REACH Begins Home Repairs for Displaced Residents

Tuesday, December 01, 2015

GoLocalPDX News Team

Thanks to a $110,000 grant from the Portland Housing Bureau, REACH’s Community Builders Program began work on Monday provide critical home repairs to help twelve longtime homeowners retain their homes and remain in their communities.

"REACH is excited to advance the City's plan by supporting existing homeowners through critical home repairs in an area that is gentrifying rapidly," said REACH CEO Dan Valliere. "This important award will help longtime residents of North and Northeast Portland to remain in their homes for many years to come."

The grant is part of Portland’s North/Northeast Neighborhood Housing Strategy, a five-year plan addressing the ongoing threat of displacement and gentrification in the neighborhoods that comprise inner North and Northeast Portland.

According to REACH, lack of funds to make a critical home repair can often lead to someone losing their home. Through the grant REACH hopes to keep homeowners retain their homes and remain in the city of Portland.

All homeowners currently enrolled to receive critical repairs under this grant have lived in their homes for at least 25 years; 82% are African American. These homeowners will receive up to $9,500 worth of repairs to help them retain homeownership and, for many, remain in the community that provides them with an important gathering place for friends and family.

For 33 years, REACH has built innovative and affordable housing for low-income families and individuals in the Portland metropolitan region. REACH develops and manages affordable housing and provides supportive services to our residents, as well as free home repairs to senior homeowners. Today, REACH's portfolio includes 2,073 units including single family homes, apartment buildings, and mixed-use developments located across the region. REACH has won numerous state and national awards for its creative approach to building healthy communities and its innovative housing projects