On May 17, 2017 Farmworker Housing Development Corporation hosted partners, funders and the surrounding community to celebrate the grand opening of Colonia Jardines, FHDC’s  latest development and LEED Platinum housing community in Silverton, Oregon. The 20-unit complex began leasing in April and is designed to provide affordable rental housing and resident services for farm laborers and their families. The event kicked off with tours and a prayer led by Board Chair Ramon Ramirez, reminding attendees of humble roots and the importance of embracing community. A traditional Aztec Dance performance and blessing of the grounds by Mexica Tiahui had staff and partners moving together in unison to welcome the new friendships and opportunities that will be created at Colonia Jardines.

The ceremony included speeches from USDA, OHCS, HUD, and Casa of Oregon all sharing a consistent message of the importance of investing and prioritizing affordable rural housing for farm laborer families. The state recently released numbers indicating a 2,700 unit shortfall in order to meet the needs of housing in the agricultural communities of Oregon. Meanwhile, Aldo Solano, a former resident of FHDC,  took the time to thank FHDC and partners for his success in life. Aldo shared stories of growing up in the Nuevo Amanecer Community in Woodburn during a time where gang violence was on the rise. Now, at the age of 23, he credits FHDC’s mentors, education and  leadership development opportunities to his current situation as a young nonprofit leader serving the community.

FHDC thanks all of its  community partners from USDA Rural Development, Oregon Housing & Community Services, the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development , LMC Construction, Citizens Bank, AC Architecture, Nelson Capital Group, The City of Silverton, CASA of Oregon The Capaces Netwrok, OHDC, Chemecketa Community College  and Evolve Property Management & Workforce Development for joining us. We look forward to meeting the new families as they become part of the FHDC family and our programming.