LATEST AT REACH

Portland, Ore. — A federal court today ordered the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately stop deploying tear gas, smoke grenades, pepper balls, and other chemical munitions in ways that expose residents of Gray’s Landing, an affordable housing community in Portland, to toxic substances inside their homes. The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon ruling prohibits federal officers from using chemical munitions that are likely to reach Gray’s Landing while the case proceeds, except when necessary to protect human life.

For months, federal agents have fired chemical weapons toward and around the 209-unit housing complex during protests at a nearby Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, despite knowing that the chemicals regularly seep into apartments, hallways, and common areas. Residents, including children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, have reported respiratory distress, chest pain, panic attacks, and repeated emergency medical visits, as well as being forced to wear gas masks indoors and seal their homes.

The plaintiffs, Gray’s Landing residents and REACH Community Development, are represented by Democracy Forward, Protect Democracy, Jacobson Lawyers Group PLLC, and Bradley Bernstein Sands LLP. Their filings argue that this conduct violates the Fifth Amendment by infringing on residents’ rights to bodily integrity, among other rights. The court found that defendants were likely deliberately indifferent to the harms to the plaintiffs “based on the quantity of chemical munitions used, the distance from the Portland ICE Facility to the impact areas, the fact that chemical munitions are being used contrary to the advice in agency use of force manuals, and particularly in light of Defendants’ specific notice of harm to Resident Plaintiffs.” The court noted that this threatened “the Resident Plaintiffs’ rights to the most fundamental aspects of liberty known since the early days of our democracy.”

“This ruling affirms what residents have been saying for months,” said Margaret Salazar, CEO of REACH Community Development. “Gray’s Landing is home to families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who have experienced repeated exposure and real harm. Today’s decision acknowledges that impact and reinforces that government action must respect clear constitutional limits when it reaches into residential communities. This is an important step toward accountability and the protection of residents’ rights in their homes.”

“This is a powerful victory for people who have used their voices to fight back against unconstitutional government violence,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “The court recognized that poisoning a residential community with toxic chemicals is a profound abuse of power. This decision protects basic health and safety and the right to live in one’s home without fear of chemical weapons being used by the government. Residents should not be harmed simply because they live next to a site of public protest.”

“Today’s ruling is a victory for the families at Gray’s Landing, but it also serves as a fierce rebuke of a federal agency that believes it can wage war on American neighborhoods with impunity,” said Katie Schwartzmann, Special Counsel at Protect Democracy. “From Los Angeles to Chicago to Minnesota, and in Portland too, we have witnessed a coordinated campaign by DHS to sow chaos and terrorize communities—citizens and non-citizens alike—under the guise of immigration enforcement. This court has now affirmed what we have long argued: the government cannot knowingly poison families in their own homes.”

“We are both thrilled and relieved that the Court has provided protection to our clients that have been suffering from the government’s shocking conduct for months. Our clients simply want to be able to live and breathe in their own homes without being subject to poison toxins released by their own government, and this order will help ensure they can,” said Dan Jacobson of the Jacobson Lawyers Group PLLC.

The case is REACH Community Development et al. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security et al. Read the decision here and the complaint here.

Join Us in Protecting Gray’s Landing

The court’s order protects Gray’s Landing residents, but it does not provide damages or funding to cover the extensive costs REACH has already incurred. To date, we have absorbed more than $300,000 in expenses as we worked to safeguard the 209 families who call Gray’s Landing home.

Families at Gray’s Landing, an affordable housing community developed by REACH, are facing an unimaginable challenge: repeated exposure to toxic chemicals inside their own homes. Today, REACH and residents joined together to ask a federal court for immediate relief to stop the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using tear gas and other chemical munitions near Gray’s Landing.

For months, federal officers have deployed tear gas and smoke grenades during protests near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility next door. These chemicals don’t stay outside—they seep into apartments where families live, where children sleep, and where seniors and veterans seek safety. Residents have reported coughing indoors, struggling to breathe, and even needing emergency medical care. Some have resorted to sealing windows and wearing gas masks inside their homes.
This is not just unacceptable—it’s dangerous. Tear gas and similar chemical agents are banned in warfare because of their harmful effects. Yet they are being used in ways that predictably expose innocent people to toxins in their own homes.

REACH and Gray’s Landing residents, represented by Democracy Forward, Protect Democracy, Jacobson Lawyers Group PLLC, and Bradley Bernstein Sands LLP, have filed a motion asking the court to block further use of these chemicals near Gray’s Landing while the case proceeds. The lawsuit argues that the government’s actions violate constitutional rights to safety, bodily integrity, and the peaceful use of one’s home.

“Gray’s Landing is a residential community,” said Margaret Salazar, CEO of REACH Community Development. “Families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities are repeatedly exposed to chemical agents deployed from the ICE facility just feet from their homes. Daily life has become a source of stress and fear. REACH is standing with residents to protect their health and well-being while the court considers our case.”

Residents like Mindy King, a plaintiff in the lawsuit, describe the impact firsthand: “This is my home, and chemical agents have repeatedly entered our apartments. The exposure has made it harder to breathe and disrupted everyday life for me and my family.”

The case is REACH Community Development et al. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, et al. We will continue to share updates as we fight to ensure that everyone at Gray’s Landing can live safely and with dignity.

For 53 years, Sheryl has lived in the same Southeast Portland home—a place filled with memories, laughter, and generations of family. It’s where she raised her children, tended her garden, and built a life rooted in community.

Earlier this year, Sheryl faced a big decision: whether to purchase her home or move to another affordable unit. Like many longtime renters, the idea of homeownership felt daunting at first. But with support from REACH and her trustee, Sheryl discovered that owning her home was possible—and life-changing.

“I feel like I lost a thousand pounds now that it’s not hanging over my head. This is mine.”

Expanding Pathways to Homeownership

Sheryl’s story is part of a new chapter for REACH: creating affordable homeownership opportunities for families who have historically faced barriers to owning a home. Through the Rose City Partnership, REACH is helping current tenants and first-time buyers purchase homes and build long-term stability. This initiative includes:

• Mortgage counseling
• Down payment and closing cost assistance
• Home repair resources

And we’re partnering with organizations like Brick By Brick Housing Corporation, Housing Partnership Network, and Proud Ground to make it happen.

Why This Matters

Homeownership is more than a financial milestone—it’s a foundation for stability, security, and generational wealth. Yet for many Portlanders, especially families of color and first-time buyers, it remains out of reach. Sheryl’s success shows what’s possible when we work together to remove barriers and create pathways to ownership.

Watch Sheryl’s Story

🎥 See Sheryl’s inspiring journey from renter to homeowner:

Help More Families Like Sheryl’s

Your support makes homeownership possible for families who have waited decades for this opportunity. Every gift helps provide down payment assistance, home repairs, and counseling services that turn dreams into reality.

Donate today and help expand pathways to homeownership

Together, we can create a future where homeownership is within reach for everyone.

How REACH’s Job Jumpstart Fund is Fueling Futures

REACH’s Job Jumpstart Fund is helping residents take bold steps toward economic stability and career success. Thanks to a generous grant from KeyBank, the fund provides micro-grants to cover costs like certifications, gear, training, and transportation—removing financial barriers that often stand in the way of employment.

One inspiring example is Taeo Estrella, a lifelong REACH resident who is now pursuing her dream of becoming a trauma nurse.

Taeo grew up in REACH scattered site housing and is currently enrolled in nursing school while working at a hospital emergency room front desk. Her journey hasn’t been easy—she’s a first-generation college student with health challenges—but with support from REACH, she’s thriving.

Through the Job Jumpstart Fund, Taeo was able to purchase essential nursing school supplies: a stethoscope, compression socks, clinical attire, and more. “Some of those items are pricey,” she says. “I was worried about how I’d afford them. This support made it possible for me to focus on school without sacrificing other needs.”

She also participated in REACH’s Individual Development Account (IDA) program, saving toward a reliable vehicle that helps her get to school, work, and medical appointments. “Having a car has made a huge difference in my ability to pursue my education and support myself.”

Taeo’s goal is to become a traveling trauma nurse, gaining experience in pediatric emergency care across the country while keeping Portland as her home base. “I want my future kids to have the same experience I did growing up here.”

Her advice to other residents? “Go for it. It takes patience, but it’s worth it. These programs have helped my family build stability and even generational wealth. It’s not just short-term help—it’s long-term impact.”

We’re excited to announce that Mei Lee has joined our team as Chief Financial Officer. Mei brings a wealth of experience in financial leadership, auditing, and strategic management across both the public and private sectors.

Mei has held key finance leadership roles with organizations such as Xerox Corporation, Welch Allyn Inc., Portland Public Schools, and the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), in addition to her early career with a Big Six accounting firm. Throughout her career, Mei has developed a reputation for strong financial stewardship, cross-sector collaboration, and a deep commitment to mission-driven work.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mei to the REACH leadership team,” said Margaret Salazar, CEO of REACH. “Her exceptional experience across sectors, combined with her values-driven approach to finance and community, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to strengthen REACH’s long-term stability and impact.”

Mei holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Portland State University and an active Certified Public Accountant license with the Oregon Board of Accountancy. She has also contributed to the community as a mentor at Portland Public Schools, Board Member at the Portland Classical Chinese Garden, and Qualification Committee member at the Oregon State Board of Accountancy.

“I’m very excited to join REACH and contribute to its mission of creating affordable, equitable housing and thriving communities,” said Mei Lee. “I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents and in the broader community through sound financial leadership and collaboration.”

Please join us in warmly welcoming Mei to REACH!

REACH Community Development is launching the Rose City Fund, a new partnership to repair and reposition 66 scattered site rental homes into affordable homeownership opportunities. This blog post explores how the program works, who it prioritizes, and how REACH is partnering with local and national organizations to support first-time buyers, current tenants, and long-term housing stability.

REACH Community Development is proud to announce a bold new chapter in our mission to create opportunities for all people to thrive: the launch of the Rose City Fund, a transformative initiative aimed at expanding access to affordable homeownership in Portland.

For decades, REACH has been a leader in affordable rental housing. Now, through the formation of Rose City Fund, we’re stepping into the homeownership space with a powerful new strategy: converting 66 scattered site rental homes—ranging from single-family homes to small multi-family buildings—into affordable ownership opportunities. These homes are primarily located in the Buckman neighborhood of Southeast Portland.

Why This Matters

Homeownership has long been out of reach for many Portlanders, especially first-time buyers and families of color. The REACH for Homeownership initiative is designed to change that. By offering existing tenants the first opportunity to purchase their homes and prioritizing first-time buyers and mission-driven nonprofits, we’re helping families build stability and generational wealth.

To support success, REACH is integrating:

• Mortgage counseling
• Down payment and closing cost assistance
• Home repair resources

A Powerful Partnership

This initiative is made possible through collaboration with:

• Brick By Brick Housing Corporation (B3) – bringing national expertise in affordable homeownership
• Housing Partnership Network (HPN) – a trusted national association of nonprofit housing developers
• APEX and Housing Partnership Fund – providing financial backing

Together, we’re ensuring homes are rehabilitated to a financeable condition, focusing on critical systems like roofing, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work.

A Shared Vision for Homeownership

“Through the REACH for Homeownership initiative, we are piloting strategies to connect existing homes to residents and community members working toward the dream of homeownership.”  — Margaret Salazar, CEO of REACH

“This partnership reflects our shared belief that affordable homeownership is a cornerstone of building wealth and stability for families.”  — Scott Fergus, CEO of B3

“By prioritizing first-time buyers and permanently affordable models, this program helps ensure that more families can build wealth and put down roots in our community.”  — Dominique Merriweather, Executive Director of Proud Ground

Long-Term Impact

The Rose City Fund LLC will also generate proceeds to reinvest in REACH’s rental portfolio—repairing and preserving hundreds of deeply affordable homes across the region. This dual impact ensures that both renters and buyers benefit from long-term housing stability.

What’s Next

Home sales will roll out in phases over the next two years. REACH is working closely with local partners including: Portland Housing Center, Proud Ground, Urban League PDX, NAYA

Interested in Buying a Home?

Are you a current REACH resident or a first-time homebuyer interested in purchasing one of the homes through the Rose City Fund program? Join our interest list to receive updates and be notified when homes are released for public sale.

• 👉 Sign up here
• 📞 Or contact us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.

Gray’s Landing is more than a building—it’s home to seniors, veterans, families with children, and people with disabilities. It’s also the heart of REACH Community Development, where we work every day to create safe, affordable housing for all.

Recently, our residents have faced an unimaginable challenge: repeated exposure to harmful chemical agents deployed near their homes. These actions have put their health and safety at risk, and we’ve taken the extraordinary step of filing a federal lawsuit to protect them.

This legal fight is critical—but it comes with significant costs. Your support will help us cover legal expenses and recoup resources spent responding to this crisis, ensuring Gray’s Landing remains a safe and stable home for those who need it most.

Federal violence should never reach someone’s doorstep. REACH has already incurred over $210,000 in costs responding to the effects of federal tactics. We are not resourced to take on a situation like this alone.

Your support will strengthen our efforts to protect residents from harm, support advocacy for housing justice and safety in residential areas, and sustain Gray’s Landing as a refuge for vulnerable community members.

Residents on the Front Line

• Portland Tribune: ‘I can taste the tear gas’: Living across the street from Portland’s ICE facility
• KOIN: Noem’s visit blocks residents at Gray’s Landing in Portland
• KOIN: Nearby residents fed up with ICE agents’ ‘violent tactics’
• KGW: Portland ICE facility protests and law enforcement response take their toll on nearby businesses, residents
• Oregonian: Meet the former presidential appointee working across from Portland’s ICE building