14 Jan 2019 in Review

2019 was a year of growth, development, and innovation for Bienestar. Our staff, Board, and community leaders continued to dedicate their time and energy to building a better region by providing affordable housing, by raising up the Latinx community, and by growing our capacity and developing their skills.

We successfully closed on the rehab of our Hillsboro based affordable housing property, Montebello Apartments, and began construction. By now, many of the residents have already moved back in to newly renovated and improved apartments, and we expect the rest of the project will be completed by late spring of 2020.

Our resident services team is innovating new approaches to old challenges, building partnerships, and developing community leaders. Our youth enrichment programs served about 500 youth residents, providing backpacks and school supplies, leading nature walks, and much more. 

The leaders who participate in our Promotores Program did more than 300 home visits to provide support to the Bienestar resident community, took 6 advocacy actions on issues like affordable housing and immigration, and built or strengthened more than 10 community partnerships.

Bienestar also embarked on a new partnership with the African American Alliance for Homeownership (AAAH), funded by Umpqua Bank and other supporters. Together, Bienestar and AAAH are bringing AAAH’s proven homeownership services to Washington County, complete with an annual Homeownership Fair! 

In 2019, Bienestar built internal capacity as well, hiring Karina Soriano in April of 2019 to support our Resident Services team and pursuing professional development for all staff members.

Throughout 2019, we focused on building the capacity and foundation we need to jump into 2020 ready to build, create, and make a difference in our community. This year, the sky’s the limit!