New Meadows project breaks ground in North Portland

Home Builders Foundation, Bridge Meadows and New Avenues for Youth have joined forces to create an innovative housing community for youth aging out of the foster care program in Oregon. Leveraging Bridge Meadows intergenerational healing community and New Avenues for Youth self-sufficiency and life skills services expertise, they are combining resources to build and operate the Dorothy Lemelson House & New Meadows Program, a trauma-informed housing and life-skills program for young people ages 18-24. This new 10,700 sq ft community, made up of 10 studios and 5 one-bedroom apartments offers youth the benefits of intergenerational care and support.The project broke ground on September 8^th, 2017 with a large group in attendance to celebrate the project that has been 3+ years in the making, including a few words from Commissioner Dan Saltzman who has been a long-time supporter.Located just one block away from the Bridge Meadows North Portland housing community, the Dorothy Lemelson House will offer former foster care youth a safe place to live while they pursue education and job training and practice and learn self-sufficiency skills.Home Builders Foundation and Renaissance Homes have worked together to secure in-kind donations and discounts from Milgard Windows and Doors, Medallion Industries, OrePac, Globe Lighting, Corian, Delta, GE Appliances, Willamette Graystone, Hanover Architectural Products, Keller Supply, Lakeside Lumber and James Hardie. Walsh Construction will serve as the General Contractor for the project. Construction is expected to be complete in May 2018.If you would like to find out more about how you can help on this amazing project, please contact Brenda Ketah at brendak@hbapdx.org.