Investments preserve 102 units of affordable housing in Douglas and Jackson counties

PORTLAND, OR – Catholic Charities of Oregon has completed renovations in three apartment complexes under its housing entity, Caritas Housing Initiatives, that preserves 102 units of rental housing serving low-income and elderly rural residents. The renovations were completed in Hillside Village in Glendale, OR, and Valerie Hills Apartments and Woodville Village in Rogue River, OR.

“We’re so thankful for the hard work of all of our partners on this project and especially appreciative of the residents who were so understanding and accommodating as we completed this work on their homes”, said Travis Phillips, Director of Community Development and Housing at Catholic Charities of Oregon.

The properties were updated to meet current accessibility standards, and renovations included new roofs, siding, gutters, and new window installation as well as kitchen and bathroom remodeling on the inside of many of the apartments. The units in greatest need of repair also received new flooring and appliances, and Catholic Charities is budgeting to provide these updates to the remaining apartments. Energy-efficient upgrades were also completed, including the addition of air conditioning and efficient heating systems and installation of water-conserving fixtures that will help residents reduce their utility bills.

"As in many areas of the West, affordable housing is badly needed in rural southwest Oregon," said John Huffman, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director.

This project also supported local businesses and jobs. Across the three apartment complexes, general contractor LMC hired 15 local subcontractors, investing $1.7 million directly into local businesses. Further, $695,000 went to state-certified minority, women, and emerging small businesses.

Catholic Charities of Oregon purchased the three apartment complexes in 2018 and renovated them using loans that were guaranteed by USDA’s Multi-Family Housing Loan Guarantee Program. Additional funding was provided by Meyer Memorial Trust and Federal Home Loan Bank. Oregon Housing and Community Services contributed low-income housing tax credits and additional grant funding.