Welcome to HAP Unwrapped

Welcome to the debut issue of HAP Unwrapped, a monthly look inside the Housing Authority of Portland (HAP). I invite you to read this regular update on our programs and services, and learn how HAP is working to build a stronger community.

We are committed to providing our most vulnerable citizens with access to affordable housing and services that promote stability and self-sufficiency. We help usher our residents into a new life, assisting many on a path toward economic independence. It is our responsibility – and our pleasure – to assist members of our community in finding what we all desire: a place to call home.

If you need more information about HAP, we encourage you to visit our website, www.hapdx.org or call our public affairs staff at 503-802-8427.

Let me know what you think about the job we’re doing. If you have comments or questions, please email me, Steve Rudman, HAP executive director, at stever@hapdx.org.

Waiting List for Section 8 Rent Vouchers to Open for First Time Since 2002

For the first time in more than four years, HAP will open a new waiting list to receive federal Section 8 rent vouchers.

Applications for a chance to join the waiting list are available Nov. 1 and must be submitted before Nov. 17. By applying for the waiting list, applicants will enter a lottery-style drawing to be held in January 2007. The first 3,000 names picked through the lottery will be placed on the waiting list.

“Rent assistance is a very precious resource,” said Steve Rudman, HAP’s executive director. “We are providing access in the fairest way we know, and we encourage anyone in need to apply.”

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, allows low-income residents to find their own place and use the voucher to pay for all or part of the rent, depending on their income level.  Click here to find out more.

New Columbia Adds New Life to North Portland’s Portsmouth Neighborhood

How time flies. That’s the sentiment expressed by the design and construction team responsible for New Columbia.

As of October 13, all 556 rental units at New Columbia were completed, marking nearly three years from the day the last household moved out to the day all new housing and Rosa Parks Elementary School were finished.

As construction activity at New Columbia is winding down, family life is taking over. More than 400 students in grades K-6 are attending the new Rosa Parks public school, and a new onsite grocery store and coffee shop will soon open to serve an eager public.

According to Mike Andrews, HAP’s director of development and community revitalization, redevelopment of New Columbia’s 82 acres is largely done. What remains to be completed? By the end of 2006, construction should be completed on Trenton Terrace, a 66-unit building offering affordable senior housing. By spring 2007, another 112 homes will be completed and sold, bringing the total of owner-occupied homes to 232.  Click here to learn the latest about the project.

Humboldt Gardens On Path Toward Construction

October ushered in changes at Humboldt Gardens, HAP’s HOPE VI redevelopment of the Iris Court cluster in North Portland’s Humboldt neighborhood. In preparation for building demolition and construction, all 87 households have been relocated to homes primarily in North, Northeast, and Southeast Portland.  

Design concepts have also been unveiled. According to Julie Livingston, HAP’s planning and design manager, a series of community design workshops has produced a master plan and the first round of renderings by the design team.  “One highlight of the plan is a new pocket park,” says Livingston. “Both residents and neighbors wanted to see green space and a place where kids can play safely.” Safety is the recurring theme behind the new look for Humboldt Gardens, as the design team has incorporated many ways for residents to interact with each other.

Demolition and deconstruction will begin sometime in late 2006, with final construction to be completed by December 2008.  Click here to learn the latest about the project.

HAP Board Broadens Policy to Improve Diversity in Contracting

The HAP Board of Commissioners has approved a significant policy that promotes increased economic participation of disadvantaged, minority-owned, women-owned and emerging small businesses on all HAP projects, including professional services. The resolution was formally adopted in the Board’s meeting on Tuesday, October 17, 2006.

To fulfill its commitment to its new policy, HAP will adhere to two key objectives:

• An aspirational goal of 20 percent participation of targeted businesses on construction contracts and professional services;
• For construction contracts over $200,000, an aspirational goal of a minimum of 20 percent of labor hours in each apprenticeable trade will be worked by state registered apprentices.

“We expect this new policy to help build on the tremendous success we’ve had at New Columbia, and anticipate having at Humboldt Gardens,” said Jerry Walker, HAP’s purchasing manager. “At New Columbia, a remarkable 24 percent of the contracting, or $24 million, went to target businesses. While future projects won’t match New Columbia in size and scope, we are confident we can achieve this 20 percent aspirational goal in all of our agency’s work.”  Click here to read more.

HAP IN THE NEWS
Read more about HAP’s projects, accomplishments and work in the community.

Hope’s in child’s play, Portland Tribune

New school brings hope, Portland Tribune

More families, more students, Portland Tribune