Rooted in community: Renatta’s story
Habitat homeowner Renatta has put deep roots down in her community. As she celebrates her two-year homeownership anniversary, her lovingly decorated home tells the story of how much can change in 730 days. Growing up, she moved every two years — a habit she says followed her into adulthood. Now, she is building her long-term home. “This is the first […]
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Metal with meaning: one volunteer’s impact
Written by volunteer Wendi Frith Samuel Rugi is a scrappy guy with some serious mettle. And metal. When most people think of Habitat for Humanity, construction comes to mind. But Samuel, a regular volunteer at Habitat Portland Region ReStores, focuses on something a bit different: deconstruction. “Around Thanksgiving, I dismantled a Maytag Electric Wall Oven Microwave Combo,” […]
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Global Village reflections from El Salvador
When volunteers from Habitat for Humanity Portland Region arrived at their worksites in Ahuachapán, El Salvador, there were just string lines marking where homes would someday stand. By the end of the week, those same sites held hand-dug foundations, carefully tied rebar, and freshly poured cement — the first tangible steps toward safe, stable housing for […]
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Highlighting our 2026 HopeBuilder host
“Housing is the ability to dream. It gives people the space to envision themselves somewhere different. If you’re always fighting for your basic needs, there’s no way you could be your full self.” Libra Forde, host of this year’s HopeBuilder Lunch, wants everyone to have the ability to dream. For her, this event is a powerful step toward that goal. Libra is a nationally celebrated executive […]
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Critical repair restores bathroom and safety for Sandra
Sandra bought her southeast Portland home 24 years ago. She wanted a forever home, so she worked hard to make it happen. Working two jobs and selling her extra things, Sandra was able to buy a home for herself and her children to grow in. “When I was looking at a house to buy, I was thinking of […]
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Homes start to rise at Twenty Fifth Terrace
Driving down SW Taylors Ferry Road, you can’t help but notice the progress at Twenty Fifth Terrace. Houses have started to rise out of the hillside at this future 17-home Habitat community. This is truly a moment to celebrate, in what has been one of the most technically complex projects we have ever undertaken! The […]
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Building community, one step at a time
Walk into the volunteer area of our Lake Oswego build site on a Tuesday and among the hard hats and tools you’re likely to spot fresh bagels. Core volunteer Ron Laster brings them for the group every week. This is just one of the many ways you’ll feel his impact on site, though he would never admit it. For the last year, Ron has been volunteering at Habitat build sites. He has been at West Lake […]
Read MoreMedia Advisory: Habitat for Humanity Portland Region Announces the Pope Leo Campaign
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 […]
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Housing with heart: Valencia’s journey from homeownership counselor to homeowner
Valencia was 15 years old when her father bought their family’s first home. That moment has shaped her entire life. “When it happened, it really created hope in me that I could possibly buy a house one day,” she says. Today, breaking down barriers to homeownership is her mission. Valencia is a homeownership counselor with Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) and […]
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Finding light in community: Ambassador Council member Sophia Dehen on hope
“It feels really good to be able to look at your day and do something hands-on and know that you’re helping, especially in these tumultuous times.” For volunteer Sophia Dehen, that feeling keeps her coming back to her work with Habitat. Over the past three years, Sophia has been giving back to the community as a member of […]
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