PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Dozens of Portland families will soon have access to safe, stable housing following the completion of a major affordable housing project in Northeast Portland.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
On Friday, Home Forward held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the newly remodeled T. Joyce Phillips Community. The redevelopment transformed an existing 40-unit complex into a 187-unit building, dramatically expanding housing capacity for low- and moderate-income families.
Funded by Metro Housing Bond
The project was made possible through the 2018 Metro affordable housing bond, which voters approved to tackle the region’s severe housing shortage. The bond continues to fund similar projects across the metro area, with more developments nearing completion.
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A Range of Housing Options
The T. Joyce Phillips Community offers a mix of unit sizes to meet diverse needs, ranging from studio apartments to four-bedroom homes. Officials emphasized that this flexibility is key, particularly for larger families who often struggle the most to find affordable housing in the Portland area.
“We know that large families are particularly crunched to find a good place to live, a safe place to live, an affordable place to live in this region,” said Christine Lewis, Metro councilor for District 2.
Part of a Larger Regional Effort
Lewis noted that the Metro bond will ultimately support the creation of more than 5,000 affordable housing units throughout the region. Projects like the T. Joyce Phillips Community represent visible progress toward that goal, with construction on other developments already underway.
Meeting a Critical Need
Housing advocates say the opening comes at a crucial moment. Rising rents and limited availability have forced many Portland families into unstable living conditions. The additional units are expected to provide much-needed relief, though leaders acknowledge the scale of the housing crisis requires continued investment.
Looking Ahead
Construction on the complex is nearly complete, and residents are expected to begin moving in soon. For Home Forward and Metro leaders, the project represents both a milestone and a model for future developments.
As Lewis put it, “We’re not just cutting a ribbon on a building — we’re opening doors to opportunity and stability for hundreds of families.”
