With the recent merging of Portland/Metro East and Willamette West Habitat affiliates, our new organization—Habitat for Humanity Portland Region—now  has a total of four active build sites across the region. With such expansion, we will now be able to tackle the shortage of affordable homeownership in our region with even more efficiency. By increasing our construction capacity, we will not only be able to partner with more people, we will also be able to better tailor our services to communities that are disproportionally left out of homeownership opportunities. In this first year of our merger, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region will have more than 100 homes under construction.  Right now, we’re  building two communities  in Northeast Portland, one in Southeast Portland, and one in Beaverton. Here is an overview and progress update  of each. 
Simpson 
At Simpson, we are building a 10-home community in the heart of the Cully neighborhood. Located on the 6300 block of Killingsworth Street, this community will be home to a diverse set of homebuyers. Of the 10 homes, there will be two-, three-, and four-bedroom options along with one parking space per unit and will feature electric-powered appliances, fenced backyards, and Earth Advantage certification. Currently, three of the four duplexes and triplexes have been framed. The first unit’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation has been completed with the next units’ rough-installs occurring in January and February.   
Kenton  
In Kenton, Habitat is building a 30-home community consisting of two structures reaching three stories high. These 30 sustainable homes are located at the intersection of N. Interstate Avenue and N. Kilpatrick Street in the Kenton neighborhood. Many of the homes will be sold to homebuyers who have generational ties to the area, as part of the City’s North/Northeast Preference Policy—a tool that helps address the harmful impacts of marginalization and displacement. 
So far, 12 homes are in the finishing stage, which will continue into January. Home interior finishes are being installed, including: lighting, appliances, flooring, and painting. Final exterior finishes, such as a ramp for accessibility, corridor deck waterproof coating, mailboxes, bicycle racks, and address numbers are also being installed. Once our crews do a final deep cleaning of each unit, we’ll welcome homeowners in early 2021! Then, we’ll move onto building 18 more homes. Right now, we’re working with sub-contractors to help lay the foundation. We will begin framing in early 2021.  
Cherry Blossom  
Located in the Mill Park neighborhood in SE Portland, Habitat’s newest community  will consist of 31 homes. This community will feature a green space, playground, one garage for each unit, and the homes will vary in size from two- to five-bedrooms. Right now, we’re installing the retaining walls to secure the homes on the property’s slope. The stormwater, sewer, and water service pipes installation is complete. Soon, we will lay foundations and framing for each home.  
 
 
Denney Gardens  
Denney Gardens is located in SW Beaverton and will be a 16-home community. Currently, the project is about half-way completed. Eight homebuyers and their families have already purchased and are now living in their homes. The remaining eight units consist of two triplexes and a duplex. Right now, one building is nearly through electrical and plumbing installation and will have insulation and drywall installed at the end of January. On the other two homes, we are excavating the final portion of land and pouring concrete foundations, which include: home slabs, garages, and sidewalks. This process is scheduled to be completed by the end of January, soon followed by framing. 
Olin 
We are excited to announce that Olin Townhomes in the Portsmouth Neighborhood is nearly complete! We are so grateful for all of the support we have received to get these N/NE Preference Policy homes built. Congratulations to Habitat’s newest homeowners!  
We are so grateful for the many donors, volunteers, and homebuyers who made these homes a reality! Though it isn’t possible right now, we cannot wait to welcome back Habitat’s many construction-site volunteers.  
Until then!!