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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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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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 […]
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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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Honoring the Carters’ legacy: carrying the torch for affordable housing
President Jimmy Carter’s legacy lives on through every home built and every family who partners with Habitat. Habitat for Humanity Portland Region joins communities around the world in honoring the lives and lasting impact of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Two volunteers recently traveled from Oregon to Texas, joining the Carter Work Project in Austin. It […]
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Rachael’s dream come true in King City
Rachael has always loved fairy tales. She even named her three daughters — Anastasia, 13, Aurora, 12, and Evangeline, 10 — after Disney characters. When she moved her family into their new Habitat home this August, it felt like her own magic moment. Growing up, Rachael always noticed the ‘King City’ sign on the drive to […]
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Breaking ground and records: 2025 construction progress
2025 is winding down, but construction is still heating up. We had a record year, with the most developments simultaneously under construction in Habitat Portland Region’s history. Before we move into another busy year, take a look at the progress our amazing crews, volunteers, and supporters made across our build sites! West Lake Grove Habitat’s 23-home Lake Oswego community is shaping […]
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