“We know this program can work…”
On paper, Innovative Housing Inc. (IHI) is a nonprofit developer of affordable housing for low and moderate-income people. The organization builds new housing, acquires and renovates older apartment buildings, and preserves existing affordable housing that is at risk of converting to market rate housing.
But in fact, IHI is much more than that. The organization is committed to helping people stay stable in their housing, developing programs to help residents achieve success in their housing, careers, and life.
In partnership with Jason Lee Elementary, Innovative Housing has run a successful pilot program for low-income and minority students and families who reside at IHI's affordable housing site in the Rockwood neighborhood. The program works with the school and parents to monitor school progress, provide opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities, support high school youth in obtaining a GED and provide homework assistance.
Two recent grants from OCF – $23,000 from the Betty Lou Roberts Fund and $2,000 from an anonymous fund – is helping IHI replicate this program at sites in Gresham, Aloha, and Troutdale.
“We know this program can work to create a connection for students to schools and other services agencies they may need to have access to,” said Angela Harbin, Director of Resident Services. “We are grateful to OCF for allowing this expansion of a program that is working for those in need.”
Learn more at www.innovativehousing.com.