PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 2, 2021—Catholic Charities of Oregon, in collaboration with Related Northwest, will celebrate the groundbreaking of Cathedral Village Apartments on Feb. 9, 2021.
Located steps from historic downtown St. Johns in North Portland, the Cathedral Village Apartments—when completed—will provide 110 new studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom affordable units for individuals and families. The affordability of these units covers both 30 percent Area Medium Income (AMI; currently $19,350 for an individual) and 60 percent AMI, providing housing to our most vulnerable neighbors at a critical time.
“One thing rings true during these uncertain times, and that is the deep need to invest in inclusive and supportive housing communities,” said Travis Phillips, Director of Community Development & Housing at Catholic Charities of Oregon. “With Cathedral Village Apartments, we continue to reimagine our local neighborhoods and place value on positive human and social interactions as a means to healing. We are excited to start construction on this new development and to begin to realize the goals of our Healthy Housing Initiative.”
This project collaboration represents a thoughtful response to the housing needs of the North Portland community and will provide equitable access to affordable housing for families, communities of color, immigrants and refugees, and households experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“Related Northwest is dedicated to making a difference in the communities in which we build. Cathedral Village Apartments will provide much-needed housing within walking distance to grocery stores, public transit and Cathedral Park,” said Ann Silverberg, CEO, Related Northwest.
Of the 110 units, eight units designated as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) will provide people experiencing chronic homelessness with access to whole-person supportive care and a range of onsite social services, ensuring families receive the support they need to get back on their feet and thrive. In addition, volunteer engagement with faith communities and others may offer additional support and help foster a greater sense of belonging.
“Cathedral Village furthers the City’s work to create affordable housing options that reflect the diverse needs of Portlanders. I am especially excited about affordable housing that is family-centered. Providing on-site, after-school activities for the students is exactly what we need more of. Families who are doing all they can to survive need extra supports so their children can be on a solid path for education and career,” said Commissioner Dan Ryan, who oversees the Portland Housing Bureau. “I want to thank Catholic Charities and Related NW for their thoughtful work in envisioning this project and congratulate them on this important milestone. The City is proud to support this valuable community asset with our Housing Bond resources.”
With an estimated development cost of $37.7 million, construction and permanent financing is being provided by Umpqua Bank and tax credit equity investment is provided by Red Stone Equity Partners. Gap financing totaling $17,454,900 is provided by the Portland Housing Bond, approved by voters in 2016, and Oregon Housing and Community Services. Additional funding for this housing development is made possible by grants from The Collins Foundation and the Hedco Foundation.
Cathedral Village Apartments officially launches the first housing development under Catholic Charities of Oregon’s Healthy Housing Initiative, an ambitious collaborative effort between Catholic Charities of Oregon, the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon and Providence Health & Services. The initiative is also part of a larger Catholic Charities USA effort to holistically address chronic homelessness by providing greater access to permanent supportive housing that integrates health and wellness with onsite social services.
Construction of Cathedral Village Apartments is expected to be complete in 2022.
About Catholic Charities
Since its founding in 1933, Catholic Charities of Oregon has been a trusted ally of the most poor and marginalized. The agency seeks to combat poverty and injustice throughout Western Oregon by providing professional, compassionate social services aimed to develop innovative and lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. Catholic Charities of Oregon is a member of Catholic Charities USA and of Caritas International, the global network of agencies that make up the charitable arm of the world-wide Catholic Church. The agency is headquartered in Portland at 2740 SE Powell Blvd. For more information call (503) 231-4866, or go to www.catholiccharitiesoregon.org.
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