On September 5th, Oregon legislators and policymakers participated in a tour of affordable housing projects in Portland, largely in the historic Albina neighborhood. The tour offered a multi-dimensional glance at innovation from communities and organizations in response to Oregon’s housing crisis.
The tour resulted from a collaboration between the Oregon Housing Alliance, the City of Portland, State Representative Pam Marsh (Chair of the House Housing Committee), the Legislative Policy and Research Office, and the organizations that hosted each tour stop.
With nearly 555,000 new housing units needed over the next 20 years to meet demand, our state’s housing crisis looms large. This crisis is compounded by the fact that about half of Oregon’s renters are considered “rent-burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. In urban centers like Portland, the problem is especially severe, with the growing displacement of vulnerable populations, particularly communities of color. Governor Tina Kotek has set ambitious goals to counter this shortage, including constructing 36,000 homes annually. Yet, these goals will require sustained, large-scale efforts to close the housing gap.
The Housing Alliance Tour highlighted five distinct projects aimed at tackling the affordable housing crisis in different ways.
Lower Albina District: Albina One Project
Albina One, a 94-unit affordable housing complex that is currently under construction, is part of Albina Vision Trust’s initiative to revitalize Portland’s historically Black Lower Albina neighborhood. The project aims to address the historical displacement of Black residents by offering housing to those earning 30% to 60% of the area’s median income. Albina One will feature family-friendly units (including one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments) and community spaces, such as gardens, plazas, and on-site support services. This is a flagship development within the larger 91-acre Albina Vision plan, which also includes commercial spaces and cultural centers.
- Learn more: Albina Vision Trust
BIPOC Safe Rest Village
Since its opening in June 2021, the BIPOC Safe Rest Village has been a vital alternative shelter for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color experiencing homelessness in Portland. This initiative addresses the disproportionate impact of housing instability on marginalized groups by offering culturally specific support. These villages provide more than just a temporary shelter—they foster community and offer essential services and housing placement tailored to the residents’ needs.
- Learn more: Portland.gov Safe Rest Villages
Albina Corner: REACH CDC
Albina Corner, owned by REACH CDC, is a 30-year-old affordable housing building in need of preservation investments to remain sustainable for the future. This property is emblematic of the statewide need for dedicated funding to preserve our existing affordable housing infrastructure. REACH CDC is known for its long-term commitment to maintaining affordability in neighborhoods where gentrification and rising property values threaten to displace low-income residents. Preservation of affordable housing stock is critical, especially in neighborhoods like Albina, where historical displacement has exacerbated housing inequity.
Abbey Lot Townhomes: Community Development Partners and Self Enhancement Inc.
The Abbey Lot Townhomes project will create eight permanently affordable homeownership opportunities, with priority given to families on the N/NE Preference Policy waitlist—targeting those displaced by gentrification. These townhomes will help address the shortage of affordable family housing in the city, ensuring that residents impacted by Portland’s urban redevelopment have access to long-term, stable housing.
- Learn more: Community Development Partners
Ainsworth United Church of Christ: Church Land for Affordable Housing
Developing affordable housing on church-owned land is becoming an innovative strategy for cities facing land shortages for new developments. Ainsworth United Church of Christ – a member of the Leaven Community Land & Housing Coalition — is leading the way in demonstrating how faith communities can leverage their property for the public good. This effort allows the congregation to maintain its mission while addressing Portland’s critical need for affordable housing by repurposing underutilized land.
Throughout the day, legislators engaged with project leaders, asking questions about funding mechanisms, community impact, and potential for scaling these approaches. The tour provided an opportunity for policymakers to observe firsthand how various housing investments are being implemented in Portland.
These projects represent different strategies for addressing Oregon’s housing challenges, from new construction to the repurposing of existing properties. As the state continues to work towards ensuring that all Oregonians have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing, initiatives like these play a crucial role in expanding options and addressing specific community needs.
