Ribbon cutting at affordable housing that gives preference to displaced families in desirable North Portland neighborhood
June 23, 2026
The new 75-home complex gives preference to applicants with historical ties to North and Northeast Portland and who have been involuntarily displaced or are at risk of displacement.
PORTLAND, Ore. – At the prominent intersection of North Alberta St. and Williams Ave. in Portland’s Humboldt neighborhood, The Luther Strong Jr. and Dr. Jackie Strong Empowerment Village is opening its doors. It’s the fourth addition to the Alberta Alive series of affordable housing developments that have brought 190 new homes to the area.
These communities are subject to Portland’s N/NE Preference Policy, which aims to address the harmful impacts of urban renewal, eminent domain and historical inequitable housing practices in North and Northeast Portland. Preference will be given to applicants with historical ties to the neighborhood, and those who are at risk of displacement or who have already been displaced from the area. Incomes are limited to up to 30% and 60% of the area median income.
On Tuesday, local elected leaders from Metro and the City of Portland will join co-owners and developers Self Enhancement, Inc. and Community Development Partners and the Strong family in cutting the ribbon on the property, which was named for and purchased from the Strong family, longtime residents of the area.
Self Enhancement, Inc. will provide culturally responsive resident services at the building.
This 75-apartment complex is being funded through a mix of public and private funding, including $3.15 million from the voter-approved Metro Affordable Housing Bond, awarded by the city of Portland. There are more than 2,000 new, Metro bond-funded affordable homes either open or in production across the city, and a total of 5,300 homes built or underway across the greater Portland region.
“The Strong Empowerment Village now stands tall; a physical representation of housing justice on this landscape,” Metro Councilor Mary Nolan said. “Thanks to voters, the Metro Affordable Housing Bond supported this project. We humbly join Community Development Partners and Self Enhancement, Inc. in combatting the harmful impacts of gentrification by enabling families with deep roots in this historically Black neighborhood to stay, or to return home. I’m proud to live in a region where housing justice is a value we have chosen to collectively invest in.”
“This development is powerful because it reflects generations of presence, resilience and contribution to this community and what we are building here honors that legacy. We’re creating a place where residents are connected to culture, grounded in history, and anchored in a sense of belonging,” Self Enhancement, Inc. CEO Trent Aldridge said.
“By combining long-term public investment, strong local partnerships, and Portland’s N/NE Preference Policy, this community demonstrates how intentional, community-centered affordable housing can expand opportunity and strengthen neighborhood stability. We’re proud to join SEI, the Strong family, and our many partners in celebrating the completion of this important project,” CDP Director of Development Sarah Schubert said.
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ABOUT METRO HOUSING DEPARTMENT: Metro is working to create thriving communities throughout the greater Portland region where everyone has a safe, stable and affordable home. Metro’s Housing Department oversees two regional initiatives that voters passed to address the housing and homelessness crisis. The 2018 Metro Affordable Housing Bond and the 2020 Supportive Housing Services measure work together to provide homes for households with low incomes, along with programs and services to prevent or end episodes of homelessness. Metro collaborates closely with local and state governments to do this work, bringing together people, policy and resources to create equitable housing and homelessness solutions for the region.
ABOUT PORTLAND HOUSING BUREAU: Guided by a vision that all Portlanders should have equitable access to affordable housing and to the opportunities that a safe, stable home can deliver, the Portland Housing Bureau leads housing policy for the City of Portland and administrates programs to produce affordable rental housing, expand homeownership and stabilize homeowners, and regulate and assist tenants and landlords in the rental housing market. The Portland Housing Bureau is one of several bureaus and programs in the Community and Economic Development service area. This service area aligns City programs focused on building prosperity for all Portlanders. We aim to create and deliver efficient, transparent, and equitable solutions for a resilient built environment – as well as services, resources, and experiences for our community.
ABOUT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS: Community Development Partners (CDP) develops and operates life-enhancing affordable housing with a focus on long-term community engagement. Founded in 2011, CDP has successfully built, preserved, or is actively developing over 55 unique projects comprising 4,800+ units of affordable housing throughout Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado. As a mission-driven, forward-thinking organization, CDP is focused exclusively on creating vibrant, affordable housing communities that enrich residents’ quality of life by incorporating art, public parks, gardens, fresh food, and cultural and social programming.
ABOUT SELF ENHANCEMENT, INC.: Since 1981, Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) has been a one-stop resource for African American youth and families. We serve 17,000 participants across Portland each year, with a presence in 36 program locations. We support our youth and families 24/7, 365 days per year. SEI has deep connections to the community and a proven track record, with 98% of students graduating high school and 85% enrolling in post-secondary education. We believe that every child has a gift and that it is our shared responsibility to expand learning opportunities and teach every child that “Life Has Options.” We award more than $500,000 in scholarships every year to help students realize their full potential and become positive, contributing community members who lead with integrity and respect. Feel free to learn more about our impact at selfenhancement.org.
