Habitat for Humanity Portland Metro East dba Habitat for Humanity Portland Region

Habitat for Humanity Portland Region (PDXHabitat) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating affordable housing opportunities and fostering community development. The organization's mission revolves around the belief that everyone deserves a decent and stable place to call home. With a commitment to addressing the critical need for affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region works tirelessly to eliminate barriers to homeownership and empower individuals and families to build a better future. We are the only organization in the Portland area that consistently offers homeownership opportunities to families and individuals making as little as $35,000 per year. We do th... read more Habitat for Humanity Portland Region (PDXHabitat) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating affordable housing opportunities and fostering community development. The organization's mission revolves around the belief that everyone deserves a decent and stable place to call home. With a commitment to addressing the critical need for affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region works tirelessly to eliminate barriers to homeownership and empower individuals and families to build a better future. We are the only organization in the Portland area that consistently offers homeownership opportunities to families and individuals making as little as $35,000 per year. We do this through a 'hand-up not hand-out' model, in which homebuyers help to build and then purchase their house. In addition to building, PDXHabitat also works to revitalize neighborhoods by providing critical repairs to existing (non-Habitat) houses. Our home repair program is a comprehensive approach to creating lasting change in neighborhoods that have a need for stability. Folks, especially seniors, can stay in their homes longer and the affordable housing inventory stabilizes. HERE IS WHAT SETS US APART: * We meet the need: We're the only homeownership organization in the region that serves families earning as little as $35,000. * We're collaborative: We are part of a 4-member collaborative called Living Cully that takes a neighborhood approach to increasing homeownership opportunities and the economic outlook for low-income earners and people of color. * We address racial inequality: On average, 90% of Habitat homes are purchased by people of color. * We harness the power of over 4,000 volunteers each year to help build and repair houses, allowing the community to participate in its own growth. GENERATIONAL WEALTH BUILDING More than two hundred Portlanders, many of whom have generational ties to historically Black neighborhoods in North and Northeast Portland, are returning to the communities they once called home. This anti-displacement effort is just one needed to build a more inclusive city. Among other things, the Black Lives Matter movement highlighted how households of color in our community own homes at about half the rate as White families. We know racist policies caused this homeownership gap. Habitat partner families pass equity on to their children, helping them rise out of the cycle of poverty they were born into and ensuring future generations can succeed. According to a Habitat homeowner survey, grades improve for 70% of students and Habitat kids graduate at a higher rate than the State average. Housing-related respiratory health improves for 79% of kids who reported previous chronic sickness. The number of families on welfare gets cut by 52% and those receiving food support drops by a third. By turning an empty lot into a productive source of wealth from which the local economy will permanently benefit, Habitat's work stabilizes hurting communities and generates real hope. In Portland, White homeownership rates stand at around 57% while Black rates are as low as 28%. That is a 29% gap. Roughly 90% of Habitat homebuyers are People of color, 30% have a disability, and almost 40% are single mothers. We are partners in the City of Portland's N/NE Preference Policy. To rectify past injustices disproportionately affecting the African American community, the city granted funds to support the construction of Habitat homes purchased by people with ties to areas affected by gentrification. This partnership reaffirms our belief that affordable homeownership should flourish for all people, regardless of race. We have sold more than 40 homes under the Preference Policy. PDXHabitat contracted with Project Impact in 2019 to collaborate with us on an Impact Study (attached) with our homeowners. The study took place over a one-year period and concluded just as Covid hit. While the study was active, 20 Habitat homeowners participated in round-table discussions and in-person interviews to share their thoughts and opinions. OUR CORE MISSION ENCOMPASSES SEVERAL KEY ELEMENTS: 1. **Affordable Housing:** The organization strives to provide affordable housing solutions to low-income individuals and families. Through various programs and initiatives, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region seeks to make homeownership a reality for those who might otherwise face significant challenges in the housing market. 2. **Community Engagement:** Habitat for Humanity recognizes the importance of community in creating lasting and positive change. The organization actively engages with local communities, collaborating with residents, volunteers, and partners to build not just houses but vibrant neighborhoods where families can thrive. 3. **Volunteerism and Partnerships:** At the heart of the organization's mission is the spirit of volunteerism. By mobilizing volunteers, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region brings together people from all walks of life to contribute their time and skills to the construction and rehabilitation of homes. Additionally, strategic partnerships with businesses, government entities, and other organizations are forged to maximize the impact of their efforts. 4. **Homeownership Education:** Recognizing the significance of homeownership education, the organization provides resources and support to empower families on their journey to becoming homeowners. This includes financial education, home maintenance training, and ongoing support to ensure the long-term success of Habitat homeowners. 5. **Advocacy for Affordable Housing:** Beyond direct action, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region advocates for policies and practices that promote affordable housing on a broader scale. The organization actively engages in discussions with policymakers, community leaders, and the public to address systemic issues related to housing affordability. 6. **Habitat ReStores:** The Habitat for Humanity Portland Region ReStores are home improvement stores and donation centers - open to the public - that offer new and gently used furniture, home decor, appliances, building materials and more. All revenue generated through our Restores is affectionately referred to Building Dollars because the funds generated from ReStores support Habitat for Humanity Portland Region's homebuilding and home repair programs. We give items new life and keep usable items out of our local landfills. In 2022, we diverted 8,216 tons of reusable materials from landfills.