In a notable effort to directly tackle the issue of homelessness and lack of affordable housing in Lake Oswego, Mercy Greenbrae Affordable Housing is slated to open its doors on July 16. According to a media advisory released by Clackamas County, the establishment will feature 100 apartment homes on the former Marylhurst University campus, made possible through a coordinated funding effort including a crucial $3 million from the Housing Authority of Clackamas County.
This newest housing project aims to not just provide shelter, but also to create a stable living environment for low-income families and individuals transitioning away from homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Clackamas County Commissioner Mark Shull noted, in a statement gleaned by Clackamas County news, the importance of the initiative. "Forty of these 100 apartments are for families or people who were homeless or at risk of it. For kids, the long-lasting trauma and impacts of homelessness cannot be understated, and communities must take action to stop it," stated Shull.
The development is particularly focused on addressing the need for family-sized units with eighty percent of the apartments having two and three bedrooms. Moreover, amenities have been tailored to nurture child and student success. These amenities include play spaces and a technology center – elements that reflect a broader goal to secure more than just housing, but also, opportunities for growth and development within the resident community.
Notably, Mercy Housing President Joe Thompson conveyed the significance of the Mercy Greenbrae project during his comments obtained by Clackamas County news. "Mercy Greenbrae marks a major milestone in the history of our organization as we open the doors to our first affordable housing development in Oregon," Thompson said. He added, "We could not be more honored and excited that our first project is in the wonderful city of Lake Oswego and on the gorgeous campus of Marylhurst. We also find ourselves humbled by the wonderful neighbors, community members, organizations, and representatives from all levels of government who have rallied around this community." Thompson further emphasized that now, "the real work of welcoming families, home, begins."
The opening ceremony will include speeches and tours of the facility and is expected to draw attention from city officials, community leaders, and the general public interested in witnessing the strides taken to alleviate a pressing local issue. Located at 3190 Furman Dr., the event scheduled from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, with speeches beginning at 2:30 p.m., will mark the inauguration of a project that is the result of diverse partnerships including Mercy Housing Northwest, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, and the Lake Oswego School District, among others.
