“If people are worried about housing, they aren’t going to do well.  Everybody is entitled to a decent place to live.  It’s important for me to see all sectors of society succeed.”

As campus president, Dr. Gatewood strives to expand PCC’s “open door” enrollment policy.  “We want to provide greater access to under-represented groups, especially those who are from communities of color, those who speak English as a second language, those with disabilities, and those who are economically disenfranchised.”

As a campus of the community, Dr. Gatewood refers to his vision as a “Chautauqua.”  He goes on to explain that PCC Cascade Campus is not just a place for learning; it is a meeting place, a place for dialogue and discussion, an aid to facing challenges, and a network that can link us to new opportunities.  In short, he sees Cascade Campus as a beacon of hope in our area and an institution people look to in order to improve their lives.

Dr. Gatewood’s hope for anyone enrolled at PCC is “to increase their ability to earn a decent salary, find careers and have good lives.”  He knows that in order to succeed in the job market with the economy the way it is, education is key.  He says PCC Cascade can educate and prepare students for a new economy by providing education in information and technology, as well as the services provided by the Middle College Program and the Margaret Carter Skill Center.

Dr. Gatewood expressed several challenges as well.  PCC Cascade Campus is serving more students with less money. When they completed the current fiscal year that ended on June 30th, 2010, the campus had the highest enrollment in the history of the college with 20,091 unduplicated students who had attended classes on PCC Cascade campus.

“The challenge is: how do you keep the cost of tuition and fees affordable so the Open Door [open access and open enrollment] does not become a Closed Door.”

Another challenge the college faces is related to parking—”a great opportunity for co-existence between the college, residents in the community and business organizations exists, an opportunity to work together.”

PCRI and PCC Cascade campus share the same goals when it comes to helping you, as residents of PCRI.  We want to see every family continue to improve and keep in step with changes and advancements in employment as well as other facets of your life.  As Dr. Gatewood jokingly says, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. I like to keep one in my back pocket as well.”

PCRI Presents Paintings by Felicia Capuia

We’re pulling out the stops!  In preparation for our upcoming premiere gala benefit (coming January 28–mark your calendar!), Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives will be hosting an exhibition the evening of September 16 with paintings by renowned local artist Felicia Capuia.

Felicia’s vivid mural-like artwork has been featured on OPB’s Oregon Art Beat and she was the featured artist at the City of Portland’s 2009 Black History Month Celebration.  She will be featuring a selection of paintings at PCRI’s offices in the historic M. G. Nease house.

“Art has different interpretations and meanings to all types of people regardless of race or a person’s upbringing,” says Felicia. “Even though the word ‘art’ is small, it opens up so many big ideas and thoughts.”

Besides being a talented artist, Felicia is also a participant in PCRI’s homeownership program–and the Art and Soul exhibition is also the kick-off event for our upcoming Dancing with the Stars Portland gala, which will benefit PCRI and our homeownership program.  This kick-off event will be an opportunity for guests to engage as Table Captains and learn more about the upcoming gala benefit.

Table Captains are the soul of Dancing with the Stars Portland.  Each table captain strives to fill a table, creating their own guest list and enjoying a swinging evening with local celebrities and professional dancers burning up the dance floor at The  Nines in Downtown Portland.

Due to space constraints, PCRI’s Art and Soul exhibition with Felicia Capuia is by invitation.  Didn’t receive yours yet?  Email events@pcrihome.org for more information.

Changes can often be a challenge to adjust to, but PCRI is working hard to practice what we preach.  In fact, this past spring, PCRI received a grant from the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) to implement a reuse and recycling initiative at our office and community centers.

While we’re always working to do a better job at recycling at our office, our primary use for the BPS Paper and Plastic Challenge grant is to purchase new dishes and utensils for our main office as well as our community centers (Did you see? Our community center info is now on our website!).

Our goal with the new dishes is to significantly reduce our use of disposable paper and plastic plates, utensils and cups.  The paper plates and cups are easy, but giving them up is not only good for the earth and keeps junk out of the landfill, it’s also good for our budget since we’ll no longer need to purchase these items over and over (check out our post with other money-saving reuse ideas).

Today, we kick off our reuse challenge with a goal of eliminating our use of all paper cups and plates.  Here are a few facts about paper that might help you kick off a challenge of your own:

Each time paper is recycled, the fiber length decreases–which impacts its strength.  It’s estimated that paper has approximately seven generations (meaning it can be recycled up to seven times).

57.4% of the paper consumed in the US was recovered for recycling in 2008.  This means nearly half of our paper waste ends up in the landfill (boo!).

But … every ton of paper recycled saves more than 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space (hey, it’s got to go somewhere!).

In the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting some of the other ways we’re working to reduce our waste (and save money!).  Stop back and check it out … or keep up with us on our Facebook page for other tips!

Portland Housing Bureau put it this way:

Leaders of the North and Northeast Portland community have witnessed and reported to PHB an ongoing trend of long-standing, low-income homeowners experiencing foreclosure, lost equity and displacement from the community due to a variety of factors that include legal complications like cloudy title and probate issues, preventable foreclosures related to property taxes and Medicaid recovery, predatory lending, and unaffordable home maintenance. Community leaders have indicated that low- and moderate-income homeowners – particularly seniors and members of communities of color – may have challenges accessing existing community programs that could help.

PCRI, in concert with MHAC, applied to Portland Housing Bureau for funding to provide just this sort of outreach and support.  Our goal–as well as PHB’s–for this program is to help low-income senior homeowners in the North and Northeast Portland area to retain their homes as well as their equity interest in their homes.

Portland Housing Bureau chose our proposal, saying PCRI and our MHAC partners “demonstrated a long, positive history of working in N/NE, particularly within minority communities and with disadvantaged and at-risk residents.”

With this funding, our collaboration aims to help about 80 homeowners who are at risk for foreclosures.  The program will offer senior homeowners in North and Northeast Portland a helping hand to navigate the resources needed to maintain and retain their homes.

“Coalition members have strong ties to the African-American, Latino and Native American communities, and are well-positioned to provide culturally competent services to homeowner elders who may be worried about their homes,” says Margaret Van Vliet, PHB Director. “By combining PCRI, Hacienda CDC, NAYA, and the African American Alliance for Homeownership, MHAC has an extended network of contacts and large amount of trust in the community, as well as a solid infrastructure of programs and staff. We are confident that their relationship-focused approach will effectively mitigate loss of homeownership and displacement in the target neighborhoods.”

When it is up and running, the MHAC program will provide personal assistance to residents to identify their risks, create an action plan, help homeowners communicate with government agencies, banks and other organizations and will provide support to carry out the action plan.  Each member of the coalition brings unique and valuable connections to maximize our outreach efforts: community groups, religious organizations, housing partners, senior and community centers and other local agencies and organizations.

“Funding from  this grant is crucial in helping some of our most vulnerable community members be able to maintain homeownership and have a legacy to pass to the next generation,” says  Deborah Turner, PCRI’s Deputy Director.

The program is expected to be launched in July. Homeowners seeking help may call PCRI at 503-288-2923 and ask for the Homeownership Retention staff.

In addition to funding for this program, Portland Housing Bureau provided much of the information in this post.  You can read the original post (and see a great photo of PCRI’s Deborah Turner and Charles Funches) here.

While it might be quicker to throw something in the trash when you’re done using it than washing it and putting it away, you do have to have to spend time going to the store and buying the same products all over again. The costs for buying products again and again can really add up.

In the article, she has several suggestions for simple changes that can make a difference.  Though she points out that in many cases, the up-front cost might be a little extra, the long term savings can be especially worthwhile. Here are a few of her ideas:

For cleaning, use rags instead of paper towels (make your own by cutting up old sheets, T-shirts, towels, etc.) and for cleaning glass, use old newspapers (try it–they actually leave fewer streaks than rags or paper towels–and read on for ideas for cleaners …).  If you’re able to cut back by one roll of paper towels each week, you can save around $83 a year.

Instead of single-use bottled water or soda, rinse and reuse drink bottles (or invest in a spiffy stainless one).  It’s possible to save about $2,187 if each member of your family consumes one bottled beverage a day.

And here’s one of my favorites: rechargeable batteries.  They’re actually easy to get used to, plus most stores now sell rechargeable AA batteries and chargers.  But here’s the best part: you don’t have to run to the store when your remote runs out of juice.  Just recharge the batteries and you’re good to go (or keep an extra set on hand).  If you use around 25 AA batteries a year, you’ll save around $28 a year, you’ll also keep batteries’ chemicals out of the landfill.

There are other easy ways to save money on household items.  Many of the most simple ones are stored in the cleaning cabinet.  Metro Portland has several suggestions for inexpensive, less-toxic and easy household cleaners.  Here are just a few:

For home-made glass cleaner, combine 1 quart warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar or 2 tablespoons lemon juice (use both vinegar and lemon if you want the cleaning abilities of vinegar with the scent of lemons).  Refill a used-up glass cleaner bottle with the solution … and wipe clean with old those old newspapers!

Need to clean up the kids’ crayon marks?  Forget store-bought chemicals, to remove crayon marks from walls, floors, counters, cabinets and furniture, rub area with toothpaste and a damp cloth.  As with other cleaners, test it in an inconspicuous area first.  Oh, and don’t use it on wallpaper!

Have some ideas of your own?  Share ‘em in the comments!

We’re seeking several qualified candidates for multiple positions with our Maintenance Team.  Excellent maintenance skills in overall maintenance of rental properties is required; while preference will also be given to candidates with specific experience in plumbing, flooring, general carpentry/remodeling.  Salary range is $15-18.00 per hour.

Essential Functions:

1. Potentially perform a wide variety of maintenance items to address needs of residents in rental properties—may include, but not limited to, maintenance in areas of minor electrical, plumbing , heating, appliance repair, painting, flooring, general cleaning.

2. Work with a variety of hand tools and power tools

3. Ability to drive to multiple locations within the work day

4. Ability to troubleshoot situations and accurately diagnose and make repairs as needed

5. Ability to follow instructions and work within Code requirements

6. Perform work in appropriate manner to maintain a safe environment

7. Maintain tools, equipment and supplies in a safe and orderly condition

8. Keep daily records—tracking related hours, receipts, mileage and submitting time logs and work order paperwork

9. Work within established systems for procuring and requesting parts

10. Prepare written lists for assessing maintenance needs and requesting materials

11. Schedule work in cooperation with other employees, vendors, residents, etc.

12. Work with refurbishment crew in performing duties required to improve property and prepare it for renting.

13. Responsible for attending meetings, training classes and submitting requested paperwork.

14. Work as a team player with other maintenance technicians and PCRI staff to perform other related duties as assigned.

15. General Requirements include:  effective verbal and written communication skills, time management skills; ability to maintain confidentiality in performing the duties of an employee; flexibility, respectful of others, sound work ethics, honesty and trustworthy

Preferred Education and Experience:

Five years or more experience or proven ability to perform the essential functions as outlined above along with experience in the areas listed below:

a) Painting:  knowledge of applicable painting procedures and practices, LEAD paint safe practices,

b) Flooring: Install, repair and maintain a variety of floor coverings

c) Plumbing: Install, repair and maintain sinks, tubs, toilets, appliance and trim; unblock drains, gutters; install plumbing systems and components; test pipe systems and fixtures for leaks and make repairs; perform scheduled service on plumbing systems and fixtures;

d) HVAC:  Install, diagnose, test repair and maintain heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.

Work Environment:

Work on the interior and exterior of houses and apartments that may be unheated. Required to do a lot of bending, kneeling, and lifting in the course of the work. May also come into contact with dust and fumes from paint, paint remover, glues and other materials; may need to wear protective gear.

Physical Requirements/Other Requirements:

Current drivers license. Truck or vehicle for hauling equipment and supplies; maintain minimum car insurance as required by the State of Oregon. May spend long hours inside or outside and in awkward positions which can cause physical discomfort and strain. The Painting Technician will be lifting and adjusting heavy objects, and will come in contact with sharp, hot and/or very cold supplies and equipment. The Painting technician must maintain safety procedures at all times to avoid injury. Expected to attend classes to update knowledge and skill level.

Interested?  Submit a cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position and a resume. Email to ron@pcrihome.org or fax to (503) 288-2891.  The deadline to apply is June 30, 2010; the positions will be open until filled.

PCRI’s support for first-time homebuyers like Betty includes education and hands-on guidance as well as partnerships such as the Individual Development Account (IDA) program from VIDA Oregon.  VIDA’s matched-savings IDA, helped accelerate Betty’s down payment savings and gave Betty the “ability and hope to be a first time homebuyer.”

Not sure where to begin, Betty trusted PCRI’s expertise and personal approach to support her in buying her first home.  She also learned to trust herself.  Like many first-time homebuyers, Betty often wondered “what am I doing?”

“For me, it was all faith,” Betty explains.  “The opportunity was there and I had all this information and classes and people guiding me.  I had to put it into action.  I was stepping out on faith.”

Feeling excited, overwhelmed, scared, doubtful and elated, Betty ran the gamut of emotions that come with buying a first home.  But PCRI’s Homeownership Program had her back the whole way.

“I can’t imagine buying a house without that support,” she beamed, adding that she was “amazed at how warm people were and how they really cared about you to help you accomplish your goal.”

At closing, her team of support including PCRI Homeownership Program Manager Charles Funches (pictured below on left) and real estate agent Shelly Fullwiley (pictured below, third from left) joined her.

“They changed my perspective to prepare for homeownership,” Betty remarked.

PCRI’s individualized approach and homeownership support don’t end when a new homeowner receives her keys.  PCRI’s programs and resources remain available and homebuyers are encouraged to participate in post-purchase education programs.

Referring to her homeownership refererence guide from PCRI, Betty feels confident that she has the tools and support to maintain her home.

“I’m stronger than I thought I was,” Betty reflects.  She is also quick to express appreciation for PCRI’s expertise, patience, kindness and desire to empower the community.

“We all need each other to help each other,” she says.  “[PCRI] helps someone help themselves and better their lives.”

Betty is one of 12 families PCRI helped become first-time homeowners in 2009.  PCRI gives special thanks to VIDA of Oregon for their support as well as helping to share Betty’s story (much of which as been duplicated here).

The four new homes, developed by PCRI in conjunction with Portland Development Commission and Portland Housing Bureau, fulfill a part of PCRI’s mission to provide affordable housing—when they are completed in the fall, the homes will be available for sale to buyers earning 80% or less of area median income.  The homes also represent a commitment to expand minority homeownership opportunities as part of the Operation Home Ownership and Minority Equity program, established in 2005 to raise awareness and reduce barriers for minority homeowners.

Ranging from 1550 to 1620 square feet, the homes “will be the largest homes being targeted for affordable home ownership that Portland Development Commission and Portland Housing Bureau has funded to date,” said John Marshall of Portland Development Commission, who was present for the celebration. “They will be incredible improvements to the neighborhood.”

As evidenced by the deconstruction work happening in the background, sustainability is another key aspect of the new homes.  As part the Portland Energy Efficient Home Pilot program, the four new homes will be 15% – 30% more energy efficient than a home built to Oregon’s 2008 energy code and will provide practical information about energy efficiency methods and costs for the City of Portland and other homebuilders.  The homes have been designed to achieve LEED, Earth Advantage and Energy Star certifications for sustainable materials, design and construction and have been submitted for the city’s annual Build It Green home tour.

The kick-off celebration comes just weeks after closing on construction funding with Portland Development Commission and Portland Housing Bureau.  Maxine Fitzpatrick, PCRI Executive Director, addressed the crowd at the celebration, enthusiastically thanking the project’s partners and supporters and speaking of the hurdles overcome to realize the project.

Today is Census day!

Only 51% of Multnomah County residents have returned their Census form so far, and this year, returning your form is more important than ever before. Here’s why:

• The Census count will determine our fair share of over $400 billion of federal and state funding each year.

• For every 100 people not counted, Multnomah County will lose $120,000 each year – $1,200 per person.

• Oregon may gain a sixth seat in Congress.

• Census data helps our community decide where to build or locate new schools, roads, health centers, services for the elderly, job training centers, and more.

Together with County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury, I co-Chair the Complete Count Committee. We are working with community partners to reach out to traditionally hard to count communities in Multnomah County and ensure the most accurate count possible.

This morning, Executive Director Maxine Fitzpatrick (pictured above with Lori Medak of Fidelity National Title) signed closing documents–a final hurdle prior to deconstructing the existing structures and building the first four homes PCRI is developing for affordable ownership opportunities.

“This development represents our commitment to the community; it is a beginning,” said Fitzpatrick, who was jubilant to move forward with the project.

John Marshall of Portland Development Commission, whose funding will make these homes possible, touted the new homes as “incredible improvements to the neighborhood.”

While it’s been a long process leading up to this morning’s milestone, PCRI is especially excited to get started on construction.  To stay informed about construction progress, become our fan on Facebook or follow us at twitter.com/pcri_home.