Mission and Vision
Mission
Welcome Home is a diverse coalition in the Portland metropolitan region that uses its collective resources to create healthy communities by ensuring everyone has an affordable and stable home. We use community education and collaboration, advocacy, and research to advance housing policies that enable all our neighbors to thrive.
Vision
We envision a future of housing options that meet the real needs of people in our region. We strive to eliminate inequities in race and class in housing outcomes.
History
Rents were increasing up to 30%, vacancy rates were at 2%, homeless shelters were becoming more packed, and communities of color were becoming increasingly displaced.
JOIN, Street Roots, ROSE Community Development Corporation, Housing Oregon, Community Alliance of Tenants, and the Native American Youth and Family Center decided to form a coalition to bring together the many voices concerned with the lack of funding at a time when cuts to safety net services were devastating.
The director hired, built out basic infrastructure on a shoestring budget; researched national approaches and best practices to generate revenue at the local level.
Developed leadership training and speaker’s bureau to support community members to play a key role as advocates - testify, share their story, and campaign.
Increased Portland’s TIF affordable housing set aside from 30% to 45% generating $67 million more over 10 years.
Passed $1.2 million annually in lodging taxes dedicated to Portland’ Housing Investment Fund.
Advocated for increase in City of Portland’s affordable housing budget to $64 million over the next decade.
Passed a construction excise tax in the City of Portland that will generate bringing in $8 million annually.
Conducted a public research poll that showed 62% interest in a property tax and bond to fund affordable housing.
Mobilized over 5,000 volunteers in a campaign that secured $258 million in new funds for the city of Portland.
Inform the development of a bond framework for the City of Portland Housing Bureau.
Increased Portland’s TIF affordable housing set aside from 30% to 45% generating $67 million more over 10 years.
Passed $1.2 million annually in lodging taxes dedicated to Portland’ Housing Investment Fund.
Advocated for increase in City of Portland’s affordable housing budget to $64 million over the next decade.
Passed a construction excise tax in the City of Portland that will generate bringing in $8 million annually.
Begin advocacy for Metrowide regional housing for $652 million.
Served as a key stakeholder on Yes for Affordable Housing campaign.
Our community is stronger when we work together. Join us in ensuring all our neighbors have an affordable place to call home.
Equity in Action
Equity Statement
Welcome Home Coalition knows that people are denied access to housing resources based on their intersecting identities of race, ethnicity, language, immigrant and/or refugee status, faith, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, specific diagnosis, or identifiable issue, family structure or socioeconomic status. We are committed to pursuing policy solutions and strategies that are equitable to all in both access and outcomes. We believe that confronting our region’s housing crisis with an equity lens is critical to preserving the dignity, humanity, and uniqueness of each and every one of our neighbors. This means we create a region where the voices of those with lived experience of homelessness and/or housing instability are authentically elevated in policymaking. We believe in our collective ability to do better. Doing better starts with listening to those who have been most harmed by housing policies.
Staff and Members
Welcome Home Coalition values the unique talents and diverse perspectives of our staff and members.
Staff
Molly Hogan She/Her
Emily Ausman She/Her
JJ Jones They/Them
Steering Committee
Cree Bort
Jenny Lee
Ada Dortch
Amanda Saul
Willita Ross
Sahaan McKelvey
Nick Sauvie
Sammi Teo
Sandra Comstock
Jock Gurney Kimberley
Community Advisory Committee
Barbara Smith
Michelle Hornbeck
Bernabe Ruiz
Kelvin Harris
Members
We are made up of diverse organizations in Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah Counties.
Board
Nick Sauvie
President
Blythe Garma
Treasurer
Cree Bort
Director
Tyler Mac Innis
Secretary
Jenny Lee
Director
Jane Moisan
Director
Thank you to our members!
Help us continue to build a movement to ensure everyone has a safe, stable and accessible home.
Get Involved
Donate
Supporting the Welcome Home Coalition means investing in a movement for safe, stable, affordable homes for everyone in the Portland Metro region.
Stay Connected!
Get regular updates and volunteer opportunities sent directly to your inbox!
Contact Us
Send Us a Message
Have a question or comment? Please fill out this contact form or send us an email at Info@WelcomeHomeCoalition.org and we will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.
Contact Info
Info@WelcomeHomeCoalition.org
(971) 291-3750
PO Box 11467
Portland, OR 97211
Fiscally Sponsored By
JOIN
Help us continue to build a movement to ensure everyone has a safe, stable and accessible home.
Help us continue to build a
movement to ensure everyone has
a safe, stable and accessible home.
Help us continue to build a
movement to ensure everyone has
a safe, stable and accessible home.
Donate
Donate Today!
Fill out the form below to purchase a 'House the People' T-shirt today!
T-shirts are printed locally in small batches and will be shipped to your billing address as soon as possible.
WHC Home
Our Strategies
Advocacy
As a coalition of service providers, affordable housing developers, and neighbors with a shared vision of a region where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home, we work together to advocate for policies that address the root causes of our housing crisis.
Community Education
We are invested in increasing housing equity across Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington County. As a part of this work, we host community education events to uplift policies that center those most impacted by the housing crisis.
Research
Our coalition has championed two affordable housing bonds in the last decade. Looking forward, we are committed to using research to adapt to the changing needs of our community.
Our Coalition's Impact
Our coalition has championed two housing bonds in the last decade. As of 2023, these public investments have produced more affordable units than initially promised to voters. Together, these funds will result in the following outcomes:
6,500
New Affordable Homes
$928
Million Invested
19,000
Individuals Served
2,400
Deeply Affordable Units