The dream of homeownership in Oregon is becoming more attainable for some, with support from a grant provided by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). The state's Pre-Development and Capacity-Building (PDCB) program has distributed $1.6 million to 14 nonprofit developers to help increase their capacity to develop affordable housing. According to OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell, the initiative plays a key role in "making the dream of homeownership a reality" and in strengthening partnerships with local organizations, OHCS reported.
Nonprofits across the state, from Tillamook County to Grants Pass, have used the grants to improve their competitiveness for state funding to develop affordable housing options. An example is Big River Community Land Trust (CLT) in Hood River, which has transitioned from a volunteer group to an organization that has started construction on its first home and purchased 2.7 acres for future development.
The PDCB grant has supported Sammy’s Place in Tillamook County, which plans to create Thompson Springs, an accessible community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a PDCB recipient, Sammy’s Place developed a site plan and housing designs based on universal design principles, exceeding standard accessibility requirements. This effort led to their approval for LIFT funding in 2024, demonstrating the role of the OHCS program in supporting projects that focus on inclusivity and equitable access to housing.
OHCS's strategy focuses not only on funding but also on providing local entities with the expertise to access additional revenue streams for affordable housing. Nine of the 14 PDCB grantees used the grant to prepare their projects for the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) funds, which further support affordable home development. The PDCB program is a part of the broader Homeownership Development Incubator Program (HDIP), established in 2023. This program uses General Funds to support partners and projects that may not qualify for other traditional homeownership development funds, according to OHCS.
Oregon's commitment to increasing affordable homeownership is demonstrated by the progress made by these organizations. When Alysha Sherburne, the executive director of Big River CLT, took the stage at the Speakeasy in Hood River, it was apparent that the financial and operational support from OHCS is contributing to advancements in housing equity across the state.
