Director's Message
September 2, 2009

To: Employees and Partners of Oregon Housing and Community Services

From: Victor Merced

Re: Director’s Bulletin –

• Stimulus Allows Stalled Housing Developments to Proceed
• Civic Engagement Conference Beckons Volunteers
• Projects
  

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Stimulus Allows Stalled Housing Developments to Proceed

The State Housing Council took action Friday, August 28, to fill funding gaps with federal stimulus financing tools on seven stalled multifamily housing projects across Oregon.
Click here to read the news release.

Conference Beckons Oregon’s Nonprofit Community

Oregon Volunteers! is making ready for its upcoming conference October 1-3 at the Salem Conference Center.

“Connecting the dots…linking ideas with action,” the conference title, speaks to the conference goal of building and strengthening inclusive communities throughout the state.

Oregon Volunteers! Commissioner Bandana Shrestha, who also serves as chair of the State Committee on Civic Engagement, expects more than 400 Oregonians to attend “Connecting the dots.”

“Volunteerism makes our state strong, especially in tough economic times,” Shrestha said. “Our organization nurtures volunteers, and this conference highlights their contribution.”

Conference speakers will include: Nancy Henkin, director of the Temple University Center for Intergenerational Learning; Karen Heller Key, vice president for programs at the National Human Services Assembly; Martin Cowling, CEO of People First – Total Solutions; and Betty Stallings, president of Building Better Skills.

The conference, co-sponsored by the Nonprofit Association of Oregon and AARP, will also include the annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards Luncheon, at which more than 15 regional and statewide winners will be recognized for outstanding service to their communities.

In addition to national keynote speakers, 45 additional sessions will focus on nonprofit management, community organizing, traditional and disaster volunteer management, building livable communities, and major issues facing the state.

For more information and to register, visit the conference Web site at www.oregonvolunteers.org.

Projects

Nuevo Amanecer. The rededication of this 90-unit farmworker housing complex in Woodburn was an event filled with political passion and goodwill.

Former Governor Barbara Roberts delivered the passion. She battled for the project, and in 1994 Nuevo Amanecer became the first low-income-housing tax-credit farmworker project in the nation.

Jubilation ruled the day. Some 500 well-wishers and residents mingled. The rededication means the project will provide 30 added years of affordable farmworker housing.

Lamb Building. Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy led the charge to revitalize the West 11th Neighborhood on Monday, August 24, during groundbreaking for the Lamb Building.

The 35-unit affordable housing development will replace the 50-year old St. Vincent de Paul store at the site. It will also bring to 1000 the number of low-income units sponsored by St. Vincent de Paul in Lane County.

Nothing is secure but life, transition, the energizing spirit.

Victor Merced, Director
Phone 503.986.2005
Email: victor.merced@hcs.state.or.us
www.ohcs.oregon.gov

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