Sarah’s ReStore story: finding joy and strength
On a recent sunny Saturday in Gresham, Sarah Cox helped represent Habitat at a community event. She’s been volunteering for nearly a year, mostly at the Gresham ReStore and occasionally on the construction side. Sarah describes the volunteer experience by drawing an infinity symbol in the air with her finger. “I’m able to give into something that’s bringing some spirit back into my […]
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Celebrating our volunteers and the Brauner Circle of Volunteer Excellence
Every summer, we get to do one of our favorite things: gather with the volunteers who make this work possible and say thank you. On a sunny afternoon at Willamette Park, volunteers from our construction sites and ReStores filled the picnic shelter. People played cornhole, shared sandwiches and sweets, and enjoyed a perfect summer day […]
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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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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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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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How a Habitat volunteer became Santa Claus
“Never pass up a chocolate chip cookie,” Leon Taylor laughs. Sporting a white beard and wearing a red fleece with jeans, he looks like a modern Santa Claus (despite pairing his cookie with tea instead of milk). For the past three Decembers, Leon has embraced the role of Santa. It started when his church needed […]
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Advocacy ABCs: Y for YIMBY
Across Portland and beyond, communities are grappling with how to make room for more neighbors. As housing costs soar and available homes remain scarce, a growing movement is calling for change: YIMBY, short for “Yes In My Backyard.” YIMBY began as a grassroots response to restrictive zoning and development barriers that limit housing supply. Supporters […]
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“Toolbelt Generation” builds talent in the trades
Written by volunteer Asher Bernick-Roehr; photos by Cyril Desmond Growing up in a family of doctors and lawyers, Bri always thought she was supposed to take the same path. But after going the college route, she realized that what really made her happy was working with her hands. “I went to college. I’ve done five […]
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Kathleen’s ReStore story: community, creativity, and love
When Kathleen Stady got married in August, her backyard was filled with friends, family, and ReStore. She and her now-husband, John, had found their wedding arch at the Beaverton ReStore, where they both volunteer. Two friends from the ReStore helped decorate it with flowers and ribbon. Current staff and volunteers filled the guest list and […]
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Celebrating safety and community at our annual Homeowners Event
Sunshine, smiles, and community spirit filled the air at our seventh annual Homeowner Celebration on Saturday, September 20! Dozens of Habitat homeowners, families, and friends joined us for an afternoon of learning, laughter, and connection at our Home SAFE Home event. This year’s celebration focused on emergency preparedness and home safety — because safe, stable […]
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