrilled to join NEDCO at a time of so much growth and positive energy,” she says. “Everyone here has such a great vision for where NEDCO can go in the next several years, and I can’t wait to help make that vision a reality.”

Emily is a native Oregonian, born in Portland and raised in Eugene. When she is not at work, she is an avid horseback rider and gardener. She is excited to be working in Salem for the first time, and getting to know another great Oregon city.

You can contact Emily at the NEDCO office in Springfield at 541-345-7106 or by email at emily@nedcocdc.org.

SVdP Newly Redesigned Website Features More Info, Stories –top

Check out St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County‘s newly redesigned website! Located at the same address, www.svdp.us, the new site has even more information about our programs and services. Visit often to read stories about people we’ve helped, SVdP new websitefind out what’s new, and learn about how you can get involved!

Did you know? St. Vincent de Paul is the world leader in mattress recycling, handling more mattresses than all other businesses in North America combined. Learn more>

Arthur, a former veteran, has fought past a drug addiction and is now in our Vet LIFT program. His goal for the future is to see his children. Read his story>

St. Vincent de Paul has completed 960 units of affordable housing since 1988! See pictures of the Lamb Building, our newest in-development project.
Learn more about our housing>

Action Alerts

Voice Support for CDBG Microenterprise Assistance Program! –top

The Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD) has proposed to eliminate the long-standing CDBG Microenterprise Assistance program in its proposed 2011 Method of Distribution. This program provides funding for rural communities to provide training and assistance to entrepreneurs. The Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD) is seeking public comment on the proposed 2011 CDBG Method of Distribution through September 8, 2010.

A public hearing will be held at 11:00 am on September 8, 2010 at OBDD, 775 Summer Street NE, Salem, Oregon in conference room 201.

Oregon Microenterprise Network (OMEN) has created various letter templates that you, your clients and your local elected officials can use to voice your support of the program.  These templates can be downloaded from OMEN’s website here:

  • Letter of support from Microenterprise Service Provider
  • Letter of support from Oregon Small Business Owner
  • Letter of support from Local Elected Official
  • Op-Ed template for local media

The templates are in Word format, so they can be easily customized.  For questions on these templates or process, contact Valerie Plummer at 503-546-9913 or via email.

The draft Method of Distribution (MOD) can be viewed here . Written comments on the proposed 2011 MOD will be accepted until 5:00 pm on September 8, 2010.  Comments can be forwarded to:

Mary Baker
Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD)
PO Box 866
Klamath Falls, OR 97601

or via e-mail.

One Fun Thing

Arizona Hilton Guest Suing for $6 Million Over Bed Bug Bites –top

(Ok, there really isn’t anything _fun_ about bedbugs, but that’s a lot of do-re-mi, and a good reminder that bed bugs cross certainly class lines!)

From www.WayOdd.com: Even staying at a pricey Hilton Hotel and sleeping on luxury linens doesn’t guarantee freedom from being bitten by bed bugs. Soprano Alison Trainer slept at the Phoenix Hilton Suites between Nov. 20 and Nov. 26, and said she was bitten 150 times and traumatized by the bugs who shared her bed.

Trainer has sued Hilton Hotels Corp. for $6 million claiming it was a “horrific” experience that resulted in a fear of sleeping in a bed, caused her to lose weight and affected her physical appearance.

“She looks like a piece of wood that has been attacked by termites,” Trainer’s attorney, Kenneth J. Glassman, told the AP.

Bed bug infestations in hotels and homes have increased in recent years. Earlier this year a woman filed a $20 million suit against a hotel in the Catskills where she claimed she received more than 500 bed bug bites, USA Today News reported earlier this year.

The cause of increasing bed bug infestations in the U.S. is believed to be linked to increased foreign travel. Many nations are infested with bed bugs and travelers bring them home, according to USA Today news.