REACH Forward - Reflections on 2018 by CEO, Dan Valliere

2018 has been an unpredictable year. Full of surprises, challenges, and progress.

With all that’s going on in country, I know that it’s easy to feel frustrated or overwhelmed. However, at moments of frustration and conflict like this, it is important to step back and look at the big picture. The U.S. continues to enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. We have made progress in some areas and many local communities are taking steps to create a more equitable future.

Same goes for REACH. Stepping back and seeing the big picture, I see the many ways that REACH is making a positive impact on the community and for the families we serve. Over the past year, we have finished leasing up over 100 new affordable apartment homes and finalized plans to build and open 250 more.  REACH’s Community Builders Program helped over 100 long-time senior and disabled homeowners maintain their homes. The work we do every day at REACH is contributing to improving housing stability in our community.

REACH is also financially stable as an organization. We are ending 2018 on budget and maintain our strategic reserves. During the past year, we’ve been able to invest into long-term repairs and maintenance; improving & strengthening our portfolio of affordable homes.

Of course, we had some ups & downs this year:

• We had some damaging floods & fires that temporarily displaced people from their homes & impacted our financials temporarily. Thanks to all who helped get the repairs made, insurance claims filed, and residents supported.
• We completed an upgrade to our property management and finance systems. It was a tremendous undertaking and leaves us much stronger going forward.
• A group of REACH volunteers, residents, and staff visited our state capitals (Olympia and Salem) in the Spring, helping achieve big wins for affordable housing in Oregon and Washington legislatures.
• In November, we saw voters decisively support major new resources for housing stability with the passing of the Metro affordable housing bond and the state constitutional amendment. In addition, we overcame a big threat to housing funding at the federal level during the passage of the federal tax cut bill. We saw leaders from both parties in Congress rise to defend and expand affordable housing programs.
• We set a new record for community donations to REACH at the annual Hope + Housing Gala.
• We completed lease-up at Isabella Court and Orchards Phase 3 and opened our leasing office for 72Foster in the Portland Mercado, bringing affordable homes to Hillsboro and Vancouver for families and seniors.
• We welcomed 36 new employees to the REACH team, celebrated promotions, and said farewell to some awesome employees who retired or left for exciting career opportunities. We also mourned the loss of Kay Hutchinson (our former Director of Programs) who passed away too soon. The REACH team is growing and so is our impact.

What will 2019 hold for REACH? One thing is for sure: with your continued support, we will build more homes and serve more families, seniors, veterans, and working adults. I’m sure there will also be a few surprises, learnings and growth opportunities. Our mission and values will keep us grounded and focused. Looking forward to the journey.

Onward! 

Dan Valliere, REACH CEO