Northwest Housing Alternatives’ equity policy reflects an intentional commitment to apply an equity lens to our mission of creating opportunity through housing. We recognize that equity is a necessary foundation to achieve the best possible outcomes in our work. Our equity policy requires that we promote equity in our leadership and organizational culture, our program design and delivery, and in the economic opportunities created by our agency. We know that achieving equity requires a continuous learning process of honest and thorough critical assessment, the establishment of meaningful goals, a commitment to learning, and willingness to change the way we do business.
Oregon has horrific history of racial injustice and discrimination in housing and community development. As a leader in affordable housing and as people who believe in racial justice and fairness, we are called to do this work and look at ourselves to ensure we are an anti-racist organization. In order to meet the needs of underserved communities, we must do the work of dismantling structural racism. Integrating equity and anti-racist work into our daily work deepens our community impact. We believe stepping into the work results in the cultivation of the whole person. Finally, equity work is not only something we tolerate at NHA, but something we embrace and actively affirm. As NHA is a leader in our industry, we desire to evolve into a leader in equity and racial justice.
When we work to enhance racial equity at NHA, we end up addressing the needs of all people regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other human characteristics (targeted universalism).
Below is a collection of documents and tools that we have developed to guide our racial equity, diversity, and inclusion work.
Equity Policy Guide (PDF)- a consolidation of NHA’s equity-related materials from 2018-2020. This is a living document that will be updated and changed as needed.
Plain Text Version of the Equity Policy Guide (for screenreaders)
Equity Lens (PDF)- a tool developed by our REDI (racial equity, diversity, and inclusion) committee to center racial equity in NHA’s decision-making.
Plain Text Version of the Equity Lens (for screenreaders)
Other Resources
Walidah Imarisha’s Oregon Black History Timeline
Crossroads Anti-Racism Organization and Training
Resolutions Northwest
Fair Housing Council of Oregon
NHA strives to create housing and a workplace that is LBGTQ+ friendly. We are certified through SAGE Metro Portland as an LGBT Designated Housing Provider.
