At a time when the housing crisis in Oregon demands urgent action, a new development in Southern Oregon opens its doors to families displaced by wildfire. New Spirit Village, inaugurated this week, is an initiative bringing hope to individuals and families still grappling with the aftermath of the 2020 Almeda Wildfire. In attendance at the grand opening were Governor Tina Kotek, her spouse First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, Representative Pam Marsh of Ashland, Medford Mayor Randy Sparacino, and philanthropists Kathryn and Barry Thalden of the Thalden Foundation.

Governor Kotek, at the event, emphasized the state's commitment to addressing the ongoing housing crisis. "My administration is laser focused on our state’s housing crisis because we know that having safe, affordable housing is the foundation for Oregonians building healthy and full lives," she said, according to the official press release. Governor Kotek, added, "Part of the solution must include permanent housing for Oregonians who lost their homes because of wildfires. The innovative approach taken here at New Spirit Village represents exactly the kind of creative thinking and community-mindedness that we need to tackle a challenge of this magnitude."

The project, spearheaded by the Thalden Foundation after the devastating wildfires, is a testament to communal effort and resilience. The Thaldens themselves contributed a significant portion of their foundation's funds toward the construction of the village. In addition, more than 20 community service organizations pooled resources, showcasing a momentous collective response to a profound need. State support came through a LIFT Grant of $4,300,000, accompanied by private donations from entities like United Way, PacificCorp Foundation, and the Oregon Community Foundation.

New Spirit Village began its construction phase in March 2024, and once fully complete, it promises to be a model of renewal with 87 single family homes. These homes are priced well below the regional average, at below $195,000 for a one-bedroom and $249,000 for a three-bedroom, while the average home in the area goes for approximately $463,000. With the ribbon-cutting ceremony concluded, New Spirit Village is poised to become, not just a set of buildings, but a sanctuary for despaired spirits mending from the infernos that tore through their lives.