Community Celebrates LGBT-friendly Affordable Housing Win for Seniors with The Opal

Today at NW Saltzman Road in Portland, leaders, neighbors and partners gathered to celebrate breaking ground on The Opal and see the construction progress made on-site, connect with others and learn more on the development slated to open in October 2023.

The Opal (formerly Saltzman Road Apartments) is a 54-home development with a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments dedicated to seniors earning at or below 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Twenty-four of those homes will have project-based rent assistance to provide very-low-income individuals with an opportunity for affordable housing. As an underserved, vulnerable population, LGBT residents will be served through informed resident services and an ideal location that will provide a safe, welcoming, and positive environment to residents for years to come. Community space is key to the development and so it will include a community kitchen, lounge, activity and multipurpose rooms. 

Leaders and partners attending the event include Pastor Paul from Christ United Methodist Church, Washington County Board of Commissioners Chair Kathryn Harrington and Commissioner Nafisa Fai, Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzalez, Will Harris of Home First Development (HFD), Cat Vielma of Red Stone Equity and Nancy Alexander Harris of Aetna, a CVS Health Company, the event’s sponsor. 

“Fifty-four more affordable homes will now be available to the people of Washington County thanks to the collaboration of government, private and non-profit sectors. The Opal is the result of voter approved trust in action and is one way we can solve our affordable housing crisis, and end homelessness as we know it. This is another step towards making homelessness rare and brief,” emphasized Chair Harrington. 

Councilor Gonzalez stated, "We are breaking ground on another truly transformative affordable housing project in Washington County that serves some of our most vulnerable community members in the region. These units will provide a safe, welcoming and engaging community for seniors living on fixed incomes with the uniqueness of being the only project so far with explicit anti-discriminatory policies for people who identify as LGBTQIA+. I'm grateful to our county and service partners who will soon be welcoming residents near the end of 2023." 

Ben Pray, Owner and Financing Director at HFD shared, “Home First is proud to be a part of this innovative development with our partners at Christ United Methodist Church and Friendly House. We are grateful for the funders, lenders, and community support that made it possible. We can’t wait to see the vibrant, inclusive community that we know will thrive at Saltzman Road for years to come.”  

This project, funded by the Housing Authority of Washington County (HAWC) and Oregon Metro’s affordable housing bond, is a partnership between Home First Development Partners who developed the site along with Christ United Methodist Church, Low-Income Tax Credit investor Red Stone Equity Partners and SAGE Metro Portland, a program by services provider Friendly House. SAGE will offer educational, social, recreational, fitness, wellness and community-building opportunities to support residents to live with resilience and independence. Service coordination will include but is not limited to benefits screenings, resource navigation and referral, coordination of in-home services and supports as needed, options counseling, decision-making support, advocacy and to serve as liaisons between management and residents, with the goal of supporting people to live active and independent lives.

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ABOUT HOUSING AUTHORITY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY: 

The Housing Authority of Washington County (HAWC) has been providing and developing affordable housing opportunities in Washington County for nearly 50 years. Begun in 1970, the effort has continued in the County’s Department of Housing Services (DHS). The Department of Housing Services was formed in 1992 to administer housing activities and programs of the County and the Housing Authority. HAWC remains a separate legal entity and contracts with the County to implement and administer Housing Authority programs and all support services. HAWC’s mission is to provide a continuum of affordable housing options that promote community strength.