Join us for a day of community, culture, and celebration at the Juneteenth Oregon Festival, hosted by Juneteenth Oregon.   

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for freedom and equality. It marks the day on June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in Texas were informed of their liberation, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. 

Habitat for Humanity Portland Region is proud to sponsor this significant event for the third year in a row. We honor the history of Juneteenth and are committed to promoting racial equity, justice, and community empowerment through our work. By supporting events like the Juneteenth Oregon Festival, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage and resilient spirit of the African American community. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to join in the festivities and celebrate a crucial piece of our nation’s history. We look forward to seeing you there.

For more information, visit the Juneteenth Oregon website.

The post Celebrate Juneteenth with Habitat! appeared first on Habitat Portland Region.

On a chilly, gray morning, around 30 Habitat staff boarded a charter bus. It would carry them on a journey to understanding the history that underlies the housing challenges we address today.

The Fair Housing Council of Oregon (FHCO) offers the tour as part of their educational outreach. It shines a light on policies of exclusion entrenched in the state’s formation, from racially restrictive covenants to the destruction of Black neighborhoods under the guise of urban renewal. These practices were legal at the time and intentionally pushed people of color out of opportunity and homeownership.

“At Habitat, housing justice and racial equity are near and dear to our hearts and the work we do,” said Liv Parks, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “These are values we uphold through our mission, values, and actions, and we have been honored to partner with FHCO to take a deeper dive into the living past around us in communities we support and love.

“It is our duty to be aware of our history and our present in order to intentionally create a better future for all, particularly through equitable homeownership.”

Exploring Oregon’s housing history

Our first stop was just three miles from the Habitat office on Killingsworth Street. A bronze sculpture of Martin Luther King Jr. stands outside the Oregon Convention Center. The Fair Housing Act was passed one week after King’s assassination in 1968.

The FHCO bus tour started as a way to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act in 2008. We were privileged to hear from one of the original presenters, Ed Washington. He shared memories of growing up in Vanport, a once-diverse wartime housing development.

Ed described a city “designed to take care of people,” with 24-hour daycare and cafeterias that fed unaccompanied children while their parents worked in the shipyard. When a flood wiped out Vanport, Ed recalled hearing that they would be able to eventually go home and just “sweep out the mud.”

They never went back.

The Heron Lakes Golf Club now sits on the site of the former city of Vanport. A large sign and an “audiobox” stand on the edge of the course. Adding to the surreal juxtaposition, Ed Washington is one of the narrators — and the box was playing his voice as he began to speak in person.

From there, we traveled to the Portland Expo Center. Our next presenter, Marleen Wallingford, warned that her story had none of Ed’s joyful childhood anecdotes. Her parents had been among the thousands of Japanese Americans incarcerated under Executive Order 9066.

The Portland Assembly Center, as it was called, had previously been used for livestock shows. Surrounded by barbed wire, it still smelled like the stockyard and had watch towers on all corners. Marleen shared a photo of her father, who was a teenager when he was sent to Portland’s “concentration camp.”

A placard near the restrooms acknowledges the dark history of 3,676 Japanese Americans detained at this location. An estimated 120,000 were incarcerated across the United States for over three years. For many, the forced removal from their homes resulted in a loss of their property.

Stories that stay with us

Ed and Marleen’s powerful testimony made an impression on everyone listening. “It is one thing to read about Portland’s complicated past; it is incredibly impactful and inspiring hearing directly from people who have experienced it,” reflected one Habitat staff member. “The bus tour was a great reminder of the impact and social importance of our work at Habitat. The construction department can often be very busy doing the work of building houses. I felt re-grounded to the mission after the tour was over.”

The bus took us to a number of other notable landmarks. Our guide from FHCO highlighted recurring themes and noted that the current wave of anti-immigrant sentiment follows a historic pattern.

These lessons underscore why we do what we do at Habitat for Humanity, and why equity is listed at the top of Our Values.

At Habitat, we believe everyone deserves an affordable place to call home, and we continue to work to create a region where everyone has the opportunity to build a better life.

To learn more about the Fair Housing Council of Oregon and their bus tour of Portland’s hidden discriminatory housing history, visit fhco.org

The post Oregon’s housing history and our mission at Habitat appeared first on Habitat Portland Region.

Century Commons has come alive with buildings in various shades of blue, green, and gray.

“With the exteriors being painted, it just feels more like a real community,” said site superintendent Gerard Hoogeboom. “These are homes now, not just houses.”

Gerard added that he’s heard “nothing but rave reviews” from homebuyers about the vibrant and welcoming paint palette.

One homebuyer wrote on social media, “I love the color of our new house–it brings tears to my eyes.”

Progress inside and out

Interior painting for all homes is on track to finish by mid-June. The next big tasks will be MEP: mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.

HVAC crews are working to get all of the heating and cooling units set up and fully operable. And we’re hoping to get all of the toilets, sinks and water heaters installed, too.

Volunteer power: A steady force on site

Our incredible Core volunteer crew continues to show up and make an impact! They’re helping us get each home through a detailed “punch list” process.

Assistant Site Superintendent Geo McGuire helps guide both new and returning volunteers through these tasks, with wonderful whiteboard illustrations.

As Geo explains, this is all about making a house truly move-in ready:

“Punch items are final touch-ups, typically cosmetic updates, to ‘punch out’ a unit before we begin homeowner inspections. This can include:

• spackling holes
• patching/texturing drywall
• filling nail and screw holes
• caulking around pipes or trim
• priming and painting any surface defects or forgotten areas.”

Geo’s top tip: “Carrying a bag or bucket with everything you need saves time and ensures you have everything on hand to do the job right.”

Thank you to everyone who’s helped build this community!

With every closet rod, coat of paint, and volunteer hour, we’re getting closer to welcoming families home.

The post Century Commons looks more like home every day appeared first on Habitat Portland Region.

“When you’re doing something different together that you’re not normally used to, it really bonds you,” said Don Garrett, branch manager for Guild Mortgage. “They’re excited about driving by and seeing the project progress. They’re already asking me when the next one is.” 

There is no better feeling for us at Habitat for Humanity Portland Region than working alongside our volunteers and witnessing the joy on their faces at the end of a Team Builder day: a mix of pride, purpose, and accomplishment. 

If you’re looking to strengthen your team’s connection while making a tangible impact in the community, consider sponsoring a Team Builder day on our construction sites or in our ReStores. 

Ready to take team-building to the next level? Here are five reasons to do it with Habitat! 

1. Community Impact

At Habitat for Humanity Portland Region, we’re building more homes than ever before all across the Portland region. We believe that everyone deserves an affordable place to call home. By volunteering on our construction sites or in our ReStores, you can feel confident that your time is directly impacting our community and helping to address our region’s housing crisis.

2. Boost Team Morale

There’s something powerful about stepping away from your desks and rolling up your sleeves together. Whether it’s hammering, painting, or organizing donations, the day is filled with collaboration, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose. Out-of-office experiences like these are shown to boost productivity, increase positivity, and improve staff morale.

3. Employee Retention

Studies show that meaningful work is linked to employee retention. In a 2022 study done by Benevity, companies who partner with nonprofits see a 52% lower turnover rate.

4. Align Your Brand with a Great Cause

Habitat for Humanity is one of the most recognized and trusted names in the philanthropic space. Partnering with us not only demonstrates your commitment to affordable housing but also reflects your company’s values to clients, customers, and the community. By partnering with Habitat, you can tell the story of your engagement in our mission to your audiences.

5. Learn New Skills

When you volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, no experience is necessary. If you’ve never picked up a hammer before, don’t worry! Our staff will train you on how to safely use tools to complete the tasks at hand.

Ready to build your team while making a difference?

Visit our Team Builder page to learn more about opportunities and schedule your day of service. Let’s build something great—together. 

The post Top 5 Reasons to Schedule Your Next Team Building Experience with Habitat for Humanity  appeared first on Habitat Portland Region.

Earlier this year, when Len Norwitz watched a tow truck haul away his late mother’s Buick Century as a donation to Habitat for Humanity Portland Region, he wasn’t sad. He was proud.

His mom, Molly Tulin, bought the car new in 1999 in Connecticut, where she lived and spent her career working in Child Protective Services. In 2004, the Buick was loaded onto a trailer as part of her cross-country move to Oregon, to live near Len, his wife Janis, and their then-toddler Lily. 

Once settled in Portland, the Buick was a vessel for freedom, fun, connection, and exploration for Molly. She drove it to the Columbia River Gorge to view petroglyphs; to Ashland for the Shakespeare Festival; to Crater Lake and Rockaway Beach; to classes she audited at PSU; to pick Lily up at school.

From Molly to Lily to Habitat

Molly relied on the Buick until her late 80s, when she moved into assisted living and stopped driving. That was bittersweet, because the timing was perfect for a teenage Lily, ready to learn how to drive. Molly gave her family the Buick and her best wishes. A few years later, the family grieved Molly passing away. Lily took the car on PNW adventures that her grandmother would’ve loved, like camping on Mt. Rainier and carting around their beloved family dog, Waldo. 

With Lily living in London these days to study immigration public policy, Len decided it was time to retire the now-retired Buick. At 25 years old, it had traveled 160,000 miles, and Len looked into donating the car to charity. He had several friends who raved about their experiences on builds, so Habitat for Humanity came to mind. 
 
“Years ago, we had a Habitat build site just a couple blocks from our house, and I always wanted to spend some time volunteering, but that’s when I was working up to 80 hours a week as labor and political organizer, so I never made it to a build,” Len said.

“Donating the car to Habitat was gratifying and the process was seamless. As big fans of Jimmy Carter and with our family spending our careers in public service, my mom would’ve liked that donating the car was another way for us to give back.” 

Retiring a vehicle for DIY projects and play 

Similarly, Francis Wankowicz’s family of educators and diplomats taught him the value of service, as well as the importance of having a stable place to call home. “My family moved around an awful lot,” he said. “When I was 10, my father had a foreign assignment with USAID but the family’s travel with him fell through and left us scrambling for housing. I believe stable housing is a foundational part of success in life, especially for children. That’s what first connected me to Habitat’s mission.” 

Work in commercial real estate lending took Francis and his family (his wife Barbara and their three children) from Portland to Phoenix, Arizona. In 2012, they bought a used 2005 Volvo XC90 and named it Ruby for its rich maroon shade. For years, the car was a family and commuting vehicle, as well as transportation to a dozen Habitat build sites where Francis volunteered.

“I saw it as offering a hand up to people who need it. For me, Habitat is a way of paying back what I’ve gotten in life and paying it forward.” 

Habitat builds were also where Francis and his son Evan, by then a teenager, could spend hours away from daily stress to connect side by side, painting or landscaping for others. Francis soaked up all of that bonding time, not to mention knowledge from experienced contractors on the build sites; he’s since renovated six homes using what he learned from Habitat builds, including doing his own framing, insulation, drywall, tiling, and cabinetry. 

When the family moved back to Portland in 2017, Ruby the Volvo came with them. The car carried supplies while Francis renovated his current house, including sheets of drywall, pocket doors, and lumber on the roof rack.

Ruby was also loaded up with kayaks for river days, and made trips to the coast for clamming and an annual family campout. Francis even took the family to Timberline one winter, partly to see how Ruby did in the snow. 

“We drove the wheels off it,” Francis recalled. 

With well over 220,000 miles on Ruby, Francis knew the car had limited resale value. “It was an easy decision to donate it to thank Habitat for all our family gained from volunteering over the years,” he said. 

Donating your vehicle to Habitat

Len and Francis are some of the many generous donors to give vehicles a second life by donating them to Habitat. Since launching Cars for Homes, the national vehicle donation program, in 2005, Habitat has accepted more than 160,000 vehicles. In just the past five years, vehicle donations raised over $72 million nationally for Habitat’s work building and repairing homes. Habitat receives funds for each vehicle according to the region where it was donated, so donations stay in the community. Revenue from cars donated from within Habitat Portland Region’s boundaries goes directly to support Habitat’s work in our area.  

If you have a vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, RV, boat, etc.) that’s ready to retire, learn more about how it can be turned into funds for building affordable homes! It’s a tax-deductible donation. And even if the vehicle isn’t running, our partners pick it up and take it away, where it can become transportation for someone else or recycled. Either way, your old vehicle can help people in our area get into safe, affordable housing.

The post From road trips to homebuilding: Two families share their stories appeared first on Habitat Portland Region.

Myrtlewood Way – Gresham

As if by magic, the first building has been fully framed by our trade partners. We’re using Parr Lumber’s Opti-Frame system. Construction superintendent Travis Schultz says it has made a world of difference in the speed of framing.

Trusses are set to arrive in early May. “I can see the fact that we can house two families now. And soon more,” Travis said. “That’s why I love my job.”

Myrtlewood Way will host our LGBTQ+ Pride Community Day on June 7 and then open for volunteer shifts. If you’d like to help us build Myrtlewood Way, please join the interest list here.

Twenty-Fifth Terrace – SW Portland

The namesake “terrace” is starting to become more evident. But the big, visible milestone would be the new, massive retaining walls.

The walls hold back soil and manage runoff on this hilly build site. They’re built with large, interlocking Ultrablocks. The blocks are sustainably made of concrete and come in different shapes and sizes, weighing up to two tons.

“It’s been a major undertaking just to get to this point,” said superintendent Greta Brown. Seeing the wall complete “feels really, really good,” she added.

Click here for a video showing Day 1 of the wall installation.

West Lake Grove – Lake Oswego

Volunteers are now framing two buildings. They finished framing and sheathing the first floor of Building 1 in April. Superintendent Hector Orozco expects the second floor to go faster. He noted that Building 1 is the most intricate design of the four buildings that volunteers will frame, with several wing walls.

Volunteers have raised all the exterior walls of Building 6 and are working on the interior walls. Big groups from First Tech Federal Credit Union, Westlake Consultants, and Travelers Insurance helped get a lot done quickly! Please get in touch if you’d like to sponsor a Team Builder for your company; learn more here.

Century Commons – Hillsboro

This 18-home community is looking lovely! Painters have started on the exterior of Building 8, which is the final one to get a dose of color.

The majority of units are in the interior finishing stages. Among other things, that includes final electrical trim out, attic insulation, and painting closet shelves.

Site superintendent Gerard Hoogeboom says they’re also working on rough grading and ensuring all final elevations are correct. This prepares the site for future landscaping work, as well as pouring concrete for sidewalks and driveways.

King City Commons – King City

All 16 homes here have received their Certificates of Occupancy. That means the Homeownership team can start to arrange purchase agreements, appraisals and third-party inspections. Once those results are received, the Construction team would make any necessary corrections before homeowners move in.

We recently hauled away the job trailer to make room for the community’s natural play area. A sand table for the kids has already been delivered! Trades will work on rough grading and pour footings for a bench and water feature.

You can see the team say farewell to their job trailer in the video below. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to follow all of our progress!

The post Construction update: Progress builds across Portland region appeared first on Habitat Portland Region.

Our keynote speaker, the dynamic Natosha Reid Rice from Habitat for Humanity International, delivered a moving address that invited us to dream bigger and act bolder. “We’re living in a moment in history, and in this moment, with all of the distractions, perhaps the call is calling us all to lean in in ways that we never have before,” Natosha shared. “In this moment, I believe that we’re being called to do a few things that may take us outside of our comfort zones. But believe me, I do think that there is a great reward on the other side of the leaning in, not only for ourselves, for generations to come. 

“You are Habitat for Humanity” 

Habitat CEO Steve Messinetti reminded the crowd that it takes all of us—donors, volunteers, advocates—to create lasting change. He painted a clear picture of the urgent need for affordable homeownership in Oregon, where our state ranks 43rd in the nation for homeownership rates. 

“But when a family has an affordable home,” Steve shared. “It gives them a foundation—a place to breathe, to grow, to dream, to build a future.” 

Steve also highlighted the organization’s progress: this year, Habitat Portland Region will build and repair 100 homes—reaching more than 400 individuals. Construction is underway in Gresham, Hillsboro, King City, and even Lake Oswego. Habitat just started building its largest community to date—52 homes in SW Portland’s Hillsdale neighborhood, and is expanding its impact through innovative partnerships with private developers with two pilot projects underway in Portland and Gresham. 

A Story of Resilience and Transformation 

One of the most memorable moments came from a Habitat homeowner Ellen who shared her deeply personal journey of overcoming many obstacles to finding stability, healing, and purpose through Habitat’s homeownership program. 

“Before Habitat, our lives were unpredictable and filled with fear,” she said. “Now…we can count on our reality, and focus on thriving. We’re all attending college. We’re building a future.” 

Her moving words reminded us that affordable housing does more than put a roof over someone’s head. It restores dignity. It creates opportunity. It strengthens entire families and communities. 

Take the Next Step with Us

Hope doesn’t end here—and neither does the work. There are so many ways you can continue to support Habitat’s mission: 

• Volunteer on a build site, at the ReStores, or with an upcoming event. 

• Team Builder: Bring your company or organization together for a sponsored volunteer day on site. 

• Donate to help build homes and brighter futures – and thanks to Shirley’s generous match, your gift will be doubled up to $50,000! 

• Advocate for policies that expand access to affordable homeownership. 

• Follow us on social media to learn more about our work and share the story of Habitat with your network. 

Thank you

We’re building more than homes—we’re building hope, one family at a time. Thank you for showing up and supporting our community. 

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

The post A Day of Hope and Action: 2025 HopeBuilder Lunch appeared first on Habitat Portland Region.

Growing up in a large Filipino-Irish Catholic family in Chicago, Will Mohring spent countless afternoons at sprawling barbecues at his grandmother’s house. His Lola (Tagalog for “grandmother”) would cook a feast of whole fish, rice, lumpia, pancit noodles, and coconut confections. But for Will, it wasn’t just about the menu. 
 
“Those meals were her gesture of caring. Someone may not have known they wanted or needed that care, but she taught me that you just go ahead and do it,” Will said.  
 
That’s one of his strongest memories of service from his childhood, one he carries with him today. He’s been a devoted volunteer through different life stages spent in different parts of the country. In high school in Chicago, Will volunteered to go bowling with kids with developmental disabilities. In college in San Francisco, he served in student government and his political science fraternity. When he moved to Washington, D.C., he volunteered at a food bank. And after he moved to Portland six years ago, he found new ways to serve: on his local school board and volunteering with Habitat. 
 
“It’s always been important for me to have an impact. I’ve been blessed with opportunity that I’ve been able to take advantage of that not everyone has,” he said. “Being of service is my way of paying it forward.” 
 
In 2020, he became a realtor — and in helping families find a home, he was struck by what it meant to them. 

“I saw firsthand how emotional and meaningful it is for someone to buy, or sell, a home. They often see it as a significant accomplishment of their lifelong dream to have a safe, comfortable space for themselves or for their kids to grow up and make memories,” he said. “Having a home of your own means freedom, stability, and possibility.” 
 
After a few years as a realtor, Will had an “aha” moment that he could maximize his impact by combining his personal passion for service with knowledge from his professional career. In January of 2024, he connected with Habitat for Humanity Portland Region.  
 
“That’s why I wanted to connect with Habitat — because they’re offering the freedom, stability, and possibility of homeownership to people it hasn’t always been available to.” 
 
He immediately jumped in, leading advocacy and fundraising efforts, and then volunteering to become the Chair of the Ambassador Council (AC) in 2025. The AC is a diverse group of young professionals who support Habitat through volunteering, advocacy, fundraising, and engaging their networks. They’re always welcoming new people who believe in Habitat’s mission of providing safe, decent, and affordable homes.

Kind of like his Lola’s barbecues. 

Join us for this year’s Trivia on the Lawn!
The next Trivia on the Lawn will be held on Friday, June 20. Tickets are available starting May 7.

Interested in joining the Ambassador Council or have questions?
Email Member Engagement Manager Tiffanie McNamee at tiffanie.mcnamee@habitatportlandregion.org 

The post Service is a family value for new Ambassador Council Chair appeared first on Habitat Portland Region.

March Milestones:

• We poured the foundations for four buildings in Phase One, which includes two duplexes and two triplexes.
• Excavators have been hard at work prepping for the slab on Building 6.
• Core volunteers started constructing a group break area, including benches and a covered shelter.

Framing Begins!

We’re using Opti-Frame at this build site. Parr pre-cuts the lumber, labels and delivers each framing package to West Lake Grove. This will reduce the need for volunteers to cut and allow them to focus on putting the framing components together.

On the first day of framing, we raised the first wall before lunch! Watch the video to see all the action with Site Superintendent Hector:

Hector says framing is his favorite part of the construction process. He specialized in it for 18 years before joining Habitat for Humanity Portland Region.

Volunteers can expect to help frame four buildings at West Lake Grove, as well as build decks and stairs!

Meet the Team Behind the Build

Working alongside Hector at West Lake Grove are crew members Christine and Damien.

If you’ve volunteered with us before, you know how much our team values and enjoys working with volunteers. “It takes a certain type of person to give up their time and come here to help us build,” Hector shared.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to see the first buildings take shape as we continue building toward a brighter future. And you can help us make progress! 

Learn more about volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups, and corporate team building here – https://habitatportlandregion.org/volunteer/

The post Framing begins at West Lake Grove! appeared first on Habitat Portland Region.

AJ Simpson

For AJ Simpson, an invitation to HopeBuilder in 2019 helped him reconnect with Habitat. He had been on a build trip nearly a decade earlier, when he helped rebuild homes in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward.

But AJ wasn’t familiar with Habitat’s work at home in Portland until he attended the HopeBuilder event. Hearing about the connection that stable housing has with children and their education really resonated with him. AJ went on to become co-chair of our Ambassador Council, and is now a board member.

“I wanted to make sure that I could be a part of something that’s going to bring that to other youth in the community,” he said.

Jerika Ferguson

If you attended last year’s HopeBuilder Lunch, you heard AJ speak alongside Jerika Ferguson. She’s been involved with Habitat Portland Region since 2017 and is our Ambassador Council’s Immediate Past Chair.

Jerika says she looks forward to HopeBuilder every year. To her, table hosting is an easy and fun way bring in friends and colleagues and share the vision of more affordable housing. “It’s a great way of learning about Habitat but also what you can do to strengthen your own community,” she said.

Susie Vischer

Susie Vischer has attended HopeBuilder every year since 2002. That’s when she first started volunteering—initially as a weekly construction volunteer, then in board and committee roles. Susie is a current member of our CREW: Creating Resources to Empower Women, and recently returned from our Global Village build in El Salvador.

Susie has also hosted a table at HopeBuilder every year since 2002, and says she always leaves the event feeling inspired.

“The people that have come that I’ve invited to my own particular table are so engaged and interested in learning,” Susie said. “I believe in the mission of Habitat and and the work that they’re doing. And it’s really close to my heart.”

At Habitat, we bring people together to make a difference. HopeBuilder builds community and hope, and the funds raised build homes.

If you want to share Habitat with your friends or colleagues, we’d love to partner with you. Tables fit 10 people, including the host. We’ll help you build your guest list, set goals, and manage tasks at the event.

The post Highlighting our HopeBuilder table hosts appeared first on Habitat Portland Region.