Families in need offered 'sense of place' with new Habitat for Humanity homes

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Leaders from the city, county and state came to Habitat for Humanity's new community that is underway in Gresham on Friday to help build homes for those in need.

The forthcoming 20-home complex is called Myrtlewood Way, located across the street from Nadaka Nature Park and Garden in Gresham's culturally diverse Rockwood Neighborhood. The community will house over 80 people in 3, 4, and 5-bedroom homes.

"Affordable home ownership is especially important because so many people are priced out of the market," said Portland Housing Bureau Director Helmi Hisserich, who was on the scene volunteering with other leaders. "Particularly, families raising their children and people who need to have some permanency, some permanence and a sense of place. Home ownership really makes a difference."

Habitat for Humanity facilitates first-time home-buyers to purchase affordable mortgages for low-income families to help them plant roots in the community. The Habitat homeowners also help build their own homes alongside volunteers to help keep the mortgage affordable.

The Myrtlewood Way community is expected to be completed next year. Officials with Habitat for Humanity said they're still in need of volunteers to help with completing the project, with an online sign-up form available for those interested.

Among the other state and local leaders who were swinging hammers with the volunteers on Friday were Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, Multnomah County Commissioner Shannon Singleton, Representative Thuy Tran, Representative Annessa Hartman, Portland City Councilor Olivia Clark, Portland City Councilor Jamie Dunph and Proud Ground’s Executive Director, Dominique Merriweather.