Let’s open the door: A powerful day of community and impact
More than 900 community members gathered for Habitat for Humanity Portland Region’s 2026 HopeBuilder Lunch — an inspiring afternoon rooted in connection, purpose, and possibility. Following an incredible day at HopeBuilder Lunch, the spirit of generosity has only continued to grow. Thanks to ongoing support from our community, we have surpassed our goal and raised over $575,000 to support affordable homeownership and critical […]
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Trudie’s new roof brings new possibilities
For more than 50 years, Trudie has called Southwest Portland home. She moved here in January 1970 from Rotterdam, the second-largest city in the Netherlands. Over the decades, Trudie built a life and memories filled with family and friends. Her home is where her grandchildren play with salamanders in the backyard down by the creek. It’s where she enjoys quiet mornings with her best friend, Gus, a […]
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Writing her new chapter
A year ago, Duffy was dreaming of the peace she and her children would soon find in their new Habitat home. Volunteering alongside neighbors, her excitement grew with her construction skills. As her family’s Hillsboro home took shape, their future came into view. Her kids had already picked out their rooms, and Duffy felt hopeful. “I feel like there’s a lot of peace in our future,” she told […]
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Preparing to welcome homeowners at West Lake Grove
One year after volunteers raised the first wall with the construction crew, all 23 homes in West Lake Grove are framed. March was packed with progress, bringing this serene, green community closer to welcoming homeowners. Volunteers made a major impact on this community, building 10 of 23 homes and contributing 13,378 hours in the last year. West Lake Grove milestones: “It’s an […]
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Championing affordable homeownership: outcomes from the 2026 short legislative session
Written by Sarah Radcliffe, Habitat Portland Region’s Director of Government Relations The 2026 legislative short session has concluded, and Habitat Portland Region showed up strong. Thank you to all of our community members who continue to advocate for affordable housing investment. Here’s where things landed. Outcomes from the short session First, two bills we hoped would succeed did not cross the finish line. The LIFT program (Local […]
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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
Join us for the HopeBuilder Lunch • Wednesday, April 22 • 12-1 pm “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, […]
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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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