Meet Tonya

Tonya lives at the heart of Mahonia Crossing, right across from the community park—a perfect location for someone so deeply rooted in connection. Tonya relocated from Portland to Salem and learned about Mahonia Crossing through the Salem Housing Authority. She now lives in a three-bedroom apartment with her son and daughter.

After previously living in a smaller two-bedroom unit, Tonya and her family were thrilled to move into a more spacious home. A few years ago, Tonya fostered a three-month-old baby boy, who she later adopted—making the need for more space even more important. Their new apartment, filled with natural light and featuring a private patio and in-unit washer and dryer, has made a meaningful difference in their daily life. Even the move-in process felt thoughtful and supportive. When the family had to move in later in the evening, after regular office hours, property management made sure they could still access their new home so they wouldn’t be left without shelter.

Tonya has embraced the Mahonia Crossing community wholeheartedly. With a background in childcare, she naturally stepped into a leadership role among neighbors—particularly the children who spend time in the park near her apartment. Known as the “Park Mom,” Tonya looks out for kids who might be unsupervised and uses her experience to guide positive behaviors in the shared spaces. Tonya took the initiative to create a parent contact list, helping families stay connected and respond quickly in case of emergencies or concerns.

She’s also claimed a garden bed and is an active participant in the resident activities offered on-site. With access to nearby stores, walkable amenities, and public transportation, Tonya’s day-to-day life has become more affordable and convenient since moving to Mahonia Crossing. She hopes to become even more involved in the community and help other families do the same.