Officials break ground on affordable housing next to new Opportunity Center
Story by James Hill. Photos by Ric Getter.
Cheering the groundbreaking for the new affordable housing complex — PCC Killingsworth.
A significant milestone was reached May 15 with the groundbreaking of the PCC Killingsworth apartment community in Northeast Portland. The event, celebrated by Portland Community College, Home Forward and the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), was attended by leaders from the Portland Housing Bureau, Metro, Oregon Housing and Community Services, housing advocates, and various partners.
The new development, set to be a vibrant community hub, will feature 84 income-based apartment homes, including 18 studios, six one-bedroom units, 45 two-bedroom units, and 15 three-bedroom units. Key amenities include bike storage, Wi-Fi, outdoor courtyards, a family room, a community kitchen, a large laundry room, and an experiential playscape. The project will be co-located with the new PCC Opportunity Center at 42nd Ave., enhancing the community’s resources and opportunities.
Ivory Mathews, CEO of Home Forward, expressed her excitement, stating, “This collaboration is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared vision of creating opportunities for families to thrive and communities to prosper.”
Ivory Mathews (executive director of Home Forward) with Dr. Adrien Bennings (PCC president).
Dr. Adrien L. Bennings, president of PCC, emphasized the project’s broader impact, highlighting the Opportunity Center’s role in community development. “This project exemplifies our commitment to holistic community development. Through collaboration with key partners, we’ve created more than just a center; we’ve created a hub for opportunity and stability.”
The neighborhood revitalization effort will also include a 16,000-square-foot plaza for community events and a casual amphitheater. Additionally, the Oregon Department of Human Services will have an on-site office, and the Multnomah County Health Department will open a community health center next year.
The PCC Killingsworth development, scheduled for completion by summer 2025, exemplifies best practices in community-driven solutions and economic mobility support. Funded by the 2018 Metro Housing Bond and other sources, this project aligns with regional goals for housing affordability and accessibility.
PCC’s new Opportunity Center at 42nd Avenue (located at 4299 NE Killingsworth St.) opened last fall to the community. It is a collaborative endeavor supported by the Department of Human Services, NAYA and Home Forward, offering a comprehensive array of services, educational resources, and workforce development initiatives.
This center’s primary mission is to address racial and economic disparities by providing residents with access to education and career-track employment opportunities. The services offered include career exploration, coaching, skills development, and comprehensive support systems to help individuals achieve their goals.
Funded by the 2017 PCC bond measure, the 50,000-square-foot Opportunity Center at 42nd Avenue is a state-of-the-art structure aiming for LEED Gold certification for integrating Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). This is a sustainable and eco-friendly construction material that contributes to the building’s warmth and inviting atmosphere.
For more information, visit the Opportunity Center’s webpage.
Site prep for construction is underway next to PCC’s Opportunity Center at 42nd Avenue.