Meet Ashley & Jay

Ashley and Jay, along with their two young children, were among the first residents to move into The Ronnie Herndon Building when it opened in December 2024. Before finding their new home, they had been living in a community far removed from the resources and connections they valued. The transition was challenging, leaving them feeling unwelcome and isolated—both socially and racially.

During this time, Ashley and Jay remained deeply connected to Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), often commuting to Portland for events and programs that provided a vital support system. It was at one of these events that they first learned about Alberta Alive and The Herndon Building. The idea of living closer to SEI’s headquarters—within an affordable housing community designed to bring displaced residents back to North/Northeast Portland—felt almost too good to be true.

Deciding to move wasn’t easy. Ashley and Jay were in the final stages of securing a Section 8 housing voucher, which could have given them the flexibility to rent elsewhere. Choosing The Herndon Building meant relinquishing that opportunity. But the promise of stability and a built-in support system outweighed the uncertainty, and they took the leap, fully trusting in SEI and the vision of Alberta Alive.

In their new home, Ashley and Jay immediately felt the sense of community that they’d been missing. Homeschooling their children in St. Helens had been isolating, and concerns over racial incidents in the local school district reinforced their decision not to enroll their kids there. Now, with access to SEI’s SUN School program and a strong local network, their children are finally able to participate in extracurricular activities and build friendships.

Their connection with resident services has made their transition even more positive. The supportive environment encourages residents to voice ideas and see them take shape—like Ashley’s suggestion for a gardening project, which led to securing a grant for resident-grown vegetables and native fruit trees.

Ashley and Jay now feel like they’re home. Being closer to SEI has strengthened their community ties, and their children enjoy the nearby parks and programs. Access to resources that once felt out of reach has given them stability and the sense of belonging they’d longed for.