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 home repairs. 

These funds will help ensure that more individuals and families have access to the stability that affordable homeownership provides.  

Opening the Door to Opportunity 

Throughout the program, we were reminded what becomes possible when people have a place to call home. Our speakers shared their stories that brought our mission to life in a powerful way.  

Building for the Future: We celebrated meaningful progress across the region — from framing homes at Twenty Fifth Terrace in Southwest Portland, to nearing completion at Myrtlewood Way in Gresham, to steady progress at West Lake Grove in Lake Oswego. Together, these three new communities will create stability for approximately 250 people.

Preserving Our Community: We met Trudie, a longtime Portlander and participant in Habitat’s Home Repair program. Her story highlighted how critical repairs – like a safe, secure roof – help seniors and homeowners on fixed incomes remain in the neighborhoods they love. 

Generational Impact: Aisha shared her journey growing up in a Habitat home in Beaverton. The stability of home gave her the foundation to pursue her education, leading her to the White House and now toward her goal of attending law school. 

As Aisha reflected: 

“Behind one door might be a child studying late into the night, dreaming of becoming the first in their family to graduate college. Behind another door might be parents who can finally sleep peacefully knowing their children are safe. And behind another door might be someone like me. Someone whose entire path in life was shaped by the stability of having a place to call home.”

A Community Effort 

The HopeBuilder Lunch is Habitat Portland Region’s biggest annual event – a powerful gathering of people who want to help create positive change. Every table host, guest, and donor turned this moment into tangible impact. 

Because of this community: 

• More than 100 new, affordable homes are currently under construction across Portland, Gresham, and Lake Oswego. 

• Habitat is on track to complete over 60 critical home repairs this year, preserving safety and dignity for homeowners. 

Keep the Door Open 

The opportunity to make a difference isn’t over. Inspired by the HopeBuilder Lunch, an anonymous donor will match gifts made through May 7, up to $25,000. 

• Double Your Impact: Make a gift by May 7 and have it matched dollar for dollar — up to $25,000. 

• Volunteer: Join us on a build site or at a ReStore. No experience needed, just a willingness to show up and help. 

• Team Builder: Bring your workplace or community group together for a hands-on day of service. 

• Relive the day: Watch the recording to see the stories that moved us. The full program is available, if you missed it! 

• Share on social: Browse and download photos from our HopeBuilder Flickr album and post to your network.

Thank You 

Because of our community of supporters, more people will have a safe, stable place to call home, and the opportunity to build a brighter future. Opening doors — to education, to health, and to opportunities.

Thanks to our event host Libra Forde for supporting a future full of possibilities.

Special thanks to our Platinum sponsor, Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, for helping to make the HopeBuilder Lunch possible.