Local affordable housing builders and developers will share information and answer questions about upcoming affordable housing projects at an information fair at the Larkspur Community Center on Wednesday, September 18 from 5:30pm-6:45pm, with live simultaneous Spanish translation services.
The affordable housing fair is one of many events held in celebration of numerous community partners in the shared commitment to foster a welcoming environment for all in Bend. The seventh annual celebration of Welcoming Week in Bend, brought in partnership by the City of Bend and the Oregon Community Foundation, takes place from September 13-22, with events extending to September 28.
A crucial aspect of creating a welcoming community is ensuring that everyone can live in the community they are being welcomed into. This is where affordable homeownership becomes essential. Affordable housing addresses economic disparities and reinforces the spirit of Welcoming Week by empowering people to put down roots and thrive in the community they are embracing.
Housing fair attendees will have the opportunity to learn from Central Oregon’s affordable developers about exciting opportunities and next steps to become a homeowner. Featuring experts in lending and fair housing, this event aims to help build a community where people can live and thrive by providing the essential tools and resources needed to achieve homeownership. Live Spanish translation services will be available, ensuring the information is accessible to native Spanish speakers. The evening will commence with a brief educational introduction, followed by insightful presentations from several affordable housing builders and developers.
The fair is generously sponsored by Hayden Homes and is offered through a collaboration between NeighborImpact HomeSource, Habitat for Humanity Bend- Redmond, Habitat for Humanity Sisters, Habitat for Humanity LaPine Sunriver, Thistle and Nest, Rooted Homes, and First Story. In partnership, these organizations share a passion for providing pathways for people from diverse backgrounds to own homes, fostering stability and a sense of belonging.
Attendees will receive crucial information about upcoming application cycles, qualification criteria and the next steps to take in the journey toward owning a home.
Special guests will also be present to provide additional resources and answer questions, including the Latino Community Association, Father’s Group. BOLI Fair Housing, Umpqua Bank, Washington Trust Bank, Loan Depot and Guild Mortgage. Join us in fostering a welcome environment and learn everything you need to know about affordable housing in Central Oregon!
Affordable Housing Fair info:
Wednesday, September 18 at 5:30pm
Larkspur Community Center, Event Room
1600 SE Reed Market Rd
Bend, OR 97702
About Hayden Homes: We provide the highest quality work while delivering the greatest value on each and every new home that we build. We hire and source materials locally. We partner with nonprofits, provide the dream of homeownership to deserving families, and empower every team member to be the next generation of givers. About Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states and in more than 70 countries around the world. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat works toward this vision by building and improving homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of a decent and affordable place to live.
About Thistle & Nest: Thistle & Nest uses a land trust model to address the challenge of affordable housing in a manner that is permanent in nature. The nonprofit’s mission is to provide services, support, purchase opportunities, and stewardship for buyers of affordable owner-occupied housing. Thistle & Nest was formed in March of 2023 as part of the triad develop-build-nonprofit partnership that will have 30 homes available for purchase in 2024.
About First Story: Now celebrating its 25th year, First Story addresses the affordable housing crisis in the Pacific Northwest with an integrated approach that gives individuals a hand up to homeownership while encouraging inclusivity. First Story collaborates with its founding partner, homebuilder Hayden Homes, to construct move-in ready homes in existing communities. The homes are then sold to individuals and families earning 80 percent of area median income or below through First Story’s innovative loan program, which provides loans at zero-down, zero-percent interest for 30 years.
About Rooted Homes: RootedHomes provides environmentally sustainable and permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for those who contribute to the fabric of the Central Oregon economy and community. RootedHomes envisions sustainable, equitable communities where everyone can afford to live where they work and play. The organization values affordability, sustainability, and equitable access to homeownership.