Building Foundations

Meet Robert – The Cove

Robert has been a resident of The Cove since March 2024. Originally from Texas, he left due to struggles with substance use. Before finding his way to The Cove, Robert lived at a sober living center. While he understands the importance of such environments for his recovery, he found it challenging, facing safety concerns and interactions that hindered his progress. View story →

Meet Lila – Santiam Terrace

Lila’s journey to Santiam Terrace, located within the Kaiser Trio community, began with a simple need for independence and a place to call her own. Living temporarily with her son and his friend, Lila sought a stable home where she could establish roots. After an exploratory drive around the area, she discovered Santiam Terrace, which seemed to fit her needs perfectly. Lila applied for an apartment and, shortly after, received the call that would begin her 24-year-long residency. View story →

Meet Louise – Casa Querencia

Before living at Casa Querencia, Louise tried other forms of housing. She lived with friends, stayed in a shelter and motel, and even tried living at a nursing home for a while but she felt that none of these were sustainable living situations. Louise talked mostly about her experience living in a shelter, and that she never wants to be in that situation again due to the poor living conditions there and witnessing a lot drug abuse and even the death of some friends there. View story →

Meet Sergio & Esperanza – La Placita Cinco

Sergio and Esperanza have called Santa Ana home for over a decade. Upon discovering La Placita Cinco on social media, the pair inquired and moved into the vibrant community when it opened its doors in 2021. Grateful for the spaciousness of their new home compared to their previous living situation, they expressed a deep appreciation for the community they now belong to. They value the building’s new construction, and their apartment’s balcony. View story →

Meet Carol – Cascadian Terrace

Carol has been a resident at Cascadian Terrace since Valentine’s Day 2014. After experiencing homelessness and surviving an abusive relationship, she found support through Northwest Pilot Project (NWPP), an organization that helps low-income seniors in Multnomah County secure permanent, affordable housing. Arriving early one morning, to ensure she would be seen, Carol was assisted immediately. She is deeply grateful to her NWPP case worker, Jessica, who worked diligently to secure Carol’s apartment at Cascadian Terrace. Jessica continued to provide support, helping Carol settle in with essential furniture and home supplies and even assisting with Social Security. View story →

Meet Gail – Mamook Tokatee

Gail was the third household to move into Mamook Tokatee after it opened. She became the legal guardian of her grandson when he was just 3 years old, and at that time, she was living in an apartment building designated for adults only. She made it a priority to find housing that would welcome her and her grandson. In her search, Gail reached out to the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) for assistance. The organization referred her to Mamook Tokatee, a community that promised safety and security, crucial for her grandson as he adjusted to living with his grandmother. Amidst all the changes in his life, Mamook Tokatee became a stable and reliable place for both him and Gail. View story →

Meet A. – Nesika Illahee

A. previously lived on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota, leaving in 1973 after the events at Wounded Knee. Seeking new opportunities, she enrolled in JobCorps and was placed in Astoria, Oregon, where she trained to be a nurse’s aide. Through JobCorps, A. connected with the Native community in Portland, meeting many Sioux families and gradually finding a sense of home. A. raised her daughter in Portland but moved frequently over the years, eventually ending up in Minneapolis. When she decided to begin her road to recovery and return to Portland. View story →

Meet Nahnalah – El Rancho Del Sol

Before moving to El Rancho Del Sol, where she has been a resident for three years, Nahnalah was temporarily living with family. As a mom, her primary goal was to secure housing for herself and her child as soon as possible. She discovered El Rancho Del Sol through a close friend, who is still a resident. Nahnalah immediately fell in love with the building’s open floor plans, design, and location. To speed up securing an apartment, she worked overtime and took on another job, allowing her to reach her goal more quickly and move in within her desired timeframe. View story →