As a nonprofit builder of affordable housing in Multnomah County, we see the incredible and growing demand for the homes we produce.  We also see increasing challenges the working poor, people living with disabilities and seniors in our community face when searching for safe and affordable housing. The Portland area’s rising rents and home prices have created a housing state of emergency that is now being recognized by the city and state.
At Habitat, we have been serving these families in Portland and Gresham every day for 35 years, and see firsthand the impact poverty housing has on their lives.
As we plan for the upcoming year, serving even more families in need, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments in 2015, which were possible because of supporters like you! This past summer Habitat completed and sold seven homes in southwest Portland’s Hillsdale neighborhood. Just recently we also completed and sold the first phase of Glisan Gardens – a 25 home community – providing 12 families with safe, affordable homes just in time for the holidays. And this fall, we broke ground at Helensview – a 21 home community in northeast Portland’s Cully neighborhood.  We have also grown our new critical home repair program providing a helping hand to more low income homeowners in the Cully neighborhood.  We (you) have been busy indeed!
I am continually in awe of the thousands of Portlanders who volunteer, donate and advocate for the work of Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East. It is because of your support in 2015 that 86 moms, dads and kids now have a safe, affordable place to call home.
So, today, as this New Year is upon us, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your hours of swinging hammers. Thank you for the generous donations. And thank you for your ongoing commitment to ensuring that everyone has a decent, affordable place to live.
All the best this new year!
Steve Messinetti,
President & CEO