Oregon ON the Beat – December 1, 2011

Oregon’s Affordable Housing and Community Development Digest

Oregon ON News
Come to the Mayoral Candidate’s Forum – Dec 6
Thanks 10-Year Member Andree Tremoulet, Welcome Starting Point!

Awards
Bienestar Receives Award for Innovative Resident Services
OHCS Recognizes NEDCO: Best Community-Based Organization
NEDCO Nets OMEN Rising Star Award

Member Events
JOIN Artful Affair at Milepost 5 – Dec 3
Enterprise Online Event – Congress & Housing Policy Update – Dec 15
REACH Needs Toys, Gifts for Children – Dec 16
Social Security Disability Benefits Advocate Workshop – Dec 19

Member News
Housing Development Center Launches New Website
City of Beaverton Wins $1M HUD Sustainable Communities Grant
Habitat’s New Digital Check-in Process Enhances Volunteer Experience
Hacienda Recipient of First Create a Commuter Workshop in Spanish
The NSP 3 Formula Equals 19 Housing Works Townhomes
CPAH Veterans’ Day Luncheon
Wonderful Night at NEDCO’s Salem Open House
10 Year Plan to End Homelessness “Re-set”
OMEN Gets $50K from Wells Fargo for Rural Job Creation, Small Biz
Are Disabled Homeless Peoples’ Claims Being Expedited?
Habitat Needs Weather Proof Volunteers for Busy Winter
Hacienda Receives Increased Support for the Mercado Project
Neighborhood Partnerships Legislative Work Continues
Wells Fargo Supports Polk & Marion Schools, Kids’ Nature Studies

Member Media Coverage
Housing Works Acquires 19 Redmond Townhomes
Bend gives $1.25M for Affordable Housing
Farmerworkers Gain Housing Option in Forest Grove – Bienestar
Nichole Maher to Portland: Admit It! You Have a Problem with Race
City of Beaverton Sustainability Grant in the News
Eugene Council Approves Low-income Housing Over Neighbor

Funding and Award Opportunities
Portland Business Journal Seeks Nonprofit Partners  – Dec 9
Innovative Public Works, Community Facilities Supported – Dec 15
Rapid Deployment of New Health Care Models  – Dec 19
Jubitz Grants Address Social Issues in Oregon – Jan 1
Nathan Cummings Grants to Promote a Just Society – Jan 15
HUD Offers Lead Hazard Funding – Jan 18
Education Aid for Migrant, Seasonal Farmworkers & Family  – Jan 18
Native American CDFI, Community Revitalization  – Jan 18
Programs for Disabled Vets Supported – Jan 20
Asset Building Initiatives for Disadvantaged Populations – Jan 25

One Fun Thing
Dogs Need Houses Too

Oregon ON News

 

Come to the Mayoral Candidates’ Forum – Dec 6 -top

Please join Oregon Opportunity Network, JOIN, Street Roots and 211info for two great Candidates’ Forums on Housing! Please help us get the word out to your communities- click here to download and print a 8X11 flier.

Tuesday, December 6  • Portland Mayoral Forum on Housing: Featuring candidates Eileen Brady, Charlie Hales, Jefferson Smith and more.

Monday, January 23  •  Portland City Commissioner Forum on Housing
Featuring candidates Amanda Fritz, Mary Nolan, Steve Novick, Jeri Williams and more.

Both Forums are from 11:30 – 1pm, at the First Unitarian Church Eliot Chapel, 1011 SW 12th Ave. in downtown Portland.

Indicate you will attend on FaceBook, another great way to spread the word: Mayoral Forum, Commissioners Forum.

We are delighted to welcome the Oregon Historical Society’s Kerry Tymchuk as our Moderator. Both forums are free and open to all. Coffee and cookies will be served.  Bring your lunch and learn about the candidates.

Please contact Orion Lumiere via email or at 503-223-4041 for more information.

Stay tuned for more information about Oregon ON’s other exciting Public Forums coming up this spring!

Thanks 10-Year Member Andree Tremoulet, Welcome Starting Point! -top

We would like to warmly thank  Individual Member Andree Tremoulet for renewing her membership this month, which at 10 years of membership makes her one of our longest-standing members! Andree is a wonderful, long-time affordable housing advocate, and we are lucky to have her.

Andree has been engaged as a planning, housing and community development professional for more than 25 years.  After serving as a community organizer for Legal Services in Appalachia as a VISTA volunteer, she returned to school to earn her masters’ degree in planning at UNC-Chapel Hill.  The work resulting from her first professional position as coordinator of the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership in Roanoke, Virginia, is profiled in the book Placemaking: The Art and Craft of Making Communities, by Lynda Schneekloth and Robert Schibley (1995, John Wiley and Sons, Publishers). She served as downtown manager for Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where she later became the Planning, Housing and Community Development Director for this city of 50,000 people in the Berkshires.

Andree and her husband, Chris Cross, moved to Oregon in 1997.  She served as the lead planner for community revitalization for the City of Gresham and was instrumental in establishing the city’s first urban renewal district in Rockwood and removing the so-called “rental housing ban” that had been adopted before her tenure. While working for the Washington County Office of Community Development, she earned her Ph.D. in Urban Studies at Portland State University in 2010.  Through its Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant program, the US Department of Urban Development funded her research on the policy responses to the closure of manufactured home parks in Oregon during the last decade’s real estate boom. Click here to read an excerpt of that excellent report: Excerpt–Thunderbird impacts

Currently, Andree splits her time between Washington County and the Center for Urban Studies at Portland State University, where she is completing a case study of the relocation of a long-standing homeless community from the Baldock Rest Area on I-5 near Wilsonville.

Thank you for all your years of support and your amazing work in the community, Andree!

We are also excited to welcome Starting Point as our newest Affiliate Member Organization!

Based in Portland, Starting Point is a management consulting practice that helps organizations use performance-driven approaches to transformation, strategic change, and leadership development.

Starting Point’s founder Charlie Baum and consultants Doug Smith, Cynthia Winters, and Stan Biles have worked with many Oregon ON members, as well as Oregon ON itself, including developing and implementing our LEAD ON Program.

From their website: “Starting Point’s core expertise is helping clients realize significant successes early on in their performance improvement and change initiatives – hence its name. This is in direct contrast to other approaches that often conclude with many months of study, analysis, training, awareness building, and financial cost — but no meaningful results. The hallmark of our approach is an intense focus on articulating and accomplishing substantial performance results, with little wasted time on non-essential activity.”

Contact Starting Point at 503-282-2826 or via email.

Awards

Bienestar Receives Award for Innovative Resident Services -top

Bienestar, a nonprofit providing affordable housing and resident services in Washington and Columbia counties, is pleased to announce the receipt of an award from Oregon’s Department of Housing and Community Services presented recently at their 2011 conference in Salem.  Bienestar received the 2011 award for “Innovative Resident Services” for its Promotores program.

The Promotores program has been a part of Bienestar’s resident service programs for six years, and trains its own residents to act as peer leaders.  Each year 15-16 Promotores are selected and receive special training in outreach, referral, leadership and home visits.  Each Promotor(a) makes 40 home visits annually with their neighbors, conveying messages related to public health topics, well-being, community resources, parenting, etc.  They determine a familiy’s  needs and provide information and referrals to Bienestar and/or programs in the community that can help.

“Bienestar Promotores serve as the eyes and ears for the staff”, comments Executive Director Karen Shawcross, “enabling us to keep in close touch with the needs of the 462 families that we serve.  We are then able to develop programs and resources quickly to meet changing needs.  Examples of these responses are the development of our Job Club and Emergency Cash Assistance programs in the recession.  They are also excellent community peer leaders who are expanding their own skills and experience while helping their neighbors.”

Pictured l-r: Accepting the OHCS award in Salem:  Juan Carlos Aguilera, Bienestar Program Coordinator, Gracie Garcia, Program Services Director, Maria Moreno, Program Services Coordinator.

The Promotores program began at Bienestar in 2005 under the leadership of former director Linda Netherton, who recruited Gracie Garcia to develop the program.  Under Garcia’s direction the Promotores model was expanded beyond the traditional role of Promotores as only health workers to provide holistic and comprehensive support to families.

Funding for the Promotores program at Bienestar has been provided by the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, the City of Hillsboro, Glenn Walters Foundation, Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust, and individual donations.

Bienestar provides an extensive suite of resident service programs for its residents to help them move toward self-sufficiency.  Adult programs include ESL, GED, computer and financial literacy classes, community gardens, Job Club, an IDA program, Family time, free income tax preparation, nutrition classes, citizenship classes, Born to Learn, and special events.  Youth programs include Homework Clubs, Science Clubs, Summer Reading, Explorador Nature Camp, Financial Fitness for Life, Soccer and Basketball Clubs, special events, Summer Lunch & Fun, Kids Computer Club, Teens’ Build Your Own Computer, Children’s Nutrition/Cooking, Yoga, special events and more.

Bienestar is a nonprofit community development corporation providing affordable housing and resident services for 462 low-income families in Aloha, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Hillsboro and Scappoose.  Bienestar’s mission is to build housing, hope and futures for the well-being of working families and seniors.

OHCS Recognizes NEDCO: Best Community-Based Organization -top

Oregon Housing and Community Services presented awards recognizing achievements of partners in seven different categories at its recent conference in Salem. Here’s what they had to say about Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO): “NEDCO is Oregon’s oldest community development corporation and has helped economically challenged Oregonians become more stable, build assets and achieve homeownership for 32 years. OHCS found NEDCO a valuable partner in implementing the Mortgage Payment Assistance Program in Lane, Marion and Clackamas counties. NEDCO has developed a wide array of innovative partnerships to meet the needs of its community.”
Read the full media release here.

NEDCO Nets OMEN Rising Star Award -top

At the 2011 Summit on Entrepreneurship, Oregon Microenterprise Network (OMEN) presented three awards at the Summit: The Rising Star Award was presented to Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) of Eugene for their brilliant and systematic addition of microenterprise development services to their original menu of housing-related services.
Read the full story here.

Member Events

JOIN Artful Affair at Milepost 5 – Dec 3 -top

Artful Affair – Saturday, December 3rd, 6-10pm
Milepost 5, 850 NE 81st Ave
20% of art sales and 100% of raffle sales go to JOIN

Enjoy live music, wine and chocolate tastings, and more while browsing the great art for sale by Milepost 5 residents!

6:00: Wine and chocolate tastings by Kings Raven Winery & Missionary Chocolate

6:30-7:30: Post5 Theatre presents “Scrooge’s Daughter”

8-10pm: Raffle & live music: Growler and guests.

Plus – Bring a cold weather item to donate to JOIN and get 5 raffle tickets!

Find the event on facebook here.

 

Enterprise Online Event – Congress & Housing Policy Update – Dec 15 -top

Enterprise Community Partners
Policy Update: The U.S. Congress and Housing in 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011 from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM (Eastern)

Register

Washington has certainly been active this year, but what does it all mean for housing and community development?  In this session, Enterprise public policy staff will give an overview of HUD 2012 appropriations, a discussion of potential tax reform as it relates to debt reduction, an update on housing finance reform, and updates on other housing and community development-related activity in Washington. The policy team will also discuss top housing and community development agenda items for 2013.

REACH Needs Toys, Gifts for Children – Dec 16 -top

REACH Community Development, Inc. is collecting toys and other gifts to make the holidays a bit more joyful for the kids living in our affordable housing.

Would you like to provide a gift for a REACH child this holiday season?   If so, you may purchase gifts online through our Amazon.com Wish-List: http://amzn.com/w/119L7PHI5P1JQ and have them shipped directly to REACH at the address below:

  • REACH Community Development
  • c/o Peter Blanchard
  • 1135 SE Salmon St.
  • Portland, OR 97214

Gifts should be purchased no later than 12/16 so that we can give them away the next week.

For those who would prefer to shop at another retail location, please follow these instructions:

1)      Purchase the same or similar item to something on the Amazon.com Wish-List: http://amzn.com/w/119L7PHI5P1JQ

2)      From the Wish-List, click on the “Buying this gift somewhere else” link, and reserve the item in order to help prevent double purchasing.

3)      Ship or drop-off your purchased gift at the address above.

If you have new or gently-used items that are not on the list but would be appreciated by children 0-13 years old, they may be donated at the address above.

Contact Peter Blanchard at 503.501.5732 or via email with any questions.

Thank you for your support!

*To receive a tax receipt for your donation, or for other information, please contact Amanda Miller at 503.231.0682  x153 or via email.

Social Security Disability Benefits Advocate Workshop – Dec 19 -top

Disability Benefits Training & Consulting LLC and A.S.S.I.S.T Assertive SSI Service Team present “Social Security Disability Benefits Advocate Workshop,” aimed at service providers.

  • December, 19th, 2011
  • Sign-in at 8am, Workshop from 8:30-5:00
  • Registration begins at 8:00am

Although many people perceive this kind of work has to go through an attorney, there is so much a lay person can do to advocate early and have a very big impact on the outcome!

Successfully obtaining disability benefits can be complex and difficult. After participating in our workshop, you will be ready to advocate for your disabled client right away. Let us help you make sense of the process and avoid common mistakes. The topics we cover in our workshop are designed to provide you with a solid foundation and the capacity to start ASSISTing others through the process RIGHT NOW.

  • An Overview of SSA Disability Programs
  • Evidence Requirements
  • Application Preparation & Electronic Filing
  • How Does SSA Determine Disability?
  • Unique Challenges for the Homeless Applicant
  • Review of Your Advocate Start-Up Kit
  • Question & Answer Session with the expert

Workshop Location: YWCA 1255 Broadway St., NE Suite 110 Salem, OR 97301 Course fee of $75 and Registration are required by December 14, 2011

Register Online at: www.disabilitybenefitstraining.com or call 503-888-2690.

Member News

Housing Development Center Launches New Website -top

Housing Development Center is excited to introduce you to Housing Development Center’s new website – its first major renovation in 12 years!

Besides featuring a fresh, clean look and updated information about who we are and what we do, the website is designed to be more useful to our clients, colleagues, and supporters.

Now, you can use the site to…

We hope you’ll take a tour at www.housingdevelopmentcenter.org. And since no renovation project is ever really finished, we welcome your feedback as updates and improvements continue!

 

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City of Beaverton Wins $1M HUD Sustainable Communities Grant -top

Grant will be used to connect housing and transportation to establish a downtown core and promote employment opportunities for area residents

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and HUD Northwest Regional Administrator Mary McBride today announced the award of a $1 million Sustainable Communities Challenge Grant to the City of Beaverton to accelerate the development and implementation of its Beaverton Creekside District Master Plan to integrate affordable housing with efficient transportation, green infrastructure and public amenities.

This is the second HUD Sustainable Communities Grant awarded in the Portland metropolitan area. Last year, HUD awarded Washington County a $2 million Sustainable Communities challenge grant in the program’s inaugural round funding for sustainable communities grants.

In a partnership that includes Portland State University, Clean Water Solutions, the State of Oregon Regional Solutions Center, Friends of Beaverton Creek and the Central Beaverton Neighborhood Association, the City of Beaverton will use its Sustainable Communities Challenge Grant to address the challenges to establishing an identifiable and functional central core.  Benefits from the partnership are expected to include greater infill development and private sector investment in the central city, reduction in energy use and an increased supply of affordable housing located within 30 minute transit commutes to major employers in the metropolitan region.  . . Click here to read more.

Also see news coverage, below, by clicking here.

Habitat’s New Digital Check-in Process Enhances Volunteer Experience -top

As Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East grows from serving 20 to 30 families every year, the number of volunteers on our construction sites is predicted to increase by 50%. A grant from Bank of America will help to enhance volunteer communications and enhance overall volunteer satisfaction as Habitat grows from providing 6,000 to 9,000 annual build site experiences.

Learn more.

Hacienda Recipient of First Create a Commuter Workshop in Spanish -top

On Friday, November 18th, Hacienda CDC residents received a Create a Commuter workshop exclusively in Spanish, put on by the Community Cycling Center. This was the first time that the Cycling Center ran an entire workshop in Spanish.

> Photo courtesy of the Community Cycling Center

The workshop included a lovely group ride through NE where facilitators were able to show the group bike lanes, Neighborhood Greenways, and the new Cully cycle track. The group was very confident on the road and shared comments and laughter throughout the ride.

After the workshop, two men from the group huddled over a map with huge smiles on their faces preparing for the ride back to Gresham together on their new bicycles!

The NSP 3 formula Equals 19 Housing Works Townhomes -top

Cyndy Cook, Executive Director of Housing Works announced November 28th that the purchase of 19 foreclosed townhomes in the Fairhaven Vista subdivision is complete.  The acquisition of these townhomes included funding from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, Network for Oregon Affordable Housing (NOAH), and Home Federal Bank.  The City of Redmond and The City of La Pine teamed up with Housing Works to administer $1.5 million of NSP funds to be used for the acquisition of foreclosed properties and for down payment assistance for qualified buyers.  The development stands at the corner of 25th Street and Elm Street in Redmond, Oregon.  A multi-family development built just a few years ago, Fairhaven’s structures are attractive and contemporary with views of the Cascades.  But, like so many other Central Oregon properties, the Fairhaven development fell into foreclosure.

Enter Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP).  Initiated by President George W. Bush’s administration and rolled out by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – it is locally administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services and has continued under President Barack Obama’s economic recovery plan – NSP has proven to be a viable means for recession stricken communities to curb plummeting real estate values and take back foreclosed homes in once vibrant neighborhoods.

“Redmond, La Pine…truly, all of Central Oregon has first-hand experience in this problem,” said Cook. “We’ve been fortunate enough to partner with the City of Redmond and the City of La Pine to be a part of this third NSP disbursement.”  Cook continued, “In addition, the cumulative efforts of our funding partners and our real estate broker, Jeff Reed of Fratzke Commercial, is evidence of the cooperative spirit our region is known for.  Together we are rebuilding the strength of our local economy one home at a time with NSP.”

“Housing Works’ experience started with the first round of NSP funds awarded to the City of Bend,” said Keith Wooden, Housing Works Director of Community Development. “But I’m happy to say that the real winners are the families and neighborhoods we’re helping to stabilize.”  Wooden explains that part of the funds that the Cities were awarded has and will be used for down-payment assistance to qualified home-buyers for the purchase of bank-owned homes in target areas.  The remaining funds were designated to acquire foreclosed properties as affordable rental housing.

David Brandt, City Manager for the City of Redmond said, “The key objective was to revitalize a neighborhood that had quite frankly grown too fast in the boom years and had been left to ruin in the succeeding bust years.  We are doing our best to make that right.”

Cook contends this is as important an acquisition for the neighborhood of Fairhaven Vista as it is for the entire Redmond community.  “This is what NSP is about,” she said.  “The demand for quality, affordable rental housing has increased significantly.  Housing Works receives numerous inquiries daily from hardworking families seeking a nice place to rent on their wage earnings, and now, we can proudly add Fairhaven to that list.  We are ensuring that families have quality, affordable housing throughout the region, and, we are a part of a real opportunity to bring strength to Redmond’s recovery.”

For information on how to qualify for NSP down payment assistance and other Housing Works homeownership programs, please contact Kelly Fisher at 541-923-1018.

Also see news coverage, below, by clicking here.

CPAH Veterans’ Day Luncheon -top

Camaraderie, mutual respect and gratitude. Those were the emotions of the day as Community Partners for Affordable Housing, Inc. (CPAH) hosted more than 50 friends, families and resident Veterans at a Veterans’ Day Luncheon on Nov. 14 at The Watershed at Hillsdale.

Almost two dozen veterans who live in CPAH’s Watershed and Knoll at Tigard affordable housing complexes were honored with framed certificates of appreciation, presented by Gary Smith, MSW of the Veterans Administration and counsel to 20 Watershed and Knoll resident veterans, and by CPAH Board Member Gaile Baack. Additional speakers included the Tigard American Legion and an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, along with a military music presentation and a poetry reading, and comments and stories from the veterans themselves.

“Our veteran residents, as well as our partnership with the Veterans Administration, are important to our organization,” said Shannon Wilson, CPAH’s Director of Operations. “We want to continually bring all our residents together to thank these veterans for their service to our country.”

The Watershed at Hillsdale is a 51-unit affordable senior housing apartment complex, and The Knoll at Tigard is a 48-unit senior complex recently completed in downtown Tigard. For more information, call CPAH at 503-293-4038, or visit the Web site at www.cpahinc.org. Photos below by Tracy Stepp.

Above Photo: CPAH residents and Veterans Gerry Hopper, left, and Carl Benchek, fold the American flag after a Veterans’ Day luncheon Nov. 14 at The Watershed community room in Hillsdale. About 50 guests were in attendance at the celebration to honor veterans from CPAH’s Watershed at Hillsdale and Knoll at Tigard affordable senior housing complexes.

Above Photo: CPAH residents and Veterans Mel Schoepflin, left, and Vernon Boe, enjoy conversation after a Veterans’ Day luncheon Nov. 14 at The Watershed community room in Hillsdale. About 50 guests were in attendance at the celebration to honor veterans from CPAH’s Watershed at Hillsdale and Knoll at Tigard affordable senior housing complexes.

Above Photo: CPAH residents, Veterans, friends and families join in singing “America the Beautiful” during a Veterans’ Day luncheon Nov. 14 at The Watershed community room in Hillsdale. About 50 guests were in attendance at the celebration to honor veterans from CPAH’s Watershed at Hillsdale and Knoll at Tigard affordable senior housing complexes.

Photo at left: CPAH residents, WWII Veteran Frank Walsh and his wife, Maxine, were among those honored at a Veterans’ Day luncheon Nov. 14 at The Watershed community room in Hillsdale. About 50 guests were in attendance at the celebration for veterans from CPAH’s Watershed at Hillsdale and Knoll at Tigard affordable senior housing complexes.

Wonderful Night at NEDCO’s Salem Open House -top

It was a cool crisp evening. As the sun set somewhere behind the clouds, Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO)‘s new office buzzed with excitement. We welcomed people from partner organizations, clients, elected officials offices, and neighbors. We enjoyed catering by Wild Pear and live music by Jordan Roach.

Our program included a Ribbon Cutting with the Salem Chamber of Commerce, Remarks from Congressman Kurt Schrader, client success stories, and closing remarks by Mark Sullivan, Regional Housing Centers Advisory Committee Member.

Many thanks to our Event Sponsors Sperry Van Ness, HomeStreet Bank, Selectemp, Umpqua Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Door prizes were provided by Gerri Frank’s Konditorei and The Historic Elisnore Theatre.

If you weren’t able to make the event, stop by our office anytime! We’re at 2700 Market St NE Suite 110, Salem, and open Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

10 Year Plan to End Homelessness “Re-set” -top

11/29/11 – A Message from Coordinating Committee to End Homelessness Co-Chairs Marc Jolin and Shannon Singleton

At last week’s CCEH meeting, there was a presentation/discussion led by Beckie Lee, Chief of Staff to Multnomah County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury, Home Forward‘s Director, Steve Rudman, and the Portland Housing Bureau‘s Director, Traci Manning. In case you were not able to attend the meeting, we wanted to share with you what CCEH learned about a planned “re-set” of the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness.

The three jurisdictions discussed their desire to take a hard look at what we have accomplished thus far under the 10 Year Plan, to identify areas for improvement, and create renewed public commitment to our collective effort to end homelessness. In order to implement this reset, the jurisdictions have created a “10YP Reset Committee” made up of stakeholders with a variety of experience and perspectives. The committee includes the leadership from the three jurisdictions, representatives from the faith community, the healthcare sector, the police bureau, the business community, the Coalition of Communities of Color, the Coalition for Homeless Families, the homeless youth system, and four members of the current CCEH steering committee: Rachel Post from CCC, Liv Jenssen from Multnomah County Corrections, Shannon Singleton from Cascadia, and Marc Jolin from JOIN.

While the process for the reset has yet to be defined, all three presenters shared their desire to ensure that the Reset Committee hears on a regular basis from CCEH about what questions the reset process should tackle, what strategies should be considered in any revised plan, etc. During the CCEH meeting, we had a brainstorming session to generate topic areas and recommendations that the Reset Committee should consider.  For example, there was good discussion about developing more affordable housing for our lowest-income residents, there were suggestions about documenting the scope of need, integrating the health care system, and employment.

If you have ideas about areas of our service system where the Reset Committee should focus, or specific strategies or practices that you think should be discussed during this reset process, please share them with those of us on the Steering Committee so that we can make sure those ideas are included.  As soon as we know more about what exact process the Reset Committee is going to use to engage the community we will let you know.  We expect to know that by the end of the December.

OMEN Gets $50K from Wells Fargo for Rural Job Creation, Small Biz -top

Low-income entrepreneurs in rural communities throughout Oregon will be able to receive technical assistance, training and loans to start or expand their small business, thanks to a $50,000 grant from Wells Fargo to the Oregon Microenterprise Network (OMEN).

“We will use these funds to provide capacity-building services to nonprofit organizations that serve rural small businesses,” said Valerie Plummer, executive director of the Portland-based OMEN membership organization. “The impact of this donation will be felt throughout the entire region.”

OMEN is a statewide association of more than 70 microenterprise service providers that support entrepreneurs by offering numerous services, including business training courses, technical assistance, consulting advice and micro-loans.

Photo Caption:  Wells Fargo’s Mark Trupp (2nd from left), Mark Rodewald (third from right) and Judith Olsen (second from right) present a $50,000 donation to the Oregon Microenterprise Network’s Valerie Plummer (center) to help fund services for low-income entrepreneurs in rural communities throughout Oregon. With them are Jacob Young (left) of the Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation and Forest Peck of Chemeketa Community College’s Center for Business & Industry in Salem. They are inside one of the center’s classrooms. Wells Fargo provided $15 million in financing for the building, which provides classes and services to small businesses.

“Wells Fargo understands the importance of workforce development and the crucial role small businesses have in our economy,” said Judith Olsen, Wells Fargo’s regional Community Development manager for Oregon and a member of the OMEN board. “We want to support these organizations in this tough economic climate, especially in rural communities that have been the hardest hit.”

More than 300,000 businesses in Oregon have fewer than five employees. These “microenterprises” comprise 86 percent of all registered businesses in this state and employing 16 percent of the entire workforce, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Are Disabled Homeless Peoples’ Claims Being Expedited? -top

Mellani Calvin, Director of Disability Benefits Training & Consulting LLC works on homelessness prevention advocacy in her spare time (and to think, some people play Farmville!). Recently she wrote a letter asking the Regional office of SSA to explain why they are not expediting disabled homeless people’s claims through their system at all levels (State review and hearings backlog), when the instruction to do so is in their own rules.

She is trying to get the word out that there is a specific computer flag in SSA’s system to identify a case as that of a person experiencing homelessness, and that anyone working with a disability claimant who is homeless should contact the local SSA office in writing and ask them to “flag” the case as a homeless case so that, at the very least, the homeless in their system can be counted.

“SSA tracks EVERYTHING,” Mellani says, “but very few people even know that SSA should be tracking this and expediting the cases to boot.”

Here she shares her interesting correspondence with the Social Security office:

Mellani has been in contact with the Oregon Law Center and Senator Merkley’s office as well. To talk to her more about this, you may email her here.

Habitat Needs Weather-Proof Volunteers for Busy Winter -top

Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East staff has known for years that our volunteers are so sweet they could be made of sugar! Perhaps they are made of a special weather resistant, anti-dissolving sugar that only the Portland Metro area can produce. Habitat has many construction and non-construction volunteer opportunities available right now to help keep our momentum going on each of our homes.

Learn more.

Hacienda Receives Increased Support for the Mercado Project -top

Hacienda CDC is excited to announce a new partnership with the National Association of Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB). NALCAB is funding $10,000 for the project that seeks to develop the community of Latino entrepreneurs in Portland, OR by creating Portland’s first ever Latino Public Market. The Portland Mercado will give small and start-up businesses a market in which to operate and expand, and also provide a venue for trusted financial, legal, and social services to help families grow household assets.

In addition to funding from NALCAB, Hacienda recently welcomed an AmeriCorps VISTA to support the coordination of the Mercado project. Cait Burke began work on Tuesday, November 29. Welcome Cait!

Neighborhood Partnerships Legislative Work Continues -top

Neighborhood Partnerships continues our work with the Housing Alliance in Salem. We’re now preparing for the February session of the Legislature and interested in seeing what it holds. We’ve been writing about the upcoming session and the continuing news about the state budget, as well as its impacts on Oregonians. We’re also working with Housing Alliance members to set an agenda for 2012 – it’s not too late to join us! Much of our work in the 2012 Legislative session will be focused on highlighting for Legislators the impact the state budget cuts and continuing recession have had on our families and neighbors. We will be asking them to maintain safety net services, to look to new revenue options, and to continue to look at tax side expenditures more closely. If you would like to join us in February to help educate legislators about what our communities need, please email Alison.

Wells Fargo Supports Polk & Marion Schools, Kids’ Nature Studies -top

Wells Fargo announced gifts to Polk and Marion Elementary Schools at a Principals’ Breakfast it hosted Nov. 2 at Salem Golf Course. Each principal will determine how to allocate the funds. All of the recipients Wells Fargo selected are Title 1 schools, which means they have a high number or percentage of students from low-income families.

Wells Fargo Regional President Don Pearson, Community Bank President Kellie Grant, District Manager Mark Trupp and 11 Salem area branch managers hosted the breakfast. Pearson told the group he had volunteered in the Principal for a Day program and so he knows “how wonderful you are.” He added that Wells Fargo believes “if our communities succeed, we will too.”“Wells Fargo has a long history of believing that education is a foundation for our community,” Trupp told the group, urging the principals to call their local Wells Fargo team members if they ever need volunteers for a school project. Wells Fargo’s local team members play a role in determining where the financial services company allocates its grants, Pearson pointed out. “I know they appreciate what you do every day,” he said.

The bank managers will also donate a large Wells Fargo pony to each school, which the schools will be able to use to raise additional funds, and Wells Fargo will donate $6,000 to four elementary schools in three other nearby school districts.

Wells Funds Nature Studies for Low-Income Kids

The Lower Columbia Estuary also announced a $15,000 grant from Wells Fargo so more students and teachers from financially challenged schools in Oregon and Washington will learn about nature and the environment first hand.

Photo Caption: Wells Fargo officers present a $15,000 donation to Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership’s Debrah Marriott (4th from left) and Maggie Jones (2nd from right) to support the group’s nature education program in Oregon and Washington. With them are left to right: Mark Dederer, Don Pearson, Kellie Grant, Casey Callinsky and Bernie Kronberger.

The Portland-based nonprofit group will use the gift to support its Outdoor Environmental Education Program, which serves schools in communities along the lower Columbia River from Astoria to Corbett in Oregon and from Ilwaco to Washougal in Washington.

“Given the current economy, this is a particularly generous gift,” said Debrah Marriott, executive director of the Estuary Partnership. “We will be able to serve more schools with educational programming at no cost.”

Member Media Coverage

Housing Works Acquires 19 Redmond Townhomes -top

Uses Federal Funds to Acquire Foreclosed Units

Click here to also see story in “Member News” section, above.

From KTVZ.COM News Sources, November 28, 2011
Housing Works has completed the purchase of 19 foreclosed Redmond townhomes, using federal neighborhood stabilization funding, Executive Director Cyndy Cook announced Monday.

The acquisition of the townhomes in the Fairhaven Vista subdivision included funding from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, Network for Oregon Affordable Housing and Home Federal Bank.

The cities of Redmond and La Pine teamed up with Housing Works to administer $1.5 million of NSP funds to be used for the acquisition of foreclosed properties and for down payment assistance for qualified buyers.

The development stands at the corner of 25th Street and Elm Street in Redmond. A multi-family development built just a few years ago, Fairhaven’s structures are attractive and contemporary with views of the Cascades. But, like so many other Central Oregon properties, the Fairhaven development fell into foreclosure. . . Click here to read more.

This story was also briefly covered in the Bend Bulletin – click here.

Bend gives $1.25M for Affordable Housing -top

Bend, Oregon supports affordable housing< Affordable housing in Bend Oregon

“The city of Bend is giving out more than $1.25 million in loans to four affordable housing projects, including one that aims to help low-income veterans with special needs,” reported by Nick Grube from The Bulletin.

Money for the loans comes from the city’s affordable housing fee program, which charges builders a fraction of a percent on their construction projects for the purpose of adding more low-income living quarters.

About half the funds will be used to help purchase land to build green homes for people at or below 100 percent of Bend’s median income. Central Oregon Veterans Outreach will receive $300,000, which will provide housing for 16 low-income veterans. Two projects associated with the Redmond-based Housing Works will also receive loans from the city. $175,000 will be given to a local contractor to build an energy-efficient home for someone earning less than 80 percent of the area median income.

The city’s affordable housing fee is the only one of its kind in the state. It charges builders a fraction of a percent on construction projects in order to add more low-income living quarters.

Farmerworkers Gain Housing Option in Forest Grove – Bienestar -top

By Angela Webber, DJC Oregon, November 28, 2011

In Washington County, people in approximately 750 farmworker families are employed by agricultural businesses, nurseries and wineries. But these workers are paid low wages, and their housing options are limited.

The Hillsboro-based Bienestar organization, which owns and manages housing for farmworker families in Washington County, is seeking to expand that range of options. It’s planning its first new project since 2006 – a 24-unit apartment complex in Forest Grove.

“There’s not much affordable rental housing in Washington County,” Bienestar Executive Director Karen Shawcross said. “Most of the families who come to us as new residents are coming from situations of homelessness.”

Bienestar, formerly Housing Development Corp., owns seven housing developments in Washington County, many in partnership with CASA of Oregon. The Forest Grove complex, called Juniper Gardens, will be built on a property the organization found unused and in foreclosure. . . Click here to read more.

Nichole Maher to Portland: Admit It! You Have a Problem with Race -top

Native American report offers opportunity for change

By Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News, November 17, 2011

Nichole Maher (left)

For years, Nichole Maher begged policymakers and agencies to reach out to Portland’s struggling Native American community. Their numbers were too low to warrant extra help, she was told. Yet, as executive director of NAYA the Native American Youth and Family Center, Maher knew her community was undercounted, living in poverty and sinking under the weight of institutional racism. Proving it was another matter.

“They would always say well, you know there isn’t enough data or we don’t have enough information to come up with a plan,” she says. “And until we actually put together this comprehensive report using the best researchers in the country they just continued to put forth these excuses”  . . . . Click here for more.

City of Beaverton Sustainability Grant in the News -top

Click here to also see story in “Member News” section, above.

Beaverton wins $1 million sustainable grant
Beaverton Valley Times
Other local efforts may include retrofitting main streets to provide safer routes for children and seniors, or preserving affordable housing and local …

Beaverton wins $1M HUD grant for sustainability
Sustainable Business Oregon
The city’s Creekside District is expected to increase infill development, make use of community-scale energy planning and provide affordable housing. …

IHI Rich Hotel Renovation on Tight Budget, Sidesteps Seismic Upgrade

“Rich Hotel renovation, on tight budget, sidesteps seismic upgrade” By Angela Webber, Daily Journal of Commerce, November 25, 2011

Before Innovative Housing, Inc. could pursue its vision for the Rich Hotel building, the affordable housing developer had to be sure it could afford it.

The 106-year-old structure is constructed of brick, and falls under city rules for unreinforced masonry. A full seismic upgrade is required if a building’s use is significantly changed or if a cost threshold is reached for a renovation. For Innovative Housing, however, a full seismic upgrade wasn’t financially feasible.

“For buildings that are this small, it’s pretty much a deal-killer if you have to do a full upgrade,” said Julie Garver, housing development director for Innovative Housing.

Read more>>

Eugene Council Approves Low-income Housing Over Neighbor -top

by Lindsey O’Brien, Daily Journal of Commerce, November 29, 2011

Despite a rigorous attack launched by a group of residents, Eugene City Council on Monday voted to approve Bascom Village, a $17.5 million affordable housing project proposal submitted by St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, Inc. and the Housing and Community Services Agency of Lane County. Read more>>

Funding and Award Opportunities

Portland Business Journal Seeks Nonprofit Partners  – Dec 9 -top

The Portland Business Journal is once again looking to select four nonprofit organizations to support with advertising, employee volunteers and other services for the next year.

Our objective with the nonprofit partner program is to focus as much support in the way of branding and promotions behind a small number of organizations to give them the widest exposure we can to our business audience.

We are hopeful that this program has made a real difference to the organizations that have been selected over the nine years we have been running it. Once again this year, we are selecting four nonprofits to support through 2012. We are asking any nonprofits interested in being considered for support to complete the online form no later than Friday, December 9, 2011.

To save on cost of your materials and resources, the process for submitting your information is all online this year:  http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/nomination/9001

The selection committee is comprised of employees of the Portland Business Journal. One of our requirements for selection is that the nonprofit is able to provide camera-ready ads in varying sizes that we can run throughout the year.

We typically run more than $200,000 in advertising for our four selected nonprofits over the course of the year, so it is imperative that the organizations selected are able to provide us with adequate advertising materials.

We realize this is a competitive process. If you’ve submitted an application in the past but were not chosen, we hope you will participate again this year.

If you have questions about the program, please contact Portland Business Journal Office Administrator, Jan Schierbaum, via email, or 503-219-3100.

We look forward to hearing from you by December 9th.

Innovative Public Works, Community Facilities Supported – Dec 15 -top

The Economic Development Administration‘s Public Works and Economic Development Facilities Program provides support for construction, non-construction, and revolving loan fund investments designed to foster job creation and attract private investment in economically distressed areas of the U.S. Proposed initiatives in rural and urban communities will advance new ideas and creative approaches to address rapidly evolving economic conditions. Specifically, proposed construction or rehabilitation of essential public infrastructure and facilities should be designed to help communities and regions effectively leverage resources and strengths to create jobs, drive innovation, become centers of competition in the global economy, and ensure economic resilience. The next funding cycle deadline is December 15, 2011.

Rapid Deployment of New Health Care Models  – Dec 19 -top

The Department of Health and Human Services‘ Health Care Innovation Challenge Program provides support for the implementation of innovative models of service delivery/payment improvements designed to deliver better health, improved care, and lower costs for people enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program, particularly those with the highest health care needs. Proposed models will meet the following objectives: engage a broad set of partners to identify and test models that produce better care, better health, and reduced cost; identify new models of workforce development and deployment and related training and education that support new models; and support innovators who can rapidly deploy care improvement models through new ventures or expansion of existing efforts to new populations of patients. The letter of intent deadline is December 19, 2011. The application deadline is January 27, 2012.

 

Jubitz Grants Address Social Issues in Oregon – Jan 1 -top

The Jubitz Family Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in Oregon that strive to strengthen families, respect the natural environment, and foster peace. The Foundation’s specific areas of interest include early childhood development and education, with an emphasis on children at-risk; environmental stewardship, with an emphasis on rivers and their watershed ecosystems; and peacemaking activities, with an emphasis on teaching peace and conflict resolution. Grants generally range from $5,000 to $15,000. The first deadline for letters of inquiry in 2012 is January 1. Visit the Foundation’s website to learn more about the application process.

Nathan Cummings Grants to Promote a Just Society – Jan 15 -top

The Nathan Cummings Foundation is rooted in the Jewish tradition and committed to democratic values and social justice, including fairness, diversity, and community. The Foundation seeks to build a socially and economically just society that values nature and protects the ecological balance for future generations, promotes humane health care, and fosters arts and culture that enriches communities. Specific grant program areas include arts and culture, ecological innovation, contemplative practice, health, and Jewish life. Funding priority is given to projects that have an impact at the state, multi-state, or national level. Letters of inquiry may be submitted at any time; the next deadline for invited proposals is January 15, 2012. Visit the Foundation’s website to review the guidelines for each of the Foundation’s grant programs.

 

HUD Offers Lead Hazard Funding – Jan 18 -top

Applications are due January 18 for both the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant Program and the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program. Visit http://www.grants.gov or http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm. Contact Michelle M. Miller, HUD,via email or 202-402-5769.

Education Aid for Migrant, Seasonal Farmworkers & Family  – Jan 18 -top

College Assistance Services to Migrant, Seasonal Farmworkers

The Department of Education‘s College Assistance Migrant Program provides support for activities designed to assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their children in completing their first year of college and continuing in postsecondary education. Activities that promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics education or engage faith-based and community organizations in the delivery of program services are of particular interest. The application deadline is January 18, 2012.

High School Equivalency, Employment Aid for Migrant, Seasonal Farmworkers

The Department of Education‘s High School Equivalency Program provides support to assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers and members of their immediate family in obtaining a state-approved general education diploma and gaining employment, placement in an institution of higher education, or other postsecondary education or training. Of particular interest are activities that promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, and engage faith-based and community organizations in the delivery of program services. Preference will be given to novice applicants and applicants with prior experience of service delivery. The application deadline is January 18, 2012.

Native American CDFI, Community Revitalization  – Jan 18 -top

The Department of the Treasury‘s Native American Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Assistance Program provides the following types of support to promote economic revitalization in economically distressed Native American communities: Financial assistance in the form of equity investments, loans, deposits, or grants is provided for financing capital, loan loss reserves, capital reserves, or operations. Technical assistance grants are awarded to build the capacity of certified CDFIs to provide affordable financial products and services to low-income communities and families. Technical assistance awards may be used for a wide range of purposes, including the purchase of equipment, materials, or supplies; consulting or contracting services; salaries and benefits of certain personnel; or training of staff or board members. The application deadline is January 18, 2012.

Programs for Disabled Vets Supported – Jan 20 -top

The Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust supports nonprofit organizations located in the United States that provide long-term programs offering direct assistance to disabled veterans and their families. The Trust’s grantmaking interests include making sure sick and disabled veterans have transportation to VA medical facilities for treatment, supporting physical and psychological rehabilitation projects aimed at the most profoundly disabled veterans, meeting the special needs of veterans with specific disabilities such as amputation or brain injuries, providing food and shelter for homeless veterans, and bringing hope to the forgotten and suffering families of disabled veterans. Requests are reviewed quarterly; the first application deadline for 2012 is January 20. Application guidelines and forms may be downloaded from the Trust’s website.

Asset Building Initiatives for Disadvantaged Populations – Jan 25 -top

The Department of Health and Human Services‘ Assets for Independence Demonstration Program provides support for community-based organizations to offer Individual Development Accounts (matched savings accounts), financial education, and related services to low-income individuals and families, in order for them to accumulate savings and invest in appreciating assets such as a first home, small business, or higher education or training. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate close collaboration with entities that are serving families with young children, families in the child support system, children and families in the foster care system, people with disabilities, refugees, Native Americans, and survivors of domestic or intimate violence. The next application deadline is January 25, 2012. Note: Webinars are offered through the Assets for Independence (AFI) Resource Center to assist with designing an AFI project and navigating the application process; visit the Calendar of Events to register.

One Fun Thing

Dogs Need Houses Too -top

This fun and sweet story from our beloved members St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, Inc.:

Eagon waited patiently while the humans sawed, fitted and pounded away their Saturday. He even posed with them at the urging of his master, a homeless man named Christopher who comes to the Eugene Service Station to get lunch, take a shower, do laundry, and other needs.

As the day grew chillier Eagon “asked” for his knitted sweater then stood in the rain, lifting one paw at a time from the wet pavement.

And on Monday Eagon was perhaps the most appreciative beneficiary of Judith Voss’s doghouse project. He could barely be coaxed from his chosen unit, a sturdy salt-box design on a six-inch foundation. finished with redwood stain, and furnished with indoor/outdoor carpet and a snug green blanket. When Eagon did appear he was still shrouded in the blanket.

At a farm store down the street a comparable doghouse retailed for nearly $150, not including the carpet, blanket, eye bolt, dog chain and stainless steel dish provided with each Service Station doghouse.

Kiosk with sanitation station Kiosk and fir bark make it easy for owners to clean up after their pets. >

Over the weekend of Nov. 19 a dozen doghouses were built and placed near St. Vincent de Paul’s Eugene Service Station, marking the spot formerly occupied by a muddy enclosure and a paltry collection of humble dog abodes. The fenced neighborhood was landscaped with fir bark. A person-sized kiosk with a doggy sanitation station was installed at the entrance.

The former enclosure caught the eye, and heart, of Judith Voss of Eugene. Better known for giving voice to the homeless through her involvement with Street Code Theatre, Judith resolved this time to give shelter to their four-legged friends.

She enlisted the volunteer help of her friend Dan O’Connell and her favorite remodeling contractor, Brett Breding, who brought employees and neighbors on board. He took on the job in part to honor of his own dogs, General and Tipper, who died this year.

Judith sought donations of materials and accessories, and paid the balance herself. She also monitored the jobsite over the weekend, chatting with the Eugene Service Station clientele and fielding media inquiries from beneath a big-nosed dog hat.

She could not overstate the importance of dogs to their homeless owners.

Dog peering out of doghouse.< Eagon has staked his claim.

“Having a dog really knocks the corners off of being lonely,” said Christopher. He retrieved Eagon from a police spotlight several years ago as Eagon’s previous owners were being arrested under the Washington-Jefferson Bridge.

“I told them, That’s my buddy’s dog,” he said of the dog that’s now his buddy.

The relationship works both ways, according to Richard, a veteran who visits the Eugene Service Station with a terrier mix named Jyp.

“These dogs live for their owners – the guys and the ladies,” he said. “Jyp is the only reason I get up some mornings. He doesn’t know what a bad day is.”

“A dog is the best friend we have out here,” said Larry who forwent the warmth of the Service Station to help with doghouse construction.

For her part, Judith Voss hopes that others will see the doghouses and know that they, too, can do something to help those less fortunate. For starters, that could include delivering donations of pet food, saddle packs, and blankets to the Eugene Service Station, located at the north end of St. Vincent de Paul’s Lindholm Center at 450 Hwy 99 in Eugene.

“I am called to be of service,” she said. “My heart is touched by people who are homeless. I can’t describe the feeling when there’s an animal.”