Giving back is a way of life for Ambassador Council Chair Claire Leipzig
Claire remembers the satisfaction she felt serving meals at Grace Church with her mother as a child. In high school, she volunteered with Bike First, a Portland organization that teaches people with intellectual and developmental disabilities how to ride bikes independently. When she went to college in New Orleans, she volunteered with an organization in the Ninth Ward that put on musical productions for children with […]
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Cece is the cornerstone of her community
Written by Wendi Frith Cece is the cornerstone of her community. And it just so happens that her community is Cornerstone Condominiums. When residents first moved into the Aloha neighborhood 25 years ago, Cece’s neighbors quickly recognized her as a doer. They elected Cece as the HOA’s first president. When her three-year term ended and it was time to elect a new president, her neighbors told her to keep doing it. “Nobody wanted it,” she laughs. She was good at it, […]
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Carter Work Project reflections from Habitat Portland Region staff
While the daily rhythms of construction and volunteer work continued in Portland, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region’s Deputy Director of Construction Programs, Jesse Withers, and Director of Volunteer Engagement, Liz Connor, joined 2,500 volunteers in Atlanta, GA, for the 40th annual Carter Work Project. “It was a sea of blue hard hats,” says Jesse. A tide of […]
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Daring to dream: Stephanie’s homeownership journey
Stephanie is celebrating one year of homeownership this May. This lifelong goal took years of dedication and preparation; now, she relishes every day in her home. Like many people in their thirties, Stephanie didn’t know if finding a permanent place to call home would even be possible given record high home prices. In 2022, Stephanie was out of college, established in her career as a preschool teacher, and looking for her next step. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she decided to believe in […]
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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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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 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 […]
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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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