HAP and Oregon’s Department of Human Services (DHS) are launching a new twist on HAP’s Opportunity Housing Initiative (OHI) program model.  HAP and the DHS Children, Adult, and Families office serving Multnomah County will work together to more comprehensively assist families transitioning to self-sufficiency by combining housing and service resources.  This is HAP’s first OHI project that is program-based, rather than site-based.

HAP will make Section 8 vouchers available to 25 clients who are served by DHS, and the two organizations will split responsibility for case management over a five-year period.  Families will be encouraged to plan for their lives in the long-term and to successfully transition off public assistance through case management, employment services, and training in financial literacy.  Once participants have completed the program and the voucher has been returned to HAP, DHS will be able to “reuse” it for a new client.   

“In order to grow this program so we can reach more families, we are combining forces with another organization to share resources and make our work more effective,” said Rachael Duke, HAP’s assistant director of resident services.  “Our shared objective is to move families into self-sufficiency more quickly and more successfully than either program could do alone.”

Catherine (Katie) Such, a member of HAP’s board of commissioners for three years, has stepped down from her board position to join the agency as deputy executive director on June 2.  The native Oregonian replaces Margaret Van Vliet who announced her departure earlier this year.

In her new position, Such will have executive oversight for the agency’s real estate, rent assistance and resident services operations.  As a senior vice president at PNC Bank, she brings a deep background in commercial real estate and affordable housing financing and investment.

“I’ve always had great respect for HAP and its staff,” said Such, “and I’ve long wanted to find a position in which I could make a difference locally.  This opportunity to work for HAP was irresistible – it combines both a mission I care about and people I admire, and all while working in my favorite city.  I’m a believer in collaboration and partnerships,’ she continued.  “HAP has an important role to play within our community and I look forward to the opportunity to help shape that role.”

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