The Need
The need for affordable housing in Clackamas County, Oregon is acute. Today, the average cost of a fair market two-bedroom apartment is $1,208 per month. In Clackamas County, 32% of all households are renters with an average hourly wage estimated at $14.18. This income level supports a monthly rent payment of $737. Those earning minimum wage would have to work 2.5 full-time jobs to afford a fair market, two-bedroom apartment.
In our community, as in many other parts of the country, costs of rent are high and rising while wages are low and stagnant. Far too many people are stretching their incomes beyond capacity, risking their family’s stability in order to pay the rent.
NHA’s Approach
NHA has finalized plans to overhaul the main campus located on a 1.75 acres in central Milwaukie. This site is ideally located one block from a light-rail stop, and within walking distance of the grade school, middle school and high school. Since 1986, the property was acquired one parcel at a time and adapted organically to fit NHA’s functions. Although well maintained, many of the buildings were erected in the 1940’s. The redeveloped campus will include:
• 28 units of new, permanent, affordable housing
• 60% expansion of the new Annie Ross House emergency family shelter
• An Operations Center to guide services for over 2,800 people each year
The improved facilities will enable NHA to continue to lead the affordable housing industry in Oregon and broaden crucial housing services for low income families, veterans, seniors and people with special needs.
To learn more about the Building Futures Capital Campaign, we invite you to view this short video:
