REACH Community Development Receives $750,000 To Build 57 Affordable Homes in Washington County

Nonprofit to build first "Passive House" multi-family project in Oregon. End Quote

Portland-Vancouver, OR-WA (1888PressRelease) February 29, 2012 - REACH Community Development, a nonprofit that provides affordable housing and supportive services for individuals and families, has received a $750,000 award of federal HOME funds (Home Investment Partnerships Program Funds) from Washington County to build phase one of The Orchards at Orenco-a 57-unit affordable apartment community in Hillsboro, Oregon. The apartments are located near the Orenco MAX station using Passive House energy efficient standards, a method of construction that reduces energy use and heating bills by up to 90%.

As Hillsboro's population outpaces the housing supply and a rental housing shortage becomes more likely, REACH is addressing this demand by building The Orchards at Orenco, a three phase, 150-unit development with rents affordable to residents earning approximately 50% of Median Family Income (MFI), or $25,000 for a single-person household. The Orchards at Orenco will be one of the first multi-family projects in the United States built to "Passive House" standards. Passive House standards reduce heating and cooling requirements, while simultaneously creating excellent indoor air quality. These standards support REACH's efforts to incorporate green, sustainable building measures which create healthy living environments and provide residents with long-term cost savings.

"We're very pleased to have awarded REACH $750,000 in federal HOME funds to develop one of the first affordable housing projects at Orenco Station in Hillsboro," says Jennie Proctor, Program Manager in the Office of Community Development for Washington County. "With the current economic growth occurring in Washington County, it's important that organizations like REACH and the County take a comprehensive approach to building affordable, safe, and attractive homes for our expanding workforce."

"REACH is excited to begin developing affordable, energy efficient homes in Washington County, enabling us to address the growth of companies like Intel and Kaiser Permanente. The location will allow working families and individuals with modest incomes to enjoy a quality living environment at an affordable rate. Additionally, REACH's 30 years of experience in housing development and management will ensure that the Orchards at Orenco is a positive addition to the community," says Dee Walsh, REACH's Executive Director. Construction on Phase I is projected to begin in fall 2013.

For updates on the Orchards at Orenco project, please visit http://reachcdc.org/about-us/projects-in-the-pipeline/

About REACH CDC
For 30 years, REACH has built innovative and affordable housing for low-income families and individuals in the metropolitan region. REACH develops and manages affordable housing and provides supportive services to our residents, as well as free home repairs to senior homeowners. Today, REACH's portfolio includes 1,400 units including single family homes, apartment buildings and mixed-use developments located across the City of Portland. REACH has won numerous state and national awards for its creative approach to building healthy communities and its innovative housing projects. More information is available at http://reachcdc.org.

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