Happy Fall, N/NE Community members. My name is Ta' Neshia Renaè and I serve as a member of the N/NE Oversight Committee, a dedicated and engaging group of professionals whose work is guided by the N/NE Housing Strategy. For me, this work is fulfilling because it aligns with my deep-rooted belief that housing is a fundamental right and not a privilege. Housing stability is at the core of building a thriving, sustainable community, and I am proud to be part of a team that shares this passion.

As we prepare for the colder months ahead, my heart is especially with those experiencing houselessness. No one should have to face the bitter cold without the safety and security of a home. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to continue advocating for policies and practices that ensure access to safe, stable housing for everyone – and my colleagues and I on the N/NE Oversight Committee are committed to working hand-in-hand with our Housing Strategy partners to address the challenges of rising home prices, interest rates, and rents. The struggle is real, but our resolve is stronger.

I feel an immense sense of gratitude -- for being part of the N/NE Oversight Committee, for the work we’ve done, and because I’ve been able to achieve homeownership myself through the N/NE Preference Policy. This holiday season I look forward to enjoying special moments and creating memories with my loved ones. This strengthens my commitment to ensuring that others in our community have the same opportunity to create a safe and warm space to call home.

Ta' Neshia Renaè  

Stamped & Signed: Mobile Notary & Legal Services

The legacy of the pioneering scholar and educator Dr. Darrell Millner, who uncovered the history of Black people in Oregon, will now live on in the heart of North Portland with the new Dr. Darrell Millner Building. 

Joined by his children who also spoke at the grand opening on September 12th, Dr. Millner expressed true joy and a tremendous sense of accomplishment stating, "It’s an honor to see my name attached to a project that provides such vital housing for Portland’s Black community. This development represents hope for future generations and reminds us that our history and culture have a permanent place in this city.”

Located in the Overlook neighborhood, Community Development Partners (CDP) and Self-Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) partnered as co-owners/developers to engage and serve the BIPOC community, furthering the goals of the N/NE Preference Policy to redress historical displacement and harmful urban renewal practices. The project contains 63 homes including 17 homes serving households earning up to 30% AMI. 48 units have multiple bedrooms to meet the needs of families with children in North and Northeast Portland. Notably, the 30% AMI homes are distributed proportionately among the unit sizes to ensure families have access to appropriately sized units. SEI’s onsite resident services coordinator assists tenants with navigating social services and accessing other community resources.

Amenities include a small community garden, outdoor play area and courtyard, bike storage, and onsite parking spaces. Approximately 2,500 square feet of neighborhood-serving commercial space are located on the ground floor. The Dr. Darrell Millner Building is within walking distance of two MAX stations and frequent-service bus lines #72 to Clackamas Town Center and #4 to Downtown Portland. Patton Square City Park is three blocks north of the site; a range of grocery stores, Providence Medical Group, and Kaiser Permanente are all in close proximity.

A good time was had by all who attended the Strong Family Apartments groundbreaking on October 22nd! The Strong Family Apartments is the latest development in the Alberta Alive project series, an effort to provide more affordable housing stock in historically Black neighborhoods ravaged by eminent domain efforts and gentrification. The apartments will be reserved for households with incomes from 0% to 60% of the area median income.

Developments like these will “fortify” historically Black neighborhoods of the area, CDC CEO Eric Paine said. 

“My mom was a civil rights activist, and also a community activist, and really was responsible for a lot of profound things that happened in North/Northeast Portland,” said former property owner Jackie Strong, who sold the one-acre property to the city. “So, we sort of vibed with her spirit…we wanted to make sure, one, our fingerprint is on this neighborhood and secondly, to do something good with the property that would be long-lasting. I realized that the city had this big goal of creating housing in the future…it just matched who we were as the Strong family.”

The nonprofit Self Enhancement, Inc. and Community Development Partners co-own the site, and are working together to develop 21 one-bedroom, 32 two-bedroom and 22 three-bedroom homes on the property. The residential building is expected to open in March 2026.

Josh Roper, JD, MPP relocated Portland from Philadelphia, where he has worked for the City government for over ten years. Since 2021, Josh has served as the Policy Director for Health & Human Services in the Managing Director's Office, an executive role supporting Philadelphia's health and human services agencies, and has developed and advanced a cross-agency policy agenda focused on economic mobility; health and healthcare; housing; and safety and trauma prevention. Prior to his current role, he served as COVID-19 Policy Director, Senior Policy Advisor, and Public Policy Attorney for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. He began his legal career at Covington & Burling LLP in Washington, DC. Josh holds a JD from Harvard Law School, an MPP from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, and a BA from Yale University.

Portland Housing Center (PHC) initially launched its Post Purchase Program as a pilot on January 10th, 2024, inviting PHC Homeowners and community partners to attend and learn how the program supports and provides resources to Preference Policy homebuyers. It was a successful pilot that they are happy to continue.

The program, returning later this year, will serve existing PHC/PHB homeownership participants offering non-delinquency post purchase counseling and workshops on topics such as home maintenance, estate planning, taxes for homeowners.

A key feature of the program includes an opportunity for new homeowners to share their homeownership journey through storytelling! PHC and PHB would like to capture the homebuying journeys and experiences of our eligible homebuyers, and those willing to share their stories will be compensated for their time with a $100 VISA gift card.

Portland Housing Center will be contacting eligible homeowners soon!

Homeowners in marginalized communities often face unique challenges when it comes to securing affordable, comprehensive insurance coverage. Whether due to systemic inequalities or a lack of accessible information, many may unknowingly pay more for home hazard insurance than necessary. To help protect your investment and avoid being taken advantage of, it’s important to regularly review your insurance policy and shop around for better options.

Over the past few years, several homeowners have reported saving thousands of dollars on their home insurance by simply re-quoting their policies. This highlights the importance of staying vigilant. Insurance companies adjust rates frequently based on various factors, including changes in your neighborhood, home improvements, or market conditions. By reviewing your coverage every three years, you ensure you're getting the best protection at the best price.

Here’s why you should consider re-quoting your policy:

1. Rates Can Change: Insurers may increase premiums without significant changes to your home or coverage. Regularly checking for better rates ensures you’re not overpaying.
2. Competition: New insurance providers may offer better deals or tailored coverage options for homeowners in your area, making it easier to find a policy that fits your budget.
3. Tailored Needs: As your home or family situation changes, so might your coverage needs. Re-quoting gives you a chance to adjust your policy and avoid paying for unnecessary coverage.

Take charge of your financial well-being by making it a habit to shop around for home hazard insurance every few years. This simple step could save you money while ensuring that you’re adequately covered.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Ramon Johns earned his BA in Biological Science from Mississippi State University. Seven years ago, he moved to Northeast Portland and quickly knew it was his forever home. Ramon currently works in the affordable housing sector, where he is passionate about fostering vibrant and sustainable communities. Having witnessed firsthand the impact of gentrification in Detroit, which affected many of his own family members, and seeing housing disparities in Mississippi, Ramon is deeply committed to creating equitable housing opportunities.

Before moving to Portland, he built a career in social and corporate events and became a certified wedding planner in Michigan. In his free time, Ramon is an active member of PDX Frontrunners, an LGBTQIA+ running club that promotes good health and positive social connections through running and community events. When he’s not running, you’ll find him savoring desserts or getting lost in Oregon's beautiful forests.

Welcome, Ramon, we are excited to have you join the committee!

Kevin grew up in Atlanta, GA, graduated from the University of Texas, and spent time in Chicago, Madison, and San Francisco before setting down roots in NE Portland. He has experience leading large organizations at technology companies such as Twitter, and throughout his career has prioritized volunteering with and supporting local community organizations with a primary focus on homelessness and housing.

He is passionate about housing policy and racial and social justice, and he's excited to learn from the amazing people on this committee and contribute to the important work we are doing. Outside of work, you can find him cooking up a large meal for family and friends, reading a good book and listening to records, or ideally finding himself somewhere in the woods.

Welcome, Kevin, we are excited to have you join the committee!