Tumultuous. Enlightening. Overwhelming. Frightening. Intense. Angry. Tender. Imbued with Gratitude. Filled with Smoke. Sad. Resilient.
This year has been almost unbelievable: the pandemic, the fires, the growing social awareness of violence against people of color centered in the Black Lives Matter movement, all which shows the inequities in our society, how vulnerable some people are, and the hard work ahead of us. Many of us are feeling isolated, stressed about paying the rent or mortgage, not sure how we can really home school our kids while doing everything else. Our residents are certainly facing much of this along with the “normal” stresses that come with simply being low income, and/or a person with disabilities, and/or a black, indigenous, or person of color.
And ultimately, this year also shows us how important affordable housing is, how stable, healthy places to live are foundational not just for the people who live there, but also for the whole community. We cannot solve the most pressing social issues in front of us if people don’t even have a place to call home.
At this time, CPAH is leasing up TWO projects – Cedar Grove in the Cedar Mill neighborhood and Red Rock Creek Commons in the Tigard Triangle.
When I started at CPAH five years ago, both these projects were in the very early stages of formation. I was terrified that neither would happen. What then? I was also terrified that both would happen! What then? Now I know – over the last five years, neck to neck, side by side, the projects have become beautiful housing communities, staffed with resident services, connected with resources and support from places like Community Action and New Narrative, and of course ready to house people!
Who lives in CPAH housing? Some people might be your bank tellers or your kids’ preschool teacher. Some have recently exited homelessness. Some work at the shop around the corner. Who lives in CPAH housing? Our kids, our parents, our neighbors. People for whom the cost of market rate housing is simply too expensive.
Thank you to all our partners, volunteers, dedicated staff, and supporters who make this work possible. Together, we are Building the Way Home for everyone.
Warmly,
Rachael Duke
CPAH Executive Director
