May 16, 2012

By Sophia Kecskes

The work we do would be impossible without the help of our community partners. We’d like to highlight one instrumental organization in the promotion of fair and equitable housing in Portland – the Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT).

Founded in 1996, CAT works to educate and empower tenants to access affordable, stable, and safe rental homes. CAT has changed the lives of many Oregonians by addressing the impact of Oregon’s decreasing supply of affordable housing, as well as advocating for meaningful protections for low-income tenants.

CAT’s membership includes mostly low-income tenants, families with children, people living with disabilities, older adults, and communities of color. Because CAT directly empowers those who are affected by disparities, CAT has seen astounding success in their efforts.

CAT’s Executive Director, Elisa Harrigan, is an active advocate, participating on both the Portland Housing Bureau’s Portland Housing Advisory Commission, as well as the Fair Housing Advocacy Committee.

If you feel you have experienced unfair rental practices, please call the Renters’ Rights Hotline at (503) 288-0130.