Portland, Oregon, stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration in addressing critical housing needs. For decades, Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) has been at the forefront, developing 11 properties and providing over 500 affordable apartments across Multnomah and Washington Counties. This remarkable organization, fueled by the dedication of ordinary individuals, now houses and supports over a thousand residents, demonstrating the profound impact of Community Partners For Affordable Housing.
“It’s clear we wouldn’t exist today if community members hadn’t recognized the immense housing gap and joined forces to act,” states Rachael Duke, CPAH’s Executive Director. Her decade-long leadership builds upon the foundational work of Mary Owen, a co-founder who has been involved since CPAH’s inception in 1993. Owen, along with fellow parishioners from St. Anthony Catholic Church in Tigard, established CPAH driven by a shared vision. “Looking back, it’s truly astonishing,” Mary reflects. “We started with virtually no funds, relying solely on community goodwill and determination.” CPAH’s evolution into a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization marked a turning point, enabling them to leverage donations and grants to expand their reach.
These resources allowed CPAH to hire dedicated staff and embark on the crucial work of renovating and constructing permanent affordable housing units. Their portfolio now serves a diverse population, including families, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. CPAH’s commitment extends to downtown Portland, where they address chronic homelessness head-on. The Joyce, a historic downtown hotel reimagined by CPAH, now provides 66 units of permanent supportive housing for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. This project exemplifies how community partners for affordable housing can revitalize existing structures to meet urgent needs.
The long-term commitment of community partners is further illustrated by Mary and her husband Terry Owen. In 2015, they established a scholarship at Portland Community College specifically for CPAH residents. Terry, a former professor at PCC, witnessed firsthand the challenges students faced. “Many of my students were returning to education, often facing housing and financial instability, which significantly hindered their academic progress,” Terry explains. The scholarship provides crucial support, helping residents pursue educational opportunities and improve their long-term prospects.
Even without a formal role today, Mary remains a passionate advocate for affordable housing, and she and Terry continue to be steadfast financial supporters of CPAH. Rachael Duke emphasizes the indispensable role of such community champions: “We are deeply grateful for Mary and Terry’s unwavering support. Their commitment, and that of countless others, is the bedrock of our organization and makes our work possible.” The story of CPAH underscores the powerful impact of community partners for affordable housing in creating lasting solutions and transforming lives in Portland and beyond.
