Affordable housing community breaks ground in Gresham

A new affordable housing community broke ground in Gresham.

The Montage will be a 39-unit building with 10 preferred apartments set aside for folks with disabilities. The project is being done by Home First Development, Green LightDevelopment, and Advocates for Life Skills and Opportunity.

“We have seen that one of the most significant barriers for people with disabilities is access to affordable housing,” said Brett Turner, chief executive Officer of ALSO. “It isn’t really our intention to be real estate developers, but it’s important for us to make sure there is access to housing for people, and not just housing, but inclusive, affordable housing. That’s what this project is all about.”

The building will be at 1228 N.E. Division Street. There will be 21 one-bedroom units, 12 two-bedroom units, and six three-bedroom units. They will include in-unit washers and dryers, air conditioning, luxury vinyl plank flooring, quartz countertops, and energy-efficient fixtures. The community will also have a sports court, community garden, fenced pet station, and landscaped courtyard. Rents will be at or below 50-60% of the area median income.

“This is an exciting project that’s going to provide much-needed affordable housing for all different kinds of folks, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Ben Pray, CEO of Home First. “We’re thrilled to be a part of it and to be working with a great organization like ALSO.”

The groundbreaking was on Thursday, Jan. 15. The project is planned to be finished by spring 2027.

Funding comes from a variety of sources, including $11.5 in Low Income Housing Tax Credits from OHCS, $3.2 million in Oregon Affordable Housing Tax Credits through OHCS,$600,000 in state General Housing Account Program funds, a $250,000 Transit-Oriented Development grant from Metro, $300,000 grant from the Kuni Foundation, and two grants from the Fairview Trust Fund totaling $700,000.

“Creating housing like The Montage takes aligned vision, committed partners and a lot of persistence,” said Mark Desbrow, managing partner at Green Light Development. “Thisproject reflects what can happen when public agencies, nonprofits and developers work together to meet real community needs.”

Source: https://theoutlookonline.com/2026/01/21/affordable-housing-community-breaks-ground-in-gresham/