From contractions to construction: Mohammad and Fatuma’s Habitat journey
Written by Karen Werstein Some dreams begin in the most unexpected places. For Mohammad and Fatuma, their journey to homeownership started in a hospital room—completing their Habitat for Humanity application between contractions. Just two hours after submitting their paperwork, baby Safwan arrived, making them a family of four with hope for a home of their […]
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Unlocking Homeownership: Highlights from the 2025 legislative session
Written by Sarah Radcliffe, Habitat Portland Region’s Director of Government Relations Oregon Governor Tina Kotek recently visited our Century Commons community in Hillsboro. She signed a package of middle housing bills that she described as “creative, practical solutions to increase the supply of homes as fast as we can.” These bills have the potential to […]
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Transforming neighborhood eyesore into affordable homes
Written by Karen Werstein As a prominent street in the King neighborhood, there’s so much to love about Killingsworth Street — delicious restaurants, unique shops, and vibrant energy. Young musicians bustle into classes at Ethos Music Center, and live music often rings out from nearby churches and bars. But one corner has been a source […]
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Advancing Black Homeownership
As part of our 2023-2027 strategic plan, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region launched an Advancing Black Homeownership Initiative focused on removing barriers to homeownership for Black households. This initiative is part of a national strategy led by Habitat for Humanity International, alongside many affiliates across the United States who are developing comprehensive strategies for advancing […]
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A New Deck, a Renewed Peace of Mind: Dick’s Story
When Dick first bought his Hillsboro home in 1996, the neighborhood was underwater—literally. “I couldn’t even get into the cul de sac,” he recalled. “The bridge was underwater from the flood.” At the time, powerful floodwaters were sweeping across much of the Willamette Valley, turning streets into rivers and isolating entire communities. But the home […]
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Construction update: Summer build season in full swing!
There’s no slowing down at Habitat Portland Region. Every day brings visible progress and powerful moments. From the sound of hammers, to the joy of handing over keys, this is what building community looks like. Myrtlewood Way – Gresham This 20-home community in the Rockwood neighborhood is making great strides, thanks to the efforts of […]
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Introducing our new Bank of America Student Leaders
Habitat for Humanity Portland Region is happy to welcome four inspiring interns to our team this summer! They’re participating in Bank of America’s Student Leaders program, which connects more than 300 students with paid internships at nonprofits nationwide. Joining us are Auveen Shafaei, Chelsea Teh, Ishana Senthil, and Jiya Mehta. These dedicated students will spend […]
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Celebrate Juneteenth with Habitat!
Saturday, June 21st • 12 pm – 10 pm • Lillis-Albina Park Join us for a day of community, culture, and celebration at the Juneteenth Oregon Festival, hosted by Juneteenth Oregon. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for freedom and equality. It marks […]
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Oregon’s housing history and our mission at Habitat
On a chilly, gray morning, around 30 Habitat staff boarded a charter bus. It would carry them on a journey to understanding the history that underlies the housing challenges we address today. The Fair Housing Council of Oregon (FHCO) offers the tour as part of their educational outreach. It shines a light on policies of […]
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Century Commons looks more like home every day
Century Commons has come alive with buildings in various shades of blue, green, and gray. “With the exteriors being painted, it just feels more like a real community,” said site superintendent Gerard Hoogeboom. “These are homes now, not just houses.” Gerard added that he’s heard “nothing but rave reviews” from homebuyers about the vibrant and […]
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