News

Help protect homeownership & the safety net

Wed, 16 May 2012 21:01:07 +0100

**WE NEED YOUR VOICE TO PROTECT HOME OWNERSHIP & TO HELP CLOSE THE GAP IN PORTLAND'S HOUSING SAFETY NET.** When people have a safe, stable, affordable place to live they’re better able to invest in themselves, their children and a better city for us all. The Mayor's proposed budget shows a strong commitment to these services that make up Portland's Safety Net. But critical pieces and successful programs were unfortunately not part of this proposed budget. With your help, we can work to ensure the safety net is fully funded at $4.8 million without jeopardizing the City's other vital services. In doing so, we can ensure that programs left in the funding gap like homeownership and foreclosure counseling, keep Portland moving forward. **WHAT CAN I DO?** ATTEND THE HEARING THIS THURSDAY: If you can, join other folks at a Community Budget Hearing this Thursday, May 17 6:30-8:30PM David Douglas High School, South Cafeteria 1001 SE 135th Ave. (Parking and South Cafeteria entrance located off of SE 130th between Taylor and Mill) Participants can testify about the proposed FY 2012-13 Portland Development Commission and City of Portland budgets. Names will be drawn at random for testimony. **SUBMIT YOUR STORY BY EMAIL** We know that your comments are best shared with the commissioners who are considering our request most closely: Commissioner Dan Saltzman and Commissioner Amanda Fritz. You can email them at dan@portlandoregon.gov and amanda@portlandoregon.gov. **WHAT CAN I SAY?** If applicable, share your story about how your ability to buy an affordable home helps you and your family; or, how affordable home ownership helps build a stronger community when others can buy affordably. Talk about how when house payments are truly affordable, stability and greater potential results. Talk about how home ownership increases the likelihood and ability for families to be involved with their community, neighborhood, school, church. Talk about how home ownership makes a positive difference in your life, or in the life of someone you know. Then ask them to please Close the Gap in Portland Safety's Net. **THANK YOU**

East Portland News covers 150th homeowner

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:11:58 +0100

Proud Ground's 150th new home buyer, Kelli Jarrell, tells her story to the East Portland News. Kelli shares, “What’s special about being a homeowner is the feeling of security and independence it gives me to own a home. This home is mine! It just feels good." [Read the whole story here](http://bit.ly/IKNFoo)

Proud Ground's 150th home buyer: Kelli Jarrell

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 02:35:13 +0100

“I worked so hard to buy this home because I wanted security for my children, I wanted them to always have a place to live. My children and their children are always welcome back home, we are forever family.” Kelli Jarrell, with grandchildren Deriyan and Jeremiah. Read all about Kelli: [Portland Observer](http://portlandobserver.com/?p=11832) [Oregonian](http://blog.oregonlive.com/homes-rentals/2012/04/proud_ground_milestone_paves_w.html) [HUD website](http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/oregon/stories/2012-04-04) [Proud Ground Spring 2012 newsletter](http://www.proudground.org/media/uploads/Spring_2012_newsletter_web.pdf)

Estate Planning Workshop May 16

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:17:13 +0100

Please join Proud Ground and estate planning attorney [Melanie Marmion](http://www.fitzwatermeyer.com/about/bios/marmion_m.cfm), a partner with the law firm of Fitzwater Meyer, LLP, for an intimate presentation on the basics of estate planning and planned giving, including a discussion of Wills, Revocable Trusts, Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives. This event is offered at no charge. Space is limited, registration is required. Priority will be given to Proud Ground homeowners and donors (but all are encouraged to register if interested). **Wed., May 16** 6pm – 7:30pm; Proud Ground office: 5288 N Interstate Ave. **RSVP:** [kathy@proudground.org](mailto: kathy@proudground.org); 503-493-0293 x18

Check out our new board members in the Oregonian!

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:01:21 +0100

Welcome new board members! * Susan Brown, *Vice President, Area Manager, Umpqua Bank Mortgage* * Michelle Holder, *Payroll Specialist, New Seasons Markets* * Randy Murgo, *Lead Senior Analyst, PacifiCorp* [Look, here they are in the Oregonian's Business section.](http://www.proudground.org/media/uploads/Story_Oregonian_Board_Members_Feb_22_2012.jpg)

Welcome new homeowners Jean, Francine, Kelly & family!

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:18:36 +0100

Congratulations Francine, Jean, Kelli & family! We are closing in on serving our 150th homeowner, stay tuned ... Meanwhile, here's Kelli at her closing, she can't believe she's finally a homeowner!

State Farm grant in Oregonian

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:40:25 +0100

Saturday's Community Helpers section of the Oregonian included our State Farm grant, which will help our Minority Outreach Project. [Check it out here.](http://www.oregonlive.com/living/index.ssf/2012/01/community_helpers_donations_as_13.html)

Proud Ground is in Washington County!

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:20:37 +0100

Thank you City of Beaverton for making homeownership affordable for a first-time home buyer. Learn more [here](http://www.oregonlive.com/beaverton/index.ssf/2012/01/beaverton_approves_first_proud.html)

Sunday Oregonian features Proud Ground--and the Millers!

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:01:50 +0100

The Sunday Oregonian Homes & Rentals section had a first page story on our permanently affordable home buying program -- and new Proud Ground homeowners the Millers, who are second generation Proud Ground homeowners! [Read all about it here.](http://blog.oregonlive.com/homes-rentals/2011/12/proud_ground_land_trust_makes.html)

Gresham Outlook covers new Proud Ground homeowner Jim Staley

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:15:30 +0100

[Check out the December 7 Gresham Outlook](http://bit.ly/w0S3Me) and read about one of Proud Ground's newest homeowners in Gresham, CVI client Jim Staley. What a great story about Jim's journey to homeownership!

What a Sesquicen-dominus party!

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:57:28 +0100

Thank you all for being a part of a record-breaking celebration for Proud Ground! We enjoyed greater attendance and donations than any event we've had in our 12 years, we are so thankful to everyone who was a part of it! Thank you especially to Commissioner Nick Fish for such great keynote remarks; to B. Frayn Masters and Jason Rouse for the Proud Ground hip hop tribute (which is below), and to future Proud Ground homeowner Kelli Jarrell for sharing so much with us about her journey to homeownership. See you next year!

Time lapse of our newest project

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:10:20 +0100

Our partner [Cityhouse Builders](http://cityhousepdx.com/) put together this timelapse of the progress on our newest project, Svaboda Court. When complete 12 new families will own LEED Platinum homes in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood.

Celebrate our sesquicen-dominus on Nov. 30

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:09:28 +0100

Our Sesquicen•dominus celebration is at capacity! If you RSVPed for this Wednesday's event and can't make it please let us know so we can accomodate last-minute RSVPers: <150@proudground.org> Thank you and see you Wednesday!

Look at the beautiful tomatoes on the cover of the Fall newsletter

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:05:51 +0100

After appreciating the garden bounty, please go on to read about our $100,000 grant from Meyer Memorial Trust, our newest staff member Angela Fujii ... and more! [It's all here.](http://www.proudground.org/media/uploads/Fall_2011_newsletter_web.pdf)

Pupusas are a delicious fundraiser!

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 01:03:18 +0100

The Gutiérrez family hosted another hugely successful pupusa fundraiser, making a total of 523 pupusas (a family record) and raising close to $1,000. The proceeds benefit Proud Ground's program that helps families buy their first home affordably (and where son Edward Gutiérrez is on staff as the Community Outreach Coordinator), as well as a charitable organization in El Salvador, the nation of origin of the Gutiérrez family. Pictured in the group photo are pupusa chefs and line-workers Jose Gutiérrez , Patricia Collins, Ana Orellana, Miriam Gutiérrez, Edward Gutiérrez, Krystal Anderson and Jesse Beason. [What's a pupusa?](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pupusa)

Second Annual Pupusa Fundraiser!

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:29:25 +0100

We're holding our Second Annual Pupusa Fundraiser on Friday, September 23rd and Saturday, September 24th! Help support our affordable home ownership program and efforts and enjoy some delicious Salvadoran food! A pupusa is a traditional Salvadoran dish made of thick, hand-made corn tortillas that are filled with a blend of cheese, pork and/or refried beans. Pupusas are $2.50 each and we are offering free delivery on orders over $35. They will be ready for pick-up on September 23rd and 24th at our office (5288 N. Interstate Avenue) and can be eaten immediately or refrigerated/frozen for later consumption! You may place your order [here](http://bit.ly/pupusa). If you have any questions, contact Edward at 503.493.0293x10 or edward@proudground.org

On KGW: Proud Ground & Wells Fargo volunteer work party

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:13:48 +0100

Proud Ground homeowner Melissa Schaefer's new home got a real makeover last Saturday! Wells Fargo volunteers, joined by families of Melissa's in-home preschool, helped transform the 1/2 acre lot into an urban farm and enhanced space for her preschool. Thank you to everyone! And to [KGW for the great story on Saturday's 5:00 news.](http://www.kgw.com/lifestyle/making-a-difference/Portland-home-gets-urban-farm-makeover-128132933.html)

In the News: Oregonian reports on MMT's $100K grant to Proud Ground

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:16:43 +0100

You may have missed the Sat., August 6 edition of the Oregonian because you were outside enjoying our long-awaited summer. No worries, [here's the story on Proud Ground's $100K grant from Meyer Memorial Trust](http://www.proudground.org/media/uploads/Story_Oregonian_MMT_grant_Aug_6_2011.pdf).

Goodbye, from the AmeriCorps VISTA

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:59:52 +0100

My year as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Proud Ground has come to a close…and it has been a great year! I enjoyed being involved with meaningful projects, from managing social media to starting a workshop series with two community partners to developing materials and trainings for the volunteer program. It was wonderful to contribute to the mission of such an inspired organization. But what has made this year particularly meaningful was the people I worked with at Proud Ground, Oregon Microenterprise Network, and in the community. Bright, fun and passionate, they are people I look up to and learned from. Thank you everyone!

If you would like to stay in touch I will be working for Hacienda CDC (still in Portland, OR).

Thanks again!

Caitlin Burke

Bank of America volunteers help Proud Ground beautify empty foreclosed home

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:44:53 +0100

Bank of America volunteers gave up a rare sunny Saturday afternoon recently to help Proud Ground beautify an empty foreclosed home to prepare it for sale to a low/moderate-income, first-time homebuyer. This is just one more facet of the partnership between the Bank and Proud Ground, which received a $200,000 Bank of America Neighborhood Excellence Initiative Neighborhood Builder grant in 2010. “At Bank of America, one way we strengthen our communities is through our employee volunteer program. Last year, Bank of America employees volunteered more than 12,000 hours across Oregon and SW Washington,” said Roger Hinshaw, Bank of America Market President for Oregon & SW Washington. “We’re so pleased to partner with Proud Ground through the Neighborhood Builder grant and with our employee time and talent to help provide quality homes for first-time homebuyers.” Bank of America crew leader Sherry Glaser and 9 bank colleagues and family members did yard work and interior garage painting at home in NE Portland’s Parkrose neighborhood. “As a Bank of America volunteer, I am proud to support Proud Ground, and help them provide quality homes for first-time homeowners,” says volunteer crew leader Sherry Glaser. “We are proud to volunteer in the communities where we live and work. Nothings beats the feeling of accomplishment when you see what you were able to accomplish, what you were able to give, or how you helped someone who might not be able to do for themselves.” [Read the rest of the story here.](http://www.proudground.org/media/uploads/News_Release_Bank_of_America_volunteers_beautify_foreclosed_home_June2011.pdf)

The Spring Newsletter: Svaboda Commons gets construction financing! And more!

Wed, 25 May 2011 23:51:56 +0100

That's right, Proud Ground's new construction project gets off the ground! Find out all about that--and so much more--in the [Spring 2011 newsletter](http://www.proudground.org/media/uploads/Spring_2011_newsletter_web.pdf)

Social Investor Adrian Dominican Sisters spotlights our green project, Svaboda Court

Tue, 24 May 2011 18:32:54 +0100

[Proud Ground partner and social investor Adrian Dominican Sisters spotlight our green housing development project, Svaboda Court](http://bit.ly/iKuVhh). It's an honor to have the support of ADS and other social investors as we work to bring more green, affordable home buying opportunities to under-served communities.

Proud Ground is now in Gresham--welcome home Christin & family!

Tue, 10 May 2011 01:00:25 +0100

Proud Ground announces the expansion of our service area to include Gresham, bringing affordable home buying opportunities to East Multnomah County. And, like all homes in our program, these homes will be permanently affordable to benefit future generations of home buyers. Christin, a single mom to two boys and a Housing Authority of Portland employee, is Proud Ground's first Gresham homebuyer; we are thrilled to have helped Christin's family find their own place to call home in Gresham. We look forward to serving six more new homeowners in Gresham with our partners NAYA Youth & Family Center and Community Vision Inc. [Read more about our program expansion to Gresham, and about Christin's road to homeownership here.](http://www.proudground.org/media/uploads/News_Release_Proud_Ground_first_Gresham_home_homebuyer_May_9_2011.pdf)

Proud Ground in April 15 Street Roots

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 21:15:21 +0100

Proud Ground and two of our homeowners are very nicely profiled in the April 15, 2011 edition of Street Roots. [Check it out.](http://streetroots.wordpress.com/2011/04/27/proud-ground-helps-deliver-a-dream-having-a-home/)

Proud Ground-New Seasons partnership is on the front page of the 3/31 Observer!

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:27:38 +0100

Proud Ground has enjoyed a partnership with New Seasons Market since 2007 -- we work together to reach NSM employees to let them know about Proud Ground's affordable home-buying opportunities. [Read all about it in the March 30 edition of the Portland Observer.](http://www.proudground.org/media/uploads/Story_Observer_NSM_partnership_Mar_30_2011.pdf)

Nedwater gives in more ways than one! Thank you for the donation ...

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:22:46 +0100

And thank you, too, for so nicely [sharing our story on your website](http://bit.ly/fuJZvI). [And look, Proud Ground finally made it to You Tube!](http://bit.ly/h7CJA7)

March 2011 E-News: On TV, networking, farming

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:18:56 +0100

Spring 2011 Newsletter: On TV, networking, farming

“I can't begin to tell you the importance of affordable housing for my family. Before owning my own home I always felt as though I was observing someone else's community from a stalled starting gate position. Proud Ground opened that gate and I've been running full speed ever since!”
–Debra, mom to Riley, married to Tim, gardener, community volunteer, Proud Ground homeowner.

Proud Ground in the news, in the community …

Proud Ground's Community Outreach Coordinator Edward Gutiérrez joined Proud Ground homeowners Juan & Margarita at their home recently to talk about our program on the Spanish language television station Univision. Watch it here. Thank you Juan & Margarita for sharing your home and your story!
The Department of Oregon Housing & Community Services awarded Proud Ground $50,000 to help lower the purchase price of our upcoming homes throughout Portland. Read all about it in the Director's Bulletin
Proud Ground Executive Director Jesse Beason is one of the Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 for 2011. Congratulations Jesse! Read his profile here.
Join us on Facebook and Twitter! We're posting announcements, information on activities and events ... and more! We invite you to participate in our online community.
- Become our Fan on Facebook
- Follow us on Twitter

Proud Ground is getting into ... urban farming?

Well, kind of. We are renovating for sale five foreclosed homes as stage one of our Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) work, and one of those homes sits on a lovely half acre.

We are excited about the possibility of dedicating a portion of the lot to a community garden, or working with the eventual new homeowners on taking full advantage of a rare and wonderful urban farming opportunity. Stay tuned.

Speaking of NSP

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program is great in so many ways:

11 families will become new homeowners due to NSP
11 foreclosed, empty homes will be renovated, beautified, and occupied
Energy efficiency and sustainability is prioritized in all projects
Portland gains 11 permanently affordable homes
We are able to continue working with one of our favorite partners, the Native American Youth & Family Center (NAYA)
We get to put our good friends at Bank of America to work! As part of our Neighborhood Builder partnership Bank of America volunteers will help landscape one—maybe two!—NSP homes.

However, the NSP program does not cover all of the expenses connected to all the work these homes require -- roofing, floors and everything in between. That’s where you come in. Can you help us in our efforts rehabilitating and beautifying (and greening!) 11 foreclosed homes? Your donation will do that – and so much more (How much more? See Debra, above. See even more Proud Ground homeowners here.)

Let’s help each other

Are you over 70 ½ years old or older, and are some IRA funds are weighing you down? We can help: IRA Holders Can Still Make 2010 Charitable Distributions.

That’s right. If this describes you, you have until the day you file your taxes to make a contribution out of your IRA and have it count as 2010 donation. More information is available at the Nonprofit Times website.

PS: Your donation can double in value -- ask if your employer matches donations! Find out more here.

PPS: We’re proud to report that we still have a 0% foreclosure rate.

Be a part of it all

When you donate to Proud Ground, you're part of something that will last for generations. Your gift creates home, builds community, changes lives. Please donate today. Thank you.

- Forward this message to a friend -

Jesse Beason: One of the Business Journal's 40 Under 40!

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 23:02:56 +0100

Congratulations to Proud Ground's Jesse Beason for being named one of the Business Journals' Forty Under 40 this year! And congrats to all the other winners, what a great bunch to be a part of. [Read Jesse's profile here](http://www.proudground.org/media/uploads/Business_Journal_coverage_JB_40_40_02_18_2011.pdf)

OHCS awards Proud Ground $50K

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 01:42:37 +0100

OHCS awarded us $50,000 to help lower the purchase price of our upcoming homes throughout Portland. Read all about it in the [Director's Bulletin](http://www.oregon.gov/OHCS/DO/bulletin/2011/2011-02-14-DO-Bulletin.pdf) Thanks OHCS!

Proud Ground on Univision

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 01:10:56 +0100

Proud Ground's Community Outreach Coordinator Edward Gutiérrez joined Proud Ground homeowners Juan & Margarita at their home yesterday. Thank you Juan & Margarita for sharing your home and your story!

Energy tax credits work -- read Jesse's op-ed in the 1/7/11 Business Journal

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:05:08 +0100

Want to know why energy tax credits work? Read Jesse Beason's op-ed in the 1/7/11 Business Journal. > **Energy tax credits work for the economy** > The debate about the Business Energy Tax Credit is an important one. The program offers tax credits for investment in energy-efficient building projects. > There are plenty of views about how the program can best balance revenue for vital government services with our collective interest to provide incentives for Oregon’s emerging green markets and reduced carbon use. > With the opening of the 2011 legislative session next week, this is a good time to illustrate how the program — commonly known as BETC (pronounced “Betsy,”) has helped low-income Oregonians build assets, save money and reduce energy use while contributing to our state’s goal of increased renewable energy generation. > Since 1999, Proud Ground — where I serve as executive director — has been working to help low-income families buy a home they can afford. Our unique model ensures that our homes will remain affordable forever. Increasingly, our focus has been on providing homes that will not only last for generations, but provide low utility costs. We see important connections between affordability, durability, and sustainability. > We have been fortunate to use Oregon’s High Performance Homes program, funded as part of our state’s BETC program, to help meet these green goals. The program helps defray the initial cost of energy conservation upgrades and puts renewable energy where we need it most, at the sites that use it. Homes are constructed with significantly tighter and better-insulated building envelopes than average new homes and outfitted with solar electricity, hot water and other renewable generators which are paid for, in part, by selling tax credits. > The benefits of this investment are not only greener homebuilders and living-wage jobs in renewable industries. The High Performance Homes program means that our low-income families are saving significantly on their energy bills. > On our most recent projects, families are saving up to 60 percent on utility costs. These extra dollars make a real difference in the lives of hard-working families — flowing directly back into our economy, while helping low-income Oregonians build assets and a strong stake in our green future. > Without the program, organizations like ours would likely continue our mission to create well-built homes. But those homes would lack the energy investments that the program makes possible. Given their incomes, the families we serve are unlikely to retrofit their homes. > Oregon families need sustainable homes more than ever. Oregon homebuilders need the opportunity to build better homes that support and grow our economy. The investments we make in conservation and renewable energy will pay off for years into the future. > The issues that this Legislature faces are monumental, complex and formidable. I do not envy the task. However, there need not be winners and losers in every deliberation about providing resources for public services versus economic development. > In my experience, the High Performance Homes model is exactly the kind of program that does both, providing economic and environmental sustainability to those that need it most while spurring innovation and jobs. > On behalf of the families we serve, my vote is to keep it. > Jesse Beason is the executive director of Proud Ground, a nonprofit homeownership organization serving low-income families in Multnomah and Washington counties. [View a copy of the actual article here](http://www.proudground.org/media/uploads/Story_Business_Journal_JB_Commentary_Jan_7_2011.pdf)

Proud Ground on KGW

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:02:35 +0100

Jesse Beason & Elaine Albrich: People On the Move

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:19:17 +0100

People On The Move: 1/7/11 Business Section of the Oregonian -- Proud Ground Executive Director Jesse Beason and Board Chair Elaine Albrich. Jesse has been appointed to the board of the National Community Land Trust Network, and Elaine, an attorney with Stoel Rives, was elected Proud Ground's board chair in December 2010. Congratulations Jesse & Elaine! [January 7, 2011 Oregonian: People](http://www.proudground.org/media/uploads/Story_Oregonian_People_Jan_7_2011.pdf)

Business Journal reports: Proud Ground's Jesse Beason is a 2011 Change Agent

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 07:12:45 +0100

The December 24, 2010 cover story of the Portland Business Journal, "Leaders tackle tough issues in 2011", includes Proud Ground Executive Director Jesse Beason. Here's editor Rob Smith's story: > **Jesse Beason: the Change agent** When Jesse Beason took over as executive director at the former Portland Community Land Trust, he knew things had to change. > First was the name. A series of focus groups revealed that people thought the nonprofit was a real estate brokerage. They confused it with the Portland Development Commission, or thought it was a land conservation organization. > Now known as Proud Ground, the nonprofit helps low-income families purchase their first home at below-market value. In exchange, the homebuyers agree to sell the home at below-market value when they’re ready to move out. > Beason, who took over in 2008, quickly refocused the organization, whose annual operating budget is $550,000. Proud Ground now targets minority communities to “address the home ownership gap that exists between families of color and white families,” he said. “We talk about our mission differently and present ourselves differently.” > Proud Ground recently completed an Earth Advantage LEED Platinum condo project at New Columbia called Woolsey Corner. The organization plans to build its first project next year in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, a LEED Platinum duplex. Beason’s work has garnered national attention. The organization recently received a $200,000 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders grant, and Beason will participate in the bank’s Neighborhood Excellence Leadership Program. > He is also a graduate of the Future Leaders Initiative, a year-long intensive leadership training program focused on community development professionals based on Harvard’s Achieving Excellence program. > — Rob Smith

Get your give on

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:12:00 +0100

**"I feel like the whole world has been waiting for me to get this house!"** -- *very excited new Proud Ground homeowner.* When you donate to Proud Ground, you're part of something that will last for generations. Your gift creates home, builds community, changes lives. [Please donate today.](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=6647152) Thank you & Happy Holidays!

Proud Ground awarded $200,000 as a Bank of America Neighborhood Builder

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:33:09 +0100

We are thrilled and honored to share the news that Proud Ground is one of two awardees of the 2010 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders grant. This is an amazing investment in our organization and our community, for which we are extremely grateful. We are thankful for our homeowners and our homeowners yet to come for their role in this honor, and we thank the many partners in our work for their continued support, collaboration and counsel. Finally, we're proud to count many of the past recipients of this recognition as partners in our work. "At Bank of America, one way we strengthen communities is through our Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, which is our signature philanthropy program that recognizes, rewards and encourages those who are making a difference in Oregon and SW Washington. This year, I am so pleased that Proud Ground was selected as one of our partners — and that the $200,000 grant they’ll receive will help Proud Ground continue its critical work of removing barriers between families and affordable homeownership." Roger Hinshaw Bank of America’s Market President of Oregon/SW Washington [Read the Bank of America press release here.](http://www.proudground.org/media/uploads/BofA_NEI_press_release_11_10_2010.pdf) [Read the Oregonian story here.](http://blog.oregonlive.com/business-watch/2010/11/nonprofits_recognized_by_bank_of_americas_neighborhood_excellence_initiative.html)

Proud Ground at the African American Alliance Homebuyer Fair

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 21:34:35 +0100

Proud Ground was proud to participate in the African American Alliance for Homeownership’s 12th Annual Homeownership Fair, held October 30. Proud Ground Community Outreach Coordinator Edward Gutiérrez shared an important message with fair-goers, "“Many people who think they won’t be able to buy a home, once they go through our program they realize they can buy,” he said. And once people have their foot in the door, they have many more options. “More than 50 percent of our homeowners go on to purchase homes on the traditional housing market. [Read all about it in The Skanner's online edition](http://www.theskanner.com/article/2010/10/31/The-Message-from-the-Homeownership-Fair-Why-Rent-When-You-Can-Buy).

Proud Ground in the news -- pupusas!

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 21:12:48 +0100

Proud Ground had a little fun during a Sept. 24 fundraiser. [Find out all about it here.](http://portlandobserver.com/?p=5402)

Proud Ground's 2009 Annual Report

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 19:33:36 +0100

Proud Ground turned 10 in 2009. It was a busy tenth year! [Find out all about it here.](http://www.proudground.org/media/uploads/09report_web.pdf)

Proud Ground in the news: KPTV

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:17:05 +0100

KPTV recently featured The Bakers, a family who bought their home through Proud Ground and has been transforming their yard into a garden to benefit the community: >Proud Ground and the Native American Youth and Family Center paired up to help Angela Baker and her family buy their house last year. Before moving in, the Baker family had lived in seven rentals in eight years. >Baker, her husband and three children are now using part of their property to grow food and educate other families. >"All of the food here is donated, volunteers … come and work and then the food is donated and divided amongst the families," Baker said. [Read the rest, and view the video here.](http://www.kptv.com/positively-oregon/24863362/detail.html) You can also read more about Angela, Casey and their teaching garden by [clicking here](http://www.proudground.org/stories/angela-casey-kids-and-teaching-garden/).

In OR’s Sea of Foreclosures, Home Ownership Success

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:20:15 +0100

Public News Service reported on the low foreclosures experienced by homeowners served by organizations like ours. In fact, not a single Proud Ground homeowner has experienced foreclosure. Here's a bit of what they had to say: > ...less than one percent of homeowners who buy through CLTs are in foreclosure, according to the latest national research. Jesse Beason, executive director of Proud Ground, says it's not magic - they just work to match families with homes and loans they can handle. > "When folks get a chance to really learn about all the ins and outs of home ownership, and when they're really put in a situation that they can sustainably afford a home and a mortgage payment that they can keep up, they are much more successful." > Beason says the CLTs offer homes at far below market-rate prices, and work with smaller, community banks as the lenders. They also help people who are already in foreclosure hold onto their homes. [Read (and listen) to the rest of the story here.](http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/15193-1)

The joy of homeownership

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:09:38 +0100

**“There’s not a better feeling than becoming a homeowner. I feel such joy; I can’t believe this is really mine. Hopefully now my kids will want to become homeowners.”** Tracie, single mom of three, medical office receptionist, and new Proud Ground homeowner. Tracie has many reasons to feel joyful about homeownership. We all know the obvious ones – pets, gardens, swing sets, purple bedrooms, stability, growth, community. However, Tracie and all the other Proud Ground homeowners have a bonus reason to be so happy about homeownership: **In a period of deep economic decline marked by steep foreclosures, Proud Ground homeowners have a 0% foreclosure rate. Zero.** That’s pretty phenomenal today. But we’re not really all that surprised. For one, our families get traditional, 30 year fixed-rate mortgages at great rates. No sub-prime, adjustable-rate, interest-only mumbo jumbo. They know they’ll have a stable payment for the next 30 years. And there’s more. You see, a core feature of our program is post-purchase support of homeowners, helping to ensure that Proud Ground families don’t lose their homes. Proud Ground staff work intensively with homeowners – before the sale, providing extensive education and counseling about homeownership and all it entails; and after the purchase, providing everything from resources regarding budgeting and finances to direct consultations with Proud Ground’s skilled home repair and maintenance staff. Your support helps make all of this happen -- thank you. [Will you take a moment right now to renew your support, and help us help more families experience the joy of homeownership?](https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=8YTnoCw-qN5KmHYdKYGOJgieZDycghJGZD11tTSpdatILPWvNv68vEyGis4&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f22d2300ef60a6759516e590e949da361e9502e138eefdd27) My best to you in your home, Jesse Beason Executive Director PS: Your donation can double in value -- ask if your employer matches donations! [Find out more here](http://www.proudground.org/donate/employer-matching-gift-program/)

True/Slant: Portland’s 0% foreclosure rate affordable home ownership model

Wed, 12 May 2010 17:35:54 +0100

True/Slant's D.D. Cook interviewed Proud Ground's Executive Director, Jesse Beason, about our unique and successful model. > This city has long demonstrated a sensitivity toward the role housing plays in peoples’ lives. From its progressive and compassionate attitude toward the homeless to its innovative affordable housing community, Portland is the nation’s test kitchen for properly and humanely housing low income individuals and families... [Read the rest at True/Slant](http://trueslant.com/dancook/2010/05/09/portlands-0-foreclosure-rate-affordable-home-ownership-model/).

Proud Ground secures significant program & project funding

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:09:37 +0100

Despite the economy, Proud Ground’s housing development work moves forward, thanks in part to generous support from diverse sources. Proud Ground’s housing development project, Svaboda Court, received two jolts of support recently: 1) Community Frameworks’ SHOP program awarded $120,000 to provide an additional $15,000 of buy-down assistance for each of the 8-12 homes in Svaboda Court, in exchange for some sweat-equity hours provided by the homebuyers. The result is an even lower purchase price, and greater homeowner investment in the home. This award is in addition to another $120,000 Community Frameworks SHOP award, to be used to lock in a lower purchase price on other pending projects. SHOP funds are made available through HUD’s Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program. More information: http://www.communityframeworks.org/shop/shop_index.html 2) Lower purchase prices can come through more affordable loans, too. A $100,000, low-interest loan from the Religious Communities Investment Fund will reduce project costs by replacing an early, higher-interest acquisition loan on the project. “We are proud to be supporting Proud Ground in its efforts to not only create affordable housing, but to also provide the infrastructure to ensure that the properties remain affordable for future generations,” says Fund Director Corinne Florek, OP. The Religious Communities Investment Fund is a coordinated effort of various Catholic Religious Congregations who use their financial resources to assist in overcoming social and environmental inequities. Using their resources as a ministry, the Congregations pool their individual assets to support the mission of promoting economic justice through investments in low-income communities worldwide. More information: http://rcif.org/. These awards supplement other funding in Svaboda Court, including $675,000 from the Portland Development Commission. PDC’s award is in the form of a loan that will convert to a grant that helps buy-down the purchase price of the homes in the project. Further pre-development funding for this project includes: • $100,000 low-interest loan from the Sisters of Charity, Ohio; • $50,000 low-interest loan from the Adrian Dominican Sisters, Michigan; • $35,000: 0% pre-development loan from Enterprise Community Investments; • $8,300: Grant from HOME Depot Foundation toward $13,000 of certification and third party verification associated with LEED for Homes. Svaboda Court is a housing project under development by Proud Ground. Located in the Lents Urban Renewal Area, it will be 8-12 duplex style, family-friendly townhomes. Svaboda Court is on track to meet LEED for Homes platinum and is ready to break ground – once construction financing is secured. “Proud Ground – like so many housing developers – is experiencing firsthand the fallout from lenders’ hesitancy,” Proud Ground Executive Director Jesse Beason explains, addressing the difficulties both nonprofit and market-rate developers are having in accessing construction financing. “However, as these recent funding awards demonstrate, there are lenders who value and support projects like Svaboda Court, and who recognize the vast differences between this product versus more expensive, market-rate products.” Beason continues, “Svaboda Court is permitted and ready to go – and very marketable. With price points from about $130,000 - $155,000, Svaboda Court will reach an under-served market – a market that has demonstrated an active interest in purchasing high-quality, affordably priced homes. For example, just across the street is Pardee Commons, a Proud Ground project developed by Cityhouse LLC. Since the sales period began in November of 2009, nine out of 10 units have been sold to low-income, first-time homebuyers – households with average annual incomes of $42,000. The average sales price of homes at Pardee Commons: $145,000. Svaboda Court is a similar product with a similar market-focus.” In addition to Svaboda Court, Proud Ground's housing acquisition and development work recently benefited from an award of $791,969. This award was made to a partnership between Proud Ground and the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), and is part of the City of Portland's share of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds. The collaboration between Proud Ground and NAYA Family Center will buy 8-11 foreclosed homes needing significant renovations, particularly in neighborhoods in SE and NE Portland. Rehabbed homes will then be sold to first-time homebuyers earning between 50% to 80% of the MFI, or $35,000 to $56,000 for a family of four. The goal of the partnership is to sell at least half of the homes to families of color. "Even in the current market, homeownership is less accessible to the families we serve than it has ever been,” says Jesse Beason, Executive Director of Proud Ground, which uses a land trust model to ensure long-term affordability of homes. “Today's generation is facing an average sales price that is more than twice that of our parents and grandparents. We are grateful and honored to use these funds to make homeownership a reality for the many who’ve been shut out of that American Dream.” In terms of general program support, The Collins Foundation awarded Proud Ground a $50,000 grant over two years for homeownership and housing development work – following its three year, $90,000 grant that got the nonprofit’s housing development program off the ground. “The Collins Foundation is delighted to support the work of Proud Ground. Despite a very difficult economy, this nimble and creative organization continues to advance its mission of creating permanently affordable homes,” explains Collins Foundation Executive Vice President Cynthia Addams. “The projects being developed today will be vital to the next wave of first-time home buyers.” The Collins Foundation is an independent private foundation created in 1947 by Truman W. Collins and other family members. The foundation exists to advance humanitarian endeavors in the state of Oregon and to assist in improving the quality of life for Oregonians. More information: http://www.collinsfoundation.org/

Proud Ground and Minority Homebuyer Assistance Collaborative work together to serve minority homebuyers

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:29:25 +0100

*The housing organizations recently helped two low-income households become homeowners* Two new homebuyers achieved the dream of homeownership through Proud Ground, a nonprofit organization creating affordable homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers, and the Minority Homebuyer Assistance Collaborative. The Minority Homebuyer Assistance Collaborative (MHAC) is a coalition of local nonprofit organizations dedicated to promoting minority homeownership through culturally specific homebuyer education and counseling services that are offered in both in English and Spanish. In addition to homebuyer education, MHAC (which is comprised of the African American Alliance for Homeownership, Hacienda CDC, and Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives) also makes small grants available to help households on their way to homeownership – which is how Proud Ground came to partner with MHAC. Proud Ground homeowner Tracie Cole is a perfect example of the difference MHAC can make. Tracie fell in love with her brand new, Earth Advantage town home in Lents from day one. Though the home was offered through Proud Ground for $124,499, the monthly payments were still just a bit too high for Tracie’s budget. MHAC’s $5,000 down-payment grant was just the right amount to bring Tracie’s monthly payments down to a level that made owning her first home possible. “There’s not a better feeling than becoming a homeowner,” Tracie explains as she describes the impact homeownership has on her and her three children. “I feel such joy; I can’t believe this is really mine. Hopefully now my kids will want to become homeowners.” Tracie and another Proud Ground homeowner helped by MHAC join four other households at Pardee Commons, a 10-unit Earth Advantage Platinum Home development in Lents that uniquely combines duplex-style townhomes and detached units with shared green space and green features. More information: http://www.proudground.org/homes/. **About the Minority Homebuyer Assistance Collaborative** MHAC is a coalition of local nonprofit organizations: The African American Alliance for Homeownership (AAAH), Hacienda CDC, and Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives, Inc. (PCRI). MHAC is dedicated to promoting minority homeownership through culturally specific homebuyer education and counseling services that are offered in both in English and Spanish; the coalition also works to reduce the increasing number of mortgage foreclosures. MHAC recently received funds from the Portland Housing Bureau to provide direct financial assistance loans for up to 16 qualified households. MHAC formed to directly address the challenges faced by communities of color in successfully pursuing homeownership. For more information:

The African American Alliance for Homeownership

Hacienda CDC

PCRI

You did it!

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:30:56 +0100

Friends, We are humbled and honored. You rose to the challenge and helped meet our anniversary goal of $10,000 for 10 years. In fact, we surpassed our goal -- by a lot. We really did end the year with a bang. Thank you! Now, on to 2010. Happy new year! Our best, - The Proud Ground Team

Our ten year anniversary celebration was a success!

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:54:00 +0100

Thank you to everyone who joined us! We were grateful to celebrate with homeowners, partners and supporters and to honor the many people who were instrumental in making Proud Ground what it is today.

We had fun too! There was the top ten list, the Proud Ground bird houses and of course the inspiring performance of Sweet House of Mine by Eastland Academy. (Many of you have asked for the lyrics. They're at the bottom.)

Thanks to you all, we are more than halfway to meeting our $10,000 for Ten Years Challenge.

If you weren't able to join us, you can still help us meet the challenge!

Help us raise $10,000 by December 31 — and we'll end our 10th year with a bang!

This level of support will help ensure we end our 10th year on solid ground, ready for the opportunities and challenges of 2010, when we plan to do even more to help families realize the dream of homeownership.

Sweet House of Mine
Lyrics by Eastland Academy
Music by Neil Diamond

Where it began, in ’99 our founders were
Gatherin’ supporters from all ‘round
Name was too long
It was kind of a bummer
So it got changed to Proud Ground

Hands, helping hands, reaching out
Helping me, helping you
Sweet House-of-Mine
Affordable always seems so good
If you’re inclined to believe in neighborhood

Look ‘round tonight
And it don’t seem so loan-free
It’s filled up with family too…
And those who rent
Renters turn into owners
Don’t need to rent there’s hope for you

One, helping one, reaching out
Helping me, helping you
Sweet House-of-Mine
Affordable always seems so good
If you’re inclined to believe in neighborhood

Proud Ground in The Oregonian

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:52:10 +0100

Proud Ground's 10th anniversary and 100th home get some great press!

OREGONIAN--Proud Ground has been creating permanently affordable housing for a decade now, working to keep Portland from becoming San Francisco or Vail, Colo., where many working in those cities can't afford to live in them.

Proud Ground is a new name -- until recently, the nonprofit went by Portland Community Land Trust -- but its mission hasn't changed: making home ownership a possible dream for low-income people and keeping it affordable for successive owners.

"We're not investing in just one family moving into one home," said Jesse Beason, Proud Ground executive director. "We're investing in the whole community by keeping it a place where people who provide vital services, such as teachers and beginning nurses, can afford to live."

Read the full November 30, 2009 Oregonian story here.

Congress Renews Homebuyer Tax Credit

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:30:44 +0100

The tax credit of up to $8,000 is still available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before June 30, 2010. (You must be under contract to purchase by April 30, 2010.) Unlike the tax credit enacted in 2008, the new credit does not have to be repaid.

Proud Ground homebuyers can take advantage of this tax credit to buy their first home in 2009!

Click here to learn more about the tax credit.

Join us for our 10 year Anniversary Celebration

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:11:24 +0100

10 years of serving our community 10 years of making home a reality **Please help us celebrate!** Proud Ground Anniversary Celebration Tuesday, Dec. 1, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Program at 6:15 Curious Comedy Theater 5225 NE Martin Luther King Blvd No Charge | Wine | Beer | Food RSVP by November 25 please to: or 503-493-0293x18

We need your voice.

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:08:48 +0100

The Portland Housing Bureau is beginning work on its five-year plan about how to use City and Federal housing dollars. We need your help making the case about the importance of affordable homeownership.

We know that despite the downturn in housing prices, owning a quality home continues to be out of reach for many working families in the region.

We also know you know that!

Will you join us next week to tell the City that affordable homeownership is important to you and your family?

We need as many folks as possible your participation really will make a difference!

Your voice will help inform how dollars are spent on programs like Proud Grounds that create access to homeownership.

Affordable Homeownership Public Hearing
New Columbia Education Center, 4625 N Trenton, Trimet Bus #4
Thursday, November 5, 2009, 6:00-8:00 pm

Dinner will be provided. Childcare and translation are available upon request by calling (503) 823-2396 three days in advance of the hearing.

See below for other ways to help if you cannot attend the hearing.

This is really important but its also pretty easy!

Your own words are all you need. Why do you want to own a home? What has NOT owning a home meant for you and your family?

Sharing your story is the most powerful point you can make. But if you're looking for some thoughts on what to say, heres what we intend to say next week:

Despite the downturn in prices, owning a decent home is still out of reach for hard working families with stable jobs.
Portlands economy continues to add jobs that pay too little to afford the median home price. We need solutions to help stable families find stable homes. We dont want to become another San Francisco, where average working folks cant afford to live in the town where they work!
The minority homeownership gap is very real. And it is the widest among low and moderate income families. We must act to close this gap and give ALL households equal opportunities to achieve homeownership.
With our region adding a million people over the next 25 years, owning a home is only going to get more expensive. We need to do something today to ensure that families today and our children tomorrow can afford to call Portland home.

If you can't attend next week's hearing, there are other ways to make your voice heard:

You can write a letter to:
Pat Mobley, Housing & Community Development Commission Chair
421 SW 6th Avenue, Suite 1100
Portland, OR 97204
Send an e-mail to bryan.swisshelm@ci.portland.or.us
Leave a voicemail message at 503-823-2396, 503-823-6868 TTY
Comment Online at www.portlandonline.com/phb/conplan

Thank you so much!

With your help we will make the case with City leaders and policy makers about the importance of prioritizing affordable homeownership.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information or with any questions. And if you can, please drop us a quick email to let me know if you plan to attend the hearing or if you plan to participate in other ways: jesse@proudground.org!

Our best,

- The Proud Ground Team
Jesse, Kathy, Katie, Hector, Steve, Destin and Maurice

Proud Ground adds 100th home!

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:15:58 +0100

In September 2009 Proud Ground celebrated a major milestone: we added the 100th home to our portfolio of forever-affordable homes.

"Even in the current market, homeownership is less accessible than it has ever been," Executive Director Jesse Beason says." Today's generation is facing an average sales price that is more than twice that of our parents and grandparents. We are able to make home ownership a reality for many who thought they'd never participate in that aspect of the American Dream.

"Adding the 100th home to Proud Ground's portfolio means Portland now has 100 homes that are affordable today, and will remain affordable tomorrow and for generations to come. And we plan to continue adding to Portland's stock of forever-affordable homes for a good long time," Beason says.

"It's not just about affordable homes," Beason continues. "Affordable homes, with reasonable monthly loan payments - payments that are often less than what our homeowners were paying in rent - contribute to successful, stable homeowners. And Proud Ground's homeowners are successful, as evidenced by our homeowners' 0% foreclosure rate."

Cheryl Lohrmann bought Proud Ground's 100th home in September 2009, after four years on the organization's wait list, waiting for just the right time and home. Cheryl has a stable job that she loves, with the local nonprofit organization Oregon Wild. She had long dreamed of having her own place with a garden, and, as an avid bike-commuter, she wanted to live within biking distance of work. However, even though she's been working in her field for many years, Cheryl just couldn't afford a home on the open market. That's where Proud Ground came in, and now Cheryl has everything she wanted - for just $143,000.

"This Proud Ground home was a no brainer!" Cheryl exclaims. Now that she's a homeowner, she feels "grounded and relieved. All the hard work and process it took to get to this point makes sense. Now I look forward to relaxing on the front porch with friends and saying hello to neighbors, planting a garden, and having many messy cooking days in the kitchen."

A number of community partners played a role in making Cheryl's dream of homeownership come true - and in adding the 100th home to Proud Ground's portfolio:

Portland Housing Center: Cheryl learned about Proud Ground when she took PHC's Homebuying 101 class; and she saved money for her down payment with the help of PHC's IDA program.
Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East: Habitat made this home available to Proud Ground, ensuring its affordability for generations to come.
HomeStreet Bank: A valued Proud Ground partner, HomeStreet Bank has originated 21% of all Proud Ground home loans - including Cheryl's.
Portland Housing Bureau: An overall major organizational supporter.

Our 2008 Annual Report

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:32:28 +0100

This past year has sharpened our country's focus of what home really means. With some of our friends, relatives and neighbors struggling to keep the houses they love, it becomes even clearer that a home is more than a commodity. It is a refuge, a protector and a temple. It is something worth fighting for.

In our 2008 Annual Report we share stories -- of our work and the families we serve. In 2008 we were honored to have served our 100th homeowner and 18 other families. And we are excited that by the end of 2009, 111 homes will remain forever affordable in Portland. This is a strong testament to this community's commitment to homes that are affordable today - and tomorrow.

And, while prices have dropped, we know that the buyers we work with still can't get a quality home at a price they can truly afford. We know that the minority homeownership gap is still very real. We've still got work to do. And we are fortunate to count so many of you as partners in this work. Thank you!

We are now Proud Ground. Same mission. Different name.

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:55:58 +0100

Portland Community Land Trust is now Proud Ground!

Our membership voted in favor of changing our name to reach more people about what we do, and to better represent all that we can do. We think Proud Ground will guide our growth and evolution, while helping us help more people realize the dream of homeownership.

We've also moved our offices! You can now find us at:

5288 N Interstate Ave
Portland, OR 97217

Thank you for your continued support!

Homes that last: A study of homes that resell

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:55:21 +0100

Champlain Housing Trust, America's longest running non-profit offering permanently affordable homes, has released a study following the impact of their programs on past, current and future homeowners.

Among their findings were:

Among homeowners they were able to track, 67.4% of them bought market-rate homes within six months of selling their CHT home.
Affordability not only continued between successive generations of homebuyers, but improved - even when the favorable effect of falling mortgage interest rates was removed.

You can download and read the full study here.

Sharing the Future: Proud Ground Newsletter - Spring 2009

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:18:31 +0100

In this issue:

Homeownership can be surprising

"The most surprising thing about becoming a homeowner is actually coming to the realization that it's our home," - Victoria, new Proud Ground homeowner.

Homeownership certainly can be surprising. There are the good surprises, like the tulips that pop up in spring, or discovering that a pumpkin colored kitchen really does look great.

And, of course, there are the less fun surprises, like a leaking roof or clogged pipes. Thankfully, homeowners can survive these surprises - and Proud Ground is always there with resources and assistance.

Thankfully, Proud Ground homeowners won't experience the worst surprise of all: losing a home because of a bad loan. You see, Proud Ground homeowners only use a traditional 30 year mortgage - no balloon payments, no shocking rate increases. And because of this, the foreclosure rate among Proud Ground homeowners is 0. Nationally, CLT homeowners are 6 times less likely to go into foreclosure than market-rate homeowners. That's half of a percent!

What does this really mean? It means that Victoria, Venique and their four children finally have a home of their own. It means that Victoria and Venique, who love to cook, have the kitchen garden they always wanted. And it means that when their daughter Venicia asked, "Mom, is this our house?" Victoria was able to answer "Yes, and now you have a place to play instead of the parking lot."

We invite you to take part in the surprise and donate to Proud Ground today.

Thank you for your role in making the dream of homeownership come true for so many families.

We've still got work to do

It's true. I've been listening to a lot of Roberta Flack these past few weeks. And as she sings, "trying times is what the world is talkin' about."

Our friends, our family and our neighbors are facing uncertain futures. People are asking, why buy a home now? A few years ago, it seemed prevailing wisdom was that buying a home was the path to quick wealth. Home prices were rising dramatically, neighborhoods seemed to change overnight and we were scrambling to help open doors where they had been shut.

Well, while prices have dropped, we know that the buyers we work with still can't get a quality home at a price they can truly afford. We know that the minority homeownership gap is still very real.

And we know that for many of our homeowners, they didn't buy to get rich quick. They bought for the long-term stability and future of their family. They bought so they could focus on their career, not their next apartment. They bought so their child wouldn't have to change schools again. They bought to have a home to pass on to their heirs.

That hope and that belief in the next generation still rings true for us. And we've still got work to do.

Pardee Commons is coming to Lents

Patrick Donaldson of Communitecture Architecture and Planning discusses family-friendly green living in Lents.

What's happening at 122nd & Pardee?

Pardee Commons is a 10-unit project that uniquely combines d u p l e x - s t y l e townhomes and detached units. The car is given secondary attention while people are given the focus of the shared courtyard and common green area. And thanks to Proud Ground, PDC, and Cityhouse Builders these homes will be sold at an amazingly affordable price (avg. sales price expected to be $147K). I would go as far as to say that no one will be able to find a housing project that is so visually diverse, green and socially sustainable at these prices.

How green is it?

Oregon Department of Energy's High Performance Home standard, which means it uses 50% less energy than building only to code standard. Plus, it will qualify as an Earth Advantage Platinum home. Features include solar hot water; extra insulation; high efficiency heat pumps; permeable pavers on main driveway; low VOC paints; homes have smaller footprints, opening more area to green spaces; easy access to mass transit.

What about families?

The combination of 2 & 3 bedroomunits with the shared courtyard makes Pardee Commons very family-friendly.

What's your inspiration?

Designing spaces that encourage neighbors to cross paths and become a closer knit community is the exciting part of this project. It is counter to the isolated suburban model that has been plaguing our cities for the past 50 years.

For more information about Pardee Commons, visit www.proudground.org/pardeecommons.

Proud Ground by any other name

What's in a name? We've been asking that question this year as we consider how to grow our service to the community. We found the right folks to help us answer it.

After the great foundation that Deputy Consulting provided us, we have been working with Grady Britton, a local branding firm, since January to give Proud Ground a facelift. Grady Britton has over 35 years of experience working with companies and organizations of all sizes. We're thrilled to be working with them.

We're looking at a new logo, a new way of approaching our work, and even a new name! But that's not all. After four years in our current office, Proud Ground is heading to a new office in a new location.

Stay tuned this summer as we unveil our new name and our new office!

Meet new team member Lilia Alvarez

Lilia brings her passion for collaboration, solidarity and social change to her work with Proud Ground. Born and raised in Southern California, Lilia moved with her family to Baja California, Mexico at 15 and experienced the bicultural reality of a cross-border life. Lilia earned her bachelors and masters degrees at the University of Arizona and has collaborated with community efforts as a social justice activist locally and internationally.

What do you bring to Proud Ground?

My commitment to seeking social change through advocacy for a level playing field. I understand that community resolve through self direction requires organizational humbleness and respect for cultural resilience.

What do you do for fun?

I box and dance!

If we only had to know one thing about you, what would it be?

I'm determined to be an old woman without regrets.

Anything else you'd like folks to know?

It feels wonderful to be here.

Tell us about the picture!

I volunteered with Obras de Hermano Pedro in Antigua, Guatemala after college as a psychologist with women experiencing mental and physical disabilities. One of the families I worked with requested that I wear the traditional, indigenous dress of Guatemalan women to take a picture.

Eight was great! - A look at 2008

19 new homeowners bought their first home through Proud Ground in 2008 - thanks to your support! Here's a bit more about these new homes and homeowners:

They bought at a price they could afford, around $150,000.
Average household income of these new homeowners: $38,000.
Proud Ground administered $1.8 million of community investment to make these homes affordable.
One-third of these new homeowners can send their children to their neighborhood schools, knowing that they won't have to move during the school year.
Leigh & Mack have ducks, who live in a cozy coop with an eco-roof.
Kara & David bought chickens, to provide a couple dozen eggs a week.
Two families have just welcomed new family members!

Proud Ground Profile

We took a minute this month to catch up with Proud Ground Treasurer and board member John Marshall.

When you're not busy with Proud Ground, what else occupies your time?

I am happily employed as an underwriter of affordable housing at the Portland Development Commission. In addition, movies, walking, and visits with family and friends balance things out.

What are your three favorite things about Portland?

Excellent transportation system, nature - Mt Hood & the coast being an hour away, and great neighborhoods.

What one thing would you tell our community about Proud Ground?

Proud Ground's blessings include families working to make Portland great, dedicated staff that enjoy their work, and committed support from the community.

Proud Ground on the radio

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:18:03 +0100

Lilia Alvarez, our Community Outreach Coordinator, joined Jo Ann Bowman and Dave Mazza on their show, Voices from the Edge on KBOO radio.

You can listen to the full broadcast here.

Oregonian: Joining Hands for Homeownership

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:22:54 +0100

By Jan Behrs

Read the original here.

In March, Victoria and Venique Lamy launched themselves out of an economic situation that might sound familiar to many moderate-income families. It took the help of a whole coalition of East Portland support organizations, but they managed to buy their first home.

Feeling blessed, relieved and excited about their future, the Lamys moved into the newly built four-bedroom, two-bath house in Southeast Portland only a few weeks ago, after getting guidance and financial help from the African American Alliance for Home Ownership, Proud Ground, ROSE Community Development Corp., and Portland YouthBuilders.

The Lamys are well aware of how lucky they are. In fact, it still astounds Victoria that if not for learning, by word of mouth, about the African American Alliance for Home Ownership, her family likely would still be renting...[read more]

Proud Ground's 2008 Annual Meeting & Celebration

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:43:36 +0100

Thank you to everyone who made our celebration of hundreds of milestones so successful! Thank you as well to our 2008 Generations Partners, who were honored for their partnership with Proud Ground in affordable homeownership:

Bureau of Housing & Community Development
Portland Development Commission
Housing Authority of Portland
WaMu
HomeStreet Bank
Umpqua Bank
NAYA Family Center

Thank you to our event donors:

US Bank

Curious Theater | Laurel Ridge Winery

Roots Wines & Vineyard | Widmer Brewing Company

New Seasons Markets | Portland Nursery | QFC

The ReBuilding Center | Ticor Title | Yesterday & Tomorrow

Proud Ground Homebuyer in the news

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:42:56 +0100

A buyers' market beckons: Loan programs help put keys in low-income homeowners' hands

By Steve Law | The Portland Tribune, Dec 11, 2008
Read the original here.

When Kelly Fitzpatrick left an unhappy marriage nine years ago, she lost her home and most of her belongings.

Her résumé was thin after 14 years of home-schooling three children. She didn't know how to manage money or balance a checkbook, and soon filed for bankruptcy.

Fast-forward to the week before Thanksgiving, when the 51-year-old alcohol and drug counselor got the keys to her own ranch-style home in Lents. She bought the three-bedroom, one-bath house on a salary of less than $40,000.

Other Portlanders of modest means are shying away from house hunting, thinking it's a terrible time to buy their first home after the subprime-loan debacle sent the mortgage industry and world economy into a tailspin.

Fitzpatrick and many housing experts beg to differ.

It's just like the stock market, said David Feathers, mortgage broker for Oswego Mortgage. Many people flocked to buy real estate when the hype was there -- and prices were overheated. Now they're scared to buy when prices have fallen.

"If you can afford the payment and that's where you want to be, it's a great time to buy," Feathers said.

"It's a buyers' market," agreed Jon Gail, marketing and outreach coordinator for the Portland Development Commission's housing section. "There's a ton of inventory on the market for first-time home buyers to look at, and there's a lot of motivated sellers."

Many sellers are so anxious to sell they'll help pay the buyer's closing costs, Gail said. And today's interest rates, at 6 percent or less for a 30-year fixed loan, are "pretty remarkable" by historical standards, Gail said.

Fitzpatrick's sojourn to homeownership took several years, after she created a new life for herself. Five years ago, she landed a job with the Portland nonprofit Central City Concern. Her first job included counseling homeless people sleeping under bridges.

She was good at helping others, but realized she needed some help herself.

"All my adult life I've been struggling financially," said Fitzpatrick, an Army brat who moved around a lot, and later earned a college art degree.

About two years ago, a friend invited her to a housing fair put on by the Native American Youth and Family Center. The folks there put her into a housing class.

She also was referred to the Portland Housing Center, a nonprofit that offers the equivalent of Housing 101 classes.

"I learned how to clean up my credit score and recover from bankruptcy," Fitzpatrick said.

The Portland Housing Center helped her start an Individual Development Account, which allows low-income people to establish a savings account, which is later matched by public and private money, to buy a home, start a business or pay for higher education.

In two years, Fitzpatrick saved up $2,000, and then qualified for matching money, which helped her plunk down $8,000 for a down payment on her Lents home.

She bought the house through the Proud Ground. The nonprofit group retains title to the land, so the buyer doesn't have to pay the full purchase price, and the home will remain affordable for future generations. That can shave $80,000 to $100,000 off the price of a home, said Jesse Beason, Proud Ground executive director.

Fitzpatrick qualified for a 5.75 percent mortgage through the Oregon Bond Program, a state program for home buyers of modest means. Monthly payments on Fitzgerald's $137,000 mortgage, including property taxes and insurance, are around $1,050, Beason said.

Fitzpatrick revels in looking out the picture window of her new home to see crows flying outside. She still marvels at all the programs that were bundled to help her get into a home, calling it a miracle.

Classic loans get a boost

There are a host of programs available to first-time home buyers. Some are relatively new and some are old reliables neglected during the subprime boom such as Federal Housing Administration loans.

In recent years, many first-time home buyers responded to ads, or misguided pitches from real estate agents and mortgage brokers, that didn't put them into the best loans for their financial situation, Feathers said.

Some people were steered into subprime loans, or were lured by the subprime teaser interest rates that reset to unaffordable levels after two or three years. Others took negative-amortization or "option ARM" loans, which are akin to credit cards. People can make the choice each month to pay a minimum amount and tack money onto their home loan's principal, digging themselves deeper into debt.

Real estate and mortgage agents working with lower-income clients are rediscovering the virtues of FHA loans, causing a surge in use of those loans.

Thirty-year FHA loans are available for 5.5 percent interest, and first-time home buyers can get into a home with only a 3 percent down payment, Feathers said. The down payment can come as a gift from a parent.

People with so-called subprime credit often can qualify for the loans, if they have a decent job and a history of making rent or car loans on time.

"People are shocked that they actually qualify for financing," Feathers said. Their credit records don't have to be perfect, he said.

Unlike some of the loose lending practices that helped cause the mortgage market meltdown, FHA loans require people to prove their ability to pay back the loan. And the federally backed loans aren't offered if they require people to put more than 40 percent of their pay into their mortgage, property taxes and insurance, Feathers said.

A husband and wife making a combined $70,000 should be able to buy now, if they aren't carrying too much debt, he said.

Similar deals are available for veterans with federally backed Veterans Administration loans and a state program for veterans.

First-timers offered help

The Portland Development Commission also helps city residents looking to buy their first homes. The urban renewal agency offers down payment assistance for families below the median income, which is $67,500 for a family of four, if the home is in Lents or four other urban renewal districts.

The loans can enable people to effectively put a 20 percent down payment on a house without paying anything out of pocket. Instead, the PDC loan is repaid when the home is sold or refinanced. That frees people from paying mortgage insurance, shaving $100 or more from their monthly costs.

After working diligently to buy her home, Fitzpatrick is now learning how to maintain it.

"I will be crawling under the house this month and fixing the plastic sheeting under the crawl space," she said. The Proud Ground inspector has promised to teach her how to caulk her windows and plug other air leaks.

Fitzpatrick advises other people scared by the prospect of home-buying to start with baby steps, such as attending Portland Housing Center classes.

After working with homeless people, she appreciates the sense of stability that comes with owning a home.

"That rootlessness is unnatural," she said. "I have seen what happens when people don't have an internal sense of home. It's a miracle that I didn't end up living like that."

Our 2007 Annual Report

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:57:14 +0100

We are thrilled to share with you Proud Ground's 2007 Annual Report. As you will see, it was a great year.

We were fortunate to welcome many new homeowners in 2007. We also grew our capacity to create even more homes each year.

Click here to read more about new homeowners and new successes in our 2007 Annual Report. Please contact us if you need a print version.

Proud Ground's 2006 Annual Report released

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:44:50 +0100

2006 was a fantastic year for Proud Ground. You can read more about our accomplishments and hear from a few of the homeowners who've purchased their first home through Proud Ground in our 2006 Annual Report.

Summer 2008 Newsletter

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:26:11 +0100

Our Summer 2008 newsletter has great news about our 100th homeowner, our new Executive Director and the complettion of our Building Together renovation project. Download it here.

Schools, Families & Housing Initiative

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:11:08 +0100

A BHCD - Proud Ground & African American Alliance for Homeownership Partnership

There are at least two things we all know about Portland: Our schools are in trouble and housing prices are out of control.

However, we also know that Portland is innovative, we are, after all, the City That Works - and one way our city works is through the Schools, Families & Housing Initiative. In this partnership, the City of Portland (via BHCD) is providing funding to Proud Ground and AAHA (among other entities) to assist with homebuyer subsidies to help make homeownership more affordable for moderate income households - and to help get families invested in neighborhood schools.

The funding specifically targets programs that provide the full spectrum of homebuyer services, from marketing and outreach to post-closing services - a perfect fit for Proud Ground. We look forward to introducing this new batch of homeowners in the near future!

Working Together for Change

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:10:02 +0100

Proud Ground participates in Operation HOME to help address the minority homeownership gap

Did you know that in Portland, families of color are less likely to own their homes than white families, and twice as likely to be denied for home loans?

This is an unacceptable disparity in our city, one that hampers economic opportunity, family success and stability. In response, the City of Portland and the Portland Development Commission are spearheading a broad community and leadership process - Operation HOME (Home Ownership and Minority Equity). Operation HOME is an effort to reduce the minority homeownership gap in Portland, and to create new opportunities for communities historically left out of this important part of the American Dream.

Paulette Hague, Proud Ground's Outreach Specialist, served on HOME's Outreach and Marketing Content committee and, after much discussion and debate, the committee identified objectives in three areas:
* Consumers: Build consumer confidence within communities of color and promote homeownership as an achievable opportunity.
* Industry: Provide tools and resources to the homeownership industry to help them better reach and serve communities of color.
* Employer: Increase Portland's business community's investment in helping their employees become homeowners.

Other Proud Ground staff are also participating in HOME: Proud Ground Executive Director Allison Handler will be a member of the Affordability and Wealth Creation committee, and Katie Ullrich, Proud Ground Homeownership Program Manager, sits on the Education and Counseling committee.

What we learn through Operation HOME helps Proud Ground better implement its specific programs and activities: 49% of Proud Ground households are minorities, and we look forward to increasing these numbers through enhanced outreach efforts and participation in projects like Operation HOME.

$10K challenge gift = $22K for Proud Ground!

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:45:26 +0100

Thank you! By December 31, 2007, Proud Ground raised $12,000 thanks to Al & Nancy Jubitz $10,000 challenge!

2007 Al & Nancy Jubitz $10K challenge donors:

Sonia Abrams & Stephen Moss · Jane Ames · Kris Amundson · Trell Anderson & Jennifer Schneider · Terry Anderson · Kathy Armstrong · Brian Bates · Jesse Beason · Bridget Benton · David Berkshire · Becky Blumer & Kate Molony · John Branam · Barbara Brennan · Dana Brown · Laura Buck · Robin Cash & Mark Darienzo · Howard Cutler · Frank & Argion Dadulla · Christi Denton & Gene Kunze · Anita Difanis & Richard Krajeck · Mark Edlen · Topaz Faulkner & Larry Conrad · Jill Fuglister · Richard & Alyda Gilkey · Jake Greenberg · Mike Greenfield · Shelly Haack · Paulette Hague · Allison Handler · Tammy Hansen · Carole & Dick Harmon · William Hart · Fusako Hayashi · Derek Henderson · Maurice Higdon · Edna Penn Higdon · Margaret & Alton Hooten · Teresa Huntsinger · Deborah Johnson · Tamika Johnson · Mary Anne Joyce · Jan Kahn · Ben Kaiser · Erin Kelleher · Tom Kelly · Brett Kelver · Marcia Knutson · Christine Kosydar · Kalpana Krishnamurthy & Thomas Wheaten · Kurt Krueger · Leslie Labbe · Leon Laptook & Carole Most · Jorden Leonard · Shannon Moon Leonetti & Richard Leonetti · Al LePage · Bradley & Elizabeth Malsin · Paula Manley · John Marshall · Jen Matheson · Erin Matthiessen · David McKenzie · Ann McLaughlin · Mark Minnis · Sarah Fielding Moore & Rob Durkin · Nancy Murray · Harmonia Murray · Linda Nettekoven & Larry Wallack · Reuben Nisenfeld · Johnette Orpinela · Debra Paxton · Ross Peterson & Linda Crum · John Richardson & Jo Landefeld · Nancy Roll · Steve Rosenberg & Ellen Lippman · Missy Ryan · Maggie Skenderian & John Schuberg · Michael Sestric and Miriam Levitt · Thelma & Michael Sestric, Sr. · Stephanie Sigmon · Eli Spevak · Bryan Steelman · Martha Taylor · Maria Thi Mai · Lisa Tyler · Katie & Jon Ullrich · Ellen Vanderslice · Steve Whitson · Matt & Tatiana Wilcox · Julie & David Wilcox · Nancy Yuill · Suzanne Zuniga & Jay Levy

Are you interested in issuing a donor challenge? Contact Kathy Armstrong and we can work together to get more families into homes of their own.

BuildingTogether: A Proud Ground Renovation Project

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:34:44 +0100

The Housing Authority of Portland faced a challenge. With dwindling public resources, they could no longer afford to maintain a portfolio of single-family houses that were scattered throughout the city. But those houses were serving an important purpose: providing affordable homes to Portland families.Thats where our unique partnership was born. Proud Ground saw a solution in purchasing the homes, renovating them, and offering them to moderate-income, first-time homebuyers at affordable prices. And, due to Proud Grounds unique homeownership program, these homes will be affordable for generations to come.

View the BuildingTogether publication