Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) joined West Tuality Habitat for Humanity and community partners on July 30 to celebrate the grand opening of Countryman Estates, a new affordable homeownership development that will help more families achieve the dream of owning a home in Washington County.
“Every new affordable homeownership opportunity creates lasting financial benefits for Oregon families and communities,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Developments like Countryman Estates help make homeownership attainable for working families while building generational wealth and strengthening the economy.”
Countryman Estates is an eight-home development in Forest Grove, partially funded through OHCS’ Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Homeownership program, which is intended to create affordable homeownership opportunities for families with low to moderate incomes.
With a focus on increasing housing supply, LIFT funds can be used for new construction or conversion of existing non-housing structures with units being completed and ready for sale within 36 months of receiving a funding reservation.
Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership model helps families purchase homes with affordable mortgages while partnering with homeowners throughout the homebuying process, creating a pathway for long-term housing stability.
"Our two partner families have worked hard to build their own homes alongside our staff and volunteers, all while working full-time jobs, raising kids, and preparing for a mortgage,” said Laura Altermatt, executive director, West Tuality Habitat for Humanity. “The LIFT funding we receive from OHCS is critical to the success of our mission to build affordable homes. We're grateful for our partnership with the State of Oregon as we work together to deliver housing for the residents of western Washington County."
As Oregon continues facing a statewide housing shortage, investments in affordable homeownership developments like Countryman Estates help increase housing supply while creating opportunities for more Oregonians to put down roots in the communities where they live and work.
In addition to providing homeownership development funding to partners to expand housing inventory, OHCS programs such as Flex Lending and down payment assistance help Oregonians get their foot in the door of owning their own home.
For more information about all of OHCS’ homeownership programs, visit the OHCS website.