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When Jasmine moved into her new home at Tigard’s Terrace Glen apartments more than a year ago, she didn’t foresee the impact her new affordable housing community would have on her and her family.
Jasmine’s housing crisis began in 2022 when she was forced to leave her home for safety reasons, with just her two young children and the little she had saved in her bank account. Navigating the journey home was difficult for her and her family. At first, they were placed in shelters that were challenging and did not suit her needs well. It was a difficult time after all the trauma she and her family experienced.
She persevered though, and with support from the Department of Human Services, and the shelter where she and her kids could safely rest their heads, she was finally able to get her GED.
“It was the proudest moment ever; I never excelled in academics,” shared Jasmine. “A lot of the times people, when they’re in their trenches, they want to give up... perseverance can get you where you need to be, don’t allow people’s lack of compassion, lack of knowledge, to hinder your abilities to be able to strive and make it where you need to be,” she continued.
That dedication paid off, and with the help of Family Promise of Greater Washington County shelter staff, she was referred to her new home. “It’s a beautiful three-bedroom apartment, and I’ve started to build community,” said Jasmine. Part of that community building was a summer art workshop facilitated by Portland State University (PSU) and EngAGE Northwest that explored the meaning of home.
EngAGE, a nonprofit that provides intergenerational arts, wellness and educational programs to affordable housing communities, is one of the on-site service providers that has empowered families like Jasmine’s, helping them build their lives. Not only do her family love art and have connected with their new neighbors over it, but it helped her heal. “For a while I thought I wanted to be an Art Therapist,” she said. “Art was a way to escape, a way for me to heal, so I thought this place was perfect.”
With her new feeling of being home, Jasmine started working towards her associate's degree at Portland Community College (PCC) and hopes to transfer over to PSU this fall to attain her bachelor's degree. As a first-generation student, Jasmine looked for assistance to help her complete her studies, especially considering her income limits and family situation. She found her support at PCC’s TRIO Program.
She’s taken courses in addiction counseling, but soon found herself burning out, “It’s very activating, maybe not the best career to pursue while being a single mother,” said Jasmine. “I do know though I want to help individuals mentally, emotionally, and with their well being. But I’m kind of figuring that out right now,” she continued.
While figuring this all out, Jasmine is staying engaged, further building that community she had sought since starting her housing journey. Today, she is volunteering on the community’s safety committee, continuing her art, getting involved with activities, getting to know neighbors and making new friends.
“Community is what we all need,” said Jasmine. “Single moms need a village, just being a parent in general is hard, doing it alone is hard... I really do feel like I found my village here,” she continued.
Jasmine is happy to finally be making her community. The Metro Affordable Housing Bond has helped open 813 doors in our county with 149 more making progress. The stable housing and the village Jasmine are building will support her and her children for decades to come.
When asked if she had any final words?
“It’s truly a Cinderella story. It wouldn’t have happened without these programs.... As much as it [her journey] sucked, I’m here because of it, and it made me stronger.”
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