Housing (Page 2)

Housing (Page 2)

Information and activities related to supporting and increasing affordable housing in our neighborhood.

Welcoming Our Elders Home

This blog was written and contributed by the Rev. Maria McDowell and the community at St. Philip the Deacon, Portland. It appeared in the Diocesan Digest on September 30th and the full article is on the Diocesan website. St. Philip the Deacon, in partnership with Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives (PCRI), Urban League of Portland, Northwest Pilot Project, and the Leaven Community Land and Housing Coalition, is welcoming our elders home. We are stewarding the resources God has given us to build affordable housing for Black seniors…

A Tale of Two Conversations

The conversations were revealing. A common theme, for newcomers and long-time residents alike, was the desire for safe venues and events where people can meet one another. This search for common ground forms the basis of the Neighborhood Engagement conversation. What do residents cherish about the neighborhood—and how can St. Philip respond to the needs, hopes, and dreams of those around us?

June Affordable Housing Update

Our parish has nurtured a vision of an affordable housing ministry for some years. When Portland’s housing crisis erupted, homelessness came to our doorstep—literally—and the vision resurfaced. Starting in 2019, we began to explore how faith communities can justly steward their lands, with the help of the interfaith Leaven Community Land & Housing Coalition (LCLHC). In 2020, we testified before Portland City Council and successfully changed zoning laws. We established working relationships with Second Stories, a design and development firm…

Housing Update: Council will deliver Upzone!

They said YES! The City Council heard the motion to upzone 120/130 NE Knott St. on March 3rd, and scheduled the required second hearing promptly on March 10th. The Council will amend the motion to make it an emergency declaration. Their prompt approval will allow us to complete our LIFT application on time.

Call to Action: Upzone Vote

This is a call to send emails and submit testimony by March 2 at 4pm to the Mayor and Commissioners (Portland City Council) requesting a vote of approval – to go into effect immediately – for our upzone request. We need an emergency declaration to be made at the City Council Meeting so that they can vote to approve our upzone without the normal wait time. This request is urgent because St Philip’s application for LIFT funding is dependent on this upzone and must be submitted by the end of March.

Naming our Building

Last week, the St. Philip core housing team began to brainstorm names for our affordable housing project. This Sunday, at our annual meeting, we will decide together what we want to be called. What do YOU think? Come tell us this Sunday!

Building Neighbors: Metro RFQ submitted!

On Dec 1, in partnership with with Second Stories, PCRI, Urban League and NW Pilot Project, we submitted our Metro Housing Bond RFQ. This is the first, and HUGE, step towards welcoming new neighbors! The last week before submission was a flurry of gathering details negotiating relationships, and clarifying partnerships. It is clear that we share a common vision for caring for our vulnerable black and elderly neighbors. We will be building housing for folks at the 30-50% MFI, people who really need inexpensive housing.

Rector’s Note: Building Neighbors

We want to be a haven for our neighbors. Every concern shared, every hope expressed, was infused by the heart of St. Philip: we have always been a haven for those unwelcome elsewhere, and we want to continue to cherish them as our beloved neighbors.