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 home at Century Commons took shape, Duffy and her family’s 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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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,” […]
Read More
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, […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More