PORTLAND, Ore. – January 14, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity Portland Region is proud to announce the launch of the Pope Leo Village campaign. This new, multi-city initiative is sponsored and inspired by an anonymous donor committed to Pope Leo XIV’s vision and service to others. Habitat Portland Region is among 16 Habitat affiliates across the country launching a Pope Leo Village campaign. The local effort is centered on building 17 affordable homes in the Markham neighborhood of SW Portland. The goal of the Pope Leo Village is to inspire and activate young people — and all our neighbors across the region — to volunteer and financially support the work of Habitat for Humanity. The campaign will run from January 2026 through the anticipated completion of the Twenty Fifth Terrace development in 2027.
“Home prices over the last 10 years in Oregon have increased seven times more than people’s incomes. The result is that most renters are now paying more than half their incomes on housing,” says Steve Messinetti, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Portland Region. “As more of our neighbors are struggling to find an affordable place to call home, we call on our community to work alongside one another to build a stronger Portland region. This is what the Pope Leo Village campaign is all about.”
Habitat for Humanity of Portland Region envisions the Pope Leo Campaign as an interfaith initiative that invites people of all backgrounds to join in service. Volunteers – from youth groups and schools and congregations to homebuyers, and the wider community – will come together to serve at Habitat build sites and at ReStores. All funds raised through the campaign will be invested in the construction of the Twenty Fifth Terrace development in SW Portland. Through the Pope Leo Campaign, Habitat will build relationships, strengthen our local community, and create more opportunities for affordable homeownership.
The 17 homes sponsored by the Pope Leo Village campaign will be purchased with affordable mortgages by local families and individuals. Habitat homebuyers complete homeownership education classes and have the opportunity to work alongside staff and volunteers to build their homes.
Find out more information on Habitat for Humanity Portland Region’s website about how to get involved. www.habitatportlandregion.org/popeleovillage.
About Habitat for Humanity Portland Region
At Habitat for Humanity Portland Region, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to have a stable and affordable place to call home. Habitat homeowners complete homeownership education classes, have the opportunity to help build their own homes alongside volunteers, and purchase their homes with affordable mortgages. Founded in 1981, we are invested in creating a region where everyone has the opportunity to build a better life. Learn more at habitatportlandregion.org
