History and Mission of REACH Community Development
Building Homes. Creating Communities.
A healthy community begins at home. REACH’s mission is to provide quality, affordable housing for individuals, families and communities to thrive. Since 1982, REACH has pioneered affordable housing and supportive programs that address complex challenges facing communities. REACH has gained local, state and national acclaim for innovation and responsiveness to difficult urban issues. Our work began with revitalization efforts in the neighborhoods of inner Southeast Portland, where we bought and renovated single family homes. Thirty years later, our portfolio of over 1,400 units includes new and renovated plexes, apartment buildings and mixed-use developments located across the Portland metropolitan area. Our volunteer-powered home repair program serves senior and disabled homeowners in neighborhoods all over the city. REACH has also prepared and implemented three successful neighborhood improvement plans throughout Portland. Take a look at REACH’s current Five Year Strategic Plan.
REACH strongly believes that livability and sustainability are closely aligned. By incorporating renewable, energy-efficient practices into our current and future affordable housing developments and into our administrative practices, we aim to promote greater environmental and social health for our community and the planet. Read more about our green initiatives.
Our Values
Sustainability. We strive to be financially strong and sustainable, and to establish housing and communities that are green and healthy.
Innovation. We create innovative solutions to complex housing and community development challenges.
Integrity. We are thoughtful, ethical and just in our work.
Inclusion. We embrace diversity and believe that we greatly benefit from including and considering all people and perspectives.
Collaboration. We believe we can achieve more by working with others, and that everyone’s contribution has value.
Excellence. We are committed t o our work and always strive for the best in ourselves and those around us.
Affordable Housing Development and Management
REACH’s portfolio includes single-family homes, du- and tri-plexes, apartment buildings and mixed-use developments located across the City of Portland. We work with both new construction and rehabilitation projects. In 2009, REACH purchased two area buildings identified by the City of Portland as in danger of losing their affordable HUD Section 8 rents. In order to preserve and maintain much-needed affordable homes for Portlander’s, REACH purchased the buildings and oversaw substantial renovation of both. Now, both the Admiral Apartments and the Walnut Park Apartments remain accessible to Portland’s low and moderate income seniors. Read more about our affordable housing development.
Working with REACH has been wonderful. The new building has brought so much joy and peace within me to see the project come together, and the change in the atmosphere. Mazzell Rudder, resident of Walnut Park Apartments
Resident Services
REACH is committed to supporting families and individuals living in our housing with stable homes. Our award-winning programs include:
- Financial education for adults: Over 200 residents have graduated from our two primary adult financial education programs, STARTS and Budget, Buy and Save. We also offer residents access to our Individual Development Account (IDA) program for the purchase of a home, education, or small business support. Read more.
- Support services: We work with our tenants to improve their housing success and economic stability through programs such as eviction prevention, employment and career support, and access to emergency food and clothing. Read more.
- Financial education for youth: Youth$ave, a financial literacy and matched savings program, gives youth ages 9-18 a jump start on moving out of poverty. Over 246 graduates from the program have saved thousands of dollars towards educational and life goals. Read more.
Community Builders Program
REACH’s Community Builders Program operates citywide to provide free home repairs for homeowners who need help due to age, disability or low income. Since 1996, we have completed over 7,000 repairs for more than 1,600 households. Our premier volunteer event, the Paint & Repair-a-thon brings together over 300 businesses, individuals and group volunteers to help senior and disabled homeowners live safely in their homes. Read more.
