Dear Washington County,

I want to start this issue with a note of appreciation for our staff’s incredible work ethic and collaborative approach. During our end of summer picnic, I was struck by the growth I’ve seen in this department over the last year. Looking forward I am excited to continue bringing passionate, solution-finding employees into the housing profession.



With this in mind, I attended the Housing Oregon Industry Support Conference where I joined a panel called “Mentoring the Next Generation of Affordable Housing Talent.” I am energized by the new talent I see entering this field every day, and the growth in our affordable housing industry. Speaking of which, I was completely surprised when I was asked to join the stage by Maria Elena Guerra, Board member of Housing Oregon, with Kimberly Taylor and Liz Winchester of the Housing Development Center, to receive one of the awards. The group that I helped facilitate and lead earlier in my career, the Property and Asset Management Working Group, was honored with the Asset Champion award at the 2024 Housing Oregon Gala.  

I am also excited to announce that the Department of Housing Services recently completed the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute. Oregon Housing and Community Services and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) collaborate on the program to accelerate affordable and supportive housing development locally. Teams in Oregon consisting of owners/developers, property managers, service providers, and other critical project partners, apply to the program. Participants receive intensive training over five months, conceptualizing and developing a permanent supportive housing project. Our Washington County team workshopped a site in Forest Grove with Care Oregon and Centro Cultural, with a shared goal of opening permanent supportive housing for people experiencing long-term homelessness. See the full recording of the seven projects to complete this rigorous process. 

This is just a snapshot into the critical work completed in Housing Services. Having just about completed a full year in this role, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no “off” season in this department, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Best,

Molly Rogers

Earlier this month local elected leaders and nonprofit partners celebrated the opening of Plaza Los Amigos, Cornelius’ latest affordable housing complex. With 113 homes, it doubles the amount of affordable housing available in the town and will serve low-income families. The development was made possible through public and private partnerships, including funding from the 2018 voter-approved Metro affordable housing bond. Rents for its two-bedroom apartments are starting as low as $701.

Plaza Los Amigos is a place that both increases access to our county’s residents and stays true to the local community’s roots. Its identity commemorates the history of Cornelius’ longtime tradition of being home to many of the region’s farmworkers, mostly from the Latino community. Inspired by the ‘Los Amigos Club,’ which translates to ‘The Friends Club’ in English, was a well-respected mutual aid association that supported migrant workers in the 1960s and 1970s. Many of their society’s leaders later founded vital institutions such as Centro Cultural and Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center.

The project incorporated input from community members and leveraged businesses owned by women, people of color, service-disabled veterans and emerging small businesses during its construction. Non-profit owner Bienestar is also carrying out a multi-lingual marketing plan and collaborating with Centro Cultural to provide rental applications and move-in support to ensure equitable access.

Residents come together to celebrate renovated affordable housing communities

Earlier this month residents from the affordable housing communities of Aloha Park, Bonita Villa, Ridge at Bull Mountain, Parkside and Villager gathered to celebrate their newly renovated buildings thanks to Phase I of the Affordable Housing Portfolio Preservation Project. All these properties are owned by the Housing Authority of Washington County and were due for some upgrades!

There were breakfast pastries, coffee, music, and games like cornhole and bingo, with a variety of prizes being awarded to participants. More than 25 people joined the festivities and we look forward to Phase II’s celebration around the same time next year. The event was a great way to celebrate the progress in improving these homes for our county’s residents.

A big shout out to the team at the Department of Housing Services and our partners at Keys Management for their contributions to the event.

Rep. Salinas tours Viewfinder, our first bond-funded affordable housing site

Earlier this month Congresswoman Andrea Salinas toured Washington County's first Metro affordable housing bond-funded property: the Viewfinder. Situated in the heart of Tigard, the development is a testament to the county's commitment to creating more affordable communities for its residents.

During the tour the congresswoman spoke to our project partners such as Community Development Partners, and representatives from Washington County including District Commissioner Roy Rogers and Executive Director of the Department of Housing Services Molly Rogers.

The 2018 voter-approved Metro affordable housing bond has been instrumental in increasing access to affordable communities for Washington County’s residents, and the Viewfinder is yet another example of the positive impact this bond is having on people’s lives.

Housing Services’ first-ever listening sessions bring together important perspectives!

In August, the Department of Housing Services, in collaboration with the Housing Advisory Committee and the Homeless Solutions Advisory Council, held its first-ever listening sessions. These sessions were designed to engage the community and share the department's priorities for the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year and will be conducted annually. Attendees learned about the strategic framework guiding housing services, the important roles of the advisory committees, and ways to get involved. The feedback gathered during these sessions, from both community partners and the general public, will be compiled into a report that will shape future programs and services. This is one part of our work to ensure diverse voices are heard and to identify those not yet at the table, helping to refine and strengthen housing solutions in Washington County.