The community provides essential affordable housing for families and will include gathering spaces and comprehensive youth and family services
ALOHA, Ore. (June 13, 2024) — BRIDGE Housing, the leading nonprofit affordable housing developer and manager on the West Coast, joined Oregon State Senator Wlnsvey Campos, Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington and other dignitaries and community members today to celebrate the grand opening of Cedar Rising, an 82-unit affordable housing community for families in the Aloha community of unincorporated Washington County.
Cedar Rising, located at the intersection of S.W. 174th Avenue and S.W. Alexander Street, consists of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and will be affordable for families earning 30-60% of Area Median Income, which is equal to $35,400 to $70,800 for a family of four. Several of the units also include features for residents with mobility, visibility, and hearing impairments or disabilities. Robust resident services for youth and families will be provided by Hacienda Community Development Corp., a Latino-led nonprofit that strives to strengthen families by providing affordable housing, homeownership support, economic advancement, and educational opportunities.
Today’s ribbon-cutting was attended by dozens of government leaders, housing officials, financing partners, new Cedar Rising residents, and other community members.
“We are excited to bring this brand-new affordable housing development and supportive services to nearly 200 residents in the Aloha community,” said Ken Lombard, President and CEO of BRIDGE Housing. “We are dedicated to providing beautiful new homes that close the housing affordability gap in this high-cost area, and elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest.”
“Ensuring access to safe, affordable housing for individuals and families is a leading priority for the state of Oregon,” said Oregon State Senator Wlnsvey Campos. “Cedar Rising not only offers beautiful, sustainable living spaces, but will help foster a sense of belonging and stability for Aloha residents. By partnering with organizations like BRIDGE Housing, we are working to meet the significant need for affordable housing in our communities.”
“Cedar Rising is yet another example of how the affordable housing bond is addressing a critical problem for our community,” shared Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington. “It has enabled us to develop affordable homes for families priced out by ever-rising rents. And it has shown us that it takes strong partnerships to expand the supply of housing for individuals and families who are most at risk to becoming homeless.”
Cedar Rising, located just 12 miles from downtown Portland, offers easy access to transit, parks, schools, job centers, and other important amenities in an area prioritized by Washington County through local planning efforts to create a future Town Center. Reflecting feedback from community outreach and engagement, a majority of the apartments are family-friendly two- and three-bedroom units.
Property amenities at Cedar Rising include private bike storage, laundry facilities, a community room with a kitchen, on-site property management and resident services offices, and a courtyard with a playground, raised garden beds, barbeques, and picnic seating. Cedar Rising has been designed to receive Earth Advantage certification.
“Cedar Rising embodies BRIDGE’s commitment to providing high quality, affordable homes with supportive services that empower individuals and families,” said Sierra Atilano, Executive Vice President at BRIDGE Housing. “We are grateful to our partners who have helped bring this vision to life in Aloha and we look forward to continuing our efforts throughout the West Coast.”
“Not only is Cedar Rising focused on housing historically underserved communities, it’s also fighting displacement by providing opportunities for low-income families to stay in a great neighborhood with access to high-frequency public transit,” Metro Housing Director Patricia Rojas said.
“Access to affordable and stable housing is critical to living a healthy life, so we’re pleased to support the development of Cedar Rising,” said Gary Daniels, CEO of UnitedHealthcare in Oregon, which is part of UnitedHealth Group which invested $15.5 million into the $34 million development. “UnitedHealth Group is dedicated to taking an active role in our communities to help address all the factors that influence an individual’s health, even before they visit the doctor.”
Financing for Cedar Rising was provided by Oregon Housing and Community Services; Housing Authority of Washington County; Metro Affordable Housing Bond; U.S. Bank; UnitedHealth Group through National Affordable Housing Trust/SAHF Affordable Housing Communities Fund 2019; and Energy Trust of Oregon. The architect was Scott | Edwards Architects, and the general contractor was LMC Construction. For more information, visit www.cedar-rising.com.