Ribbon Cutting Marks 75 New Affordable Homes
- Portland Observer
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Helping Families Return to North and Northeast Portland
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.
Local elected leaders from Metro and the City of Portland joined the Strong family, as well as the co-owners and developers Self Enhancement, Inc. and Community Development Partners, in cutting the ribbon on the property. The Strong Empowerment Village was named for and the land was 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 was paid for through a mix of public and private funding. The Portland Housing Bureau has awarded to the project $3.15 million in funds from the voter-approved Metro Affordable Housing Bond, as well as $8.25 million in Interstate Tax Increment Financing funds and $2 million in Short-term Rental Registration Fees. 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.”
“The Portland Housing Bureau’s N/NE Neighborhood Housing Strategy represents a historic, reparative investment – over $120 million – to support a community that was out of their homes and neighborhoods,” said PHB Equity & Business Manager Leslie Goodlow. “We are so grateful to the Strong Family and to our partner organizations for helping to create critically needed affordable housing on this meaningful site.”
“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.