From concept to financing, construction to occupancy, every phase is a step in our mission to make affordable housing a reality for everyone in the Northwest. Take a close look at our process and meet the team that anticipates ‘unexpected,’ asks questions, and figures it out.
Project feasibility analysis, capacity studies, funding opportunity assessment are all completed well before breaking ground. Community success that's long-term starts early and with a lot of questions.
Pre-development allows us to see the community needs, land characteristics, and financing opportunities. We apply our unique lens to find the potential path for the project. If it's not clear, we make our own.
Our government and nonprofit backgrounds give us a unique understanding, perspective and visibility into affordable housing financing.
We are experienced working with dozens of funding sources, both public and private, and benefit from deep relationships with lenders, investors, foundations and government organizations. We are compelled to be good stewards of public and private resources, treating our funders as true partners for the long-term.
We ask a lot of questions. How do we reduce utility bills for residents? Will children who live here prefer a soccer field or a basketball hoop? In the eyes of our neighbors, how will this building look? Is this sink deep enough? Should we ditch the carpet?
Our team of project professionals—engineers, architects, designers and more —are focused on producing designs that resident and communities need. We ask questions early which mean we can work with municipalities big and small to get permits fast.
Affordable housing built to last is accomplished through strong relationships, proactive issue management, and a commitment to quality. It's a process that provides well-built communities that support the needs of residents.
Our construction management team works shoulder to shoulder with general contractors, municipalities, consultants, and industry professionals to complete projects on time and on budget.
Total Development Cost Of Home First Supported Projects
TOTAL UNIQUE FUNDING SECURED FOR DEVELOPMENTS
Grants, competitive funding awards, LIHTC equity and other funding that complements or replaces conventional debt.
The Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Housing Program is a State funding source that provides gap funding for developments that build for low-income families and individuals in Oregon, with a focus on those that emphasize efficiency and community partnerships.
The LIHTC program is administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services, prodiving tax credits to investors in exchange for equity that funds the construction of affordable rental housing. Home First typically utilizes 4% LIHTC.
Other funds include competitive grants and loans available for affordable housing development such as: Meyer Memorial Trust grants, METRO Transit Oriented Development grants, OHCS VGHAP grants, METRO Bond, CDBG, Portland Housing Bureau CET, etc.
Ben's unique approach to development is informed by a commitment to mission-driven work, a sincere interest in public policy, and a passion for partnerships. Always surrounded by a cadre of talented professionals, Ben's primary contribution to projects is knowing how to hit the curve.
A U.S. Army Veteran, Will has more than 25 years of knowledge building and managing resources to support vulnerable populations. His CFO experience built a small Portland nonprofit from annual budgets of less than $50,000 a year to more than $10,000,000, helping thousands of people find permanent housing.
A diverse experience in government communications, legislative affairs, and human resources for State agencies (Housing & Community Services, Department of Environmental Quality, and Department of Transportation) informs Mike's project management approach for Home First Development. His attention to detail and experience with policy benefit the complex work of affordable housing financing and development.
As an experienced project engineer and manager, Alex has worked on the most complex and demanding steel fabrication construction projects in the Pacific Northwest. This background gives him comprehensive knowledge of large-scale budgets, schedules, processes and technical execution. For Home First Development, Alex manages construction for all projects and applies his experience and attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency across the portfolio.
Jennifer possesses extensive experience in construction management and architectural project management and interfaces with contractors, jurisdictions, and professionals on a daily basis to achieve Home First’s design and construction goals. Huang has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Smith College and both a master’s degree and an ecological design certificate in architecture from the University of Oregon.
With a diverse development experience that includes work at a civil engineering firm and in property management. Colleen’s coordination of complex pre-development processes and multi-family leasing informs her ability to oversee due diligence and asset management for Home First Development. As a detail-oriented, efficient, and skilled communicator, Colleen helps our partners execute closings, conversion, and compliance.
Leah oversees the Home First and Home First/Green Light Development portfolio, bringing years of experience as a developer, executive director and asset manager across the Pacific Northwest. Leah's problem solving skills, attention to detail and mission-driven focus ensure our properties stay beautiful, safe and in compliance.
Maya brings a wealth of real estate and office management experience to the Home First team and oversees the day-to-day operations of the office. Maya is a licensed Real Estate Agent, a graduate of Whitman College, and a longtime resident of the Mt. Tabor neighborhood where HFD’s office is located.
Barb Canaday is the Property Management Director and Managing Principal Broker for Home First Development. Barb, creator of Oregon Realtors’ Property Management Academy, directs all aspects of our in-house property management from development through lease-up, operations and compliance. She brings 30 years of real estate and property management experience, and as a Certified Instructor at the state and national levels, utilizes cutting edge management principles and best practices.
