April 20, 2011

Did you know?

Last year, Habitat for Humanity completed its 1,000th home in Oregon. It was also named one of the 100 Best Nonprofits to work for by Oregon Business Magazine. 

Habitat's "build it and buy it" system requires families to complete a homebuyer education program and to put in 500 'sweat equity' hours, and in exchange offers the chance for very low-income families to purchase a home with a 0% mortgage. Thanks to volunteer labor and donations, families purchase their homes at cost - allowing them to save money for their future, give their families a stable home, and put money back into our local tax base.

We're very proud to support Habitat's work in our community - since 2008, the Portland Housing Bureau has invested over a million dollars in Habitat to help bring new affordable homes to Portland families.

Nick was honored to be among the 1,000 guests at Habitat for Humanity's 11th Annual HopeBuilder Breakfast yesterday morning. Featured speakers included Executive Director Steve Messinetti, Molly O'Donnell, a future Habitat homeowner, and Tom Kelly, President of the Neil Kelly Company. Senator Jeff Merkley, who couldn't join in person, sent a video message, "A Miracle for the Community."

Nick was particularly impressed by "Building Futures," a video produced by our local Habitat for Humanity team (above.)

Photo: Commissioner Fish, Multnomah County Commissioner Diane McKeel, George Hocker of our team, Deborah Imse of the Metro Multifamily Housing Association, PHB Director Margaret Van Vliet, and Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Steve Messinetti