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Sharing the Future: Proud Ground Newsletter - Spring 2009

In this issue:

Homeownership can be surprising

"The most surprising thing about becoming a homeowner is actually coming to the realization that it's our home," - Victoria, new Proud Ground homeowner.

Homeownership certainly can be surprising. There are the good surprises, like the tulips that pop up in spring, or discovering that a pumpkin colored kitchen really does look great.

And, of course, there are the less fun surprises, like a leaking roof or clogged pipes. Thankfully, homeowners can survive these surprises - and Proud Ground is always there with resources and assistance.

Thankfully, Proud Ground homeowners won't experience the worst surprise of all: losing a home because of a bad loan. You see, Proud Ground homeowners only use a traditional 30 year mortgage - no balloon payments, no shocking rate increases. And because of this, the foreclosure rate among Proud Ground homeowners is 0. Nationally, CLT homeowners are 6 times less likely to go into foreclosure than market-rate homeowners. That's half of a percent!

What does this really mean? It means that Victoria, Venique and their four children finally have a home of their own. It means that Victoria and Venique, who love to cook, have the kitchen garden they always wanted. And it means that when their daughter Venicia asked, "Mom, is this our house?" Victoria was able to answer "Yes, and now you have a place to play instead of the parking lot."

We invite you to take part in the surprise and donate to Proud Ground today.

Thank you for your role in making the dream of homeownership come true for so many families.

We've still got work to do

It's true. I've been listening to a lot of Roberta Flack these past few weeks. And as she sings, "trying times is what the world is talkin' about."

Our friends, our family and our neighbors are facing uncertain futures. People are asking, why buy a home now? A few years ago, it seemed prevailing wisdom was that buying a home was the path to quick wealth. Home prices were rising dramatically, neighborhoods seemed to change overnight and we were scrambling to help open doors where they had been shut.

Well, while prices have dropped, we know that the buyers we work with still can't get a quality home at a price they can truly afford. We know that the minority homeownership gap is still very real.

And we know that for many of our homeowners, they didn't buy to get rich quick. They bought for the long-term stability and future of their family. They bought so they could focus on their career, not their next apartment. They bought so their child wouldn't have to change schools again. They bought to have a home to pass on to their heirs.

That hope and that belief in the next generation still rings true for us. And we've still got work to do.

Pardee Commons is coming to Lents

Patrick Donaldson of Communitecture Architecture and Planning discusses family-friendly green living in Lents.

What's happening at 122nd & Pardee?

Pardee Commons is a 10-unit project that uniquely combines d u p l e x - s t y l e townhomes and detached units. The car is given secondary attention while people are given the focus of the shared courtyard and common green area. And thanks to Proud Ground, PDC, and Cityhouse Builders these homes will be sold at an amazingly affordable price (avg. sales price expected to be $147K). I would go as far as to say that no one will be able to find a housing project that is so visually diverse, green and socially sustainable at these prices.

How green is it?

Oregon Department of Energy's High Performance Home standard, which means it uses 50% less energy than building only to code standard. Plus, it will qualify as an Earth Advantage Platinum home. Features include solar hot water; extra insulation; high efficiency heat pumps; permeable pavers on main driveway; low VOC paints; homes have smaller footprints, opening more area to green spaces; easy access to mass transit.

What about families?

The combination of 2 & 3 bedroomunits with the shared courtyard makes Pardee Commons very family-friendly.

What's your inspiration?

Designing spaces that encourage neighbors to cross paths and become a closer knit community is the exciting part of this project. It is counter to the isolated suburban model that has been plaguing our cities for the past 50 years.

For more information about Pardee Commons, visit www.proudground.org/pardeecommons.

Proud Ground by any other name

What's in a name? We've been asking that question this year as we consider how to grow our service to the community. We found the right folks to help us answer it.

After the great foundation that Deputy Consulting provided us, we have been working with Grady Britton, a local branding firm, since January to give Proud Ground a facelift. Grady Britton has over 35 years of experience working with companies and organizations of all sizes. We're thrilled to be working with them.

We're looking at a new logo, a new way of approaching our work, and even a new name! But that's not all. After four years in our current office, Proud Ground is heading to a new office in a new location.

Stay tuned this summer as we unveil our new name and our new office!

Meet new team member Lilia Alvarez

Lilia brings her passion for collaboration, solidarity and social change to her work with Proud Ground. Born and raised in Southern California, Lilia moved with her family to Baja California, Mexico at 15 and experienced the bicultural reality of a cross-border life. Lilia earned her bachelors and masters degrees at the University of Arizona and has collaborated with community efforts as a social justice activist locally and internationally.

What do you bring to Proud Ground?

My commitment to seeking social change through advocacy for a level playing field. I understand that community resolve through self direction requires organizational humbleness and respect for cultural resilience.

What do you do for fun?

I box and dance!

If we only had to know one thing about you, what would it be?

I'm determined to be an old woman without regrets.

Anything else you'd like folks to know?

It feels wonderful to be here.

Tell us about the picture!

I volunteered with Obras de Hermano Pedro in Antigua, Guatemala after college as a psychologist with women experiencing mental and physical disabilities. One of the families I worked with requested that I wear the traditional, indigenous dress of Guatemalan women to take a picture.

Eight was great! - A look at 2008

19 new homeowners bought their first home through Proud Ground in 2008 - thanks to your support! Here's a bit more about these new homes and homeowners:

  • They bought at a price they could afford, around $150,000.
  • Average household income of these new homeowners: $38,000.
  • Proud Ground administered $1.8 million of community investment to make these homes affordable.
  • One-third of these new homeowners can send their children to their neighborhood schools, knowing that they won't have to move during the school year.
  • Leigh & Mack have ducks, who live in a cozy coop with an eco-roof.
  • Kara & David bought chickens, to provide a couple dozen eggs a week.
  • Two families have just welcomed new family members!

Proud Ground Profile

We took a minute this month to catch up with Proud Ground Treasurer and board member John Marshall.

When you're not busy with Proud Ground, what else occupies your time?

I am happily employed as an underwriter of affordable housing at the Portland Development Commission. In addition, movies, walking, and visits with family and friends balance things out.

What are your three favorite things about Portland?

Excellent transportation system, nature - Mt Hood & the coast being an hour away, and great neighborhoods.

What one thing would you tell our community about Proud Ground?

Proud Ground's blessings include families working to make Portland great, dedicated staff that enjoy their work, and committed support from the community.


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