Bienestar receives $2.4 million award from USDA to build new Farmworker Housing in Forest Grove

Bienestar, a nonprofit based in Hillsboro, is pleased to announce the receipt of an award of $2.4 million from Rural Development of the United States Department of Agriculture to build a new apartment project for 24 farmworker families in Forest Grove, Oregon.  The award was made as part of a national competition and is one of only two in Oregon.  Bienestar hopes to break ground for the project at Juniper and 26^th in Forest Grove in April, 2011.

Bienestar is a nonprofit community development corporation providing affordable housing and resident services for 460 low-income families in Aloha, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Hillsboro and Scappoose.  Bienestar’s mission is to build housing, hope and futures for the well-being of working families.

Bienestar has 29 years of experience in farmworker housing and currently operates 256 multifamily units for farmworkers in Washington and Columbia counties.  The organization provides an extensive suite of resident service programs for its residents to help them move toward self-sufficiency.  Adult programs include ESL, GED, computer and financial literacy classes, community gardens, Job Club, an IDA program, microenterprise, free income tax preparation, nutrition classes, and Promotores providing outreach and referrals to their neighbors.  Youth programs include Homework Clubs, Science Clubs, Summer Reading, Explorador Nature Camp, Financial Fitness for Life, Soccer and Basketball Clubs, special events, Summer Lunch & Fun, Kids Computer Club, Teens’ Build Your Own Computer.  Similar programs are planned for Juniper Gardens.

Bienestar is working with development consultant CASA of Oregon and architecture firm Scott/Edwards on the project.  Juniper Gardens has also received funding through the HOME funds administered by Washington County, and through the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services.

“We are so grateful to be able to develop new quality affordable housing for farmworker families in Washington County”, says Executive Director Karen Shawcross, adding “Our first farmworker property, Elm Park, was built in 1983 and is a short distance from the Juniper Gardens site. The need for quality, safe, affordable homes with resident services is great for those who provide essential labor in our community. We believe that we have a unique cultural competency in serving farmworker families, and are looking forward to breaking ground.”

“Decent affordable housing is an essential foundation for every American family,” said Senator Jeff Merkley.  “This grant will help families find a safe and secure home and strengthen Washington County’s agricultural community.”

Mayor Peter Truax of Forest Grove adds: “The addition of Juniper Gardens shows the incredible advantage of partnerships.  Forest Grove, Bienestar, Community Development Block Grants, Washington County, and the Federal Government all joining hands to benefit farmworker families, Oregon’s agricultural community, and individual farming operations in western Washington County.”

For more information, contact Bienestar Executive Director Karen Shawcross at 503.693.2937, Ext. 104.or kshawcross@hdcnwo.org.