HBA Members Donate Over $180,000 in Labor and Supplies
HomeAid Portland and Caritas Housing Initiatives are celebrating the completion of a new multi-family residence that will provide transitional housing and services for homeless teenage mothers and their babies.

HomeAid Portland is the shelter-providing arm of the Home Builders Foundation of Metropolitan Portland and the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBA). Caritas Housing Initiatives is the housing development arm of Catholic Charities of Oregon. Local builders, Legend Homes and Renaissance Homes acted as co-builder captains.

“The need for temporary housing is an issue we are absolutely passionate about and one that the building industry can help remedy,” said David Nielsen, CEO of the HBA. “Through HomeAid Portland’s ability to harness the building industry’s time, talent and materials, we are poised to help even more local men, women and children.”

The new shelter, called Haven House, will provide a stable, safe, temporary home for six teenage mothers and their children. While there, the women will pursue education or work experience, and receive life skills training through Catholic Charities’ social service programs. The homes are located at the corner of SE 69th and Powell Blvd. in Portland.

“Local nonprofits have tight budgets. By partnering with our member builders and associates, HomeAid Portland is able to help organizations like Catholic Charities build new, high-quality shelters like Haven House at a fraction of the cost,” said Tamar Hare, HomeAid Portland program manager.

Jim Chapman, President of Legend Homes, presents keys to Catholic Charities's, Dennis Keenan

Contractors, manufacturers and suppliers donated more than $180,000 in labor and supplies. Sixty companies participated in the project, donating 74% of the total construction cost as in-kind donations.

“I have been astounded by the heart-felt efforts put forth by the men and women who have worked on this project,” said Jim Chapman, president of Legend Homes. “Many of the donations we received have a painful impact on the business of the donor, but they did it anyway because they believe in the cause as much as I do. My hat is off to them.”

For more information, please contact Tamar Hare at 503-684-1880.