Habitat takes the "LEED" by teaming up with Walsh Construction Co. and the Cascadia Region Green Building Council to build the first Habitat for Humanity green homes in Oregon

Portland Habitat for Humanity already uses construction techniques that are environmentally friendly and chooses appliances that conserve energy, however this summer we are taking the next step by building two homes that are expected to achieve the LEED for Homes Silver Rating.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and the two homes will be built at 604 NE Webster. They were designed by David Posada and Scott Mooney, winners of the 2007 Natural Talent Design Competition sponsored by the Cascadia Region Green Building Council.

In addition to the sustainable practices Portland Habitat already uses, these two homes will used locally produced materials; formaldehyde-free interior wood products; a gray-water filtration system that uses runoff from the metal roof to water the yard; hardscaping with reclaimed materials; Forest Stewardship Council Certified Wood; low emitting paints, carpets, adhesives, flooring, and composite wood; water re-use system for toilet flushing; Perlite foundation insulation; and low-flow kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

Construction will begin late spring/early summer.

Seven homes will be built this summer on   8116 SE Martins Street.

Portland Habitat for Humanity purchased this lot in partnership with the Portland Development Commission (PDC) through a PDC grant to buy land within the Lents Town Center Urban Renewal district.

The community will include a three-plex and a four-plex. Three of the units will be 2-bedroom homes, two other units will be 3-bedroom homes, and the final two units will be 4-bedroom homes.   Thank you, Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects, for donating the architectural design for this community!  Ankrom Moisan has donated many other community designs in the past for Portland Habitat builds; we appreciate their partnership.

One of the families who will be moving into this community is Robin Smith and her son, Andrew, who is in a wheelchair.  Ankrom Moisan and Portland Habitat are working with Robin to specifically design the home to encourage Andrew's independence in the activities of daily living. For example, Andrew's bedroom has an adjacent bathroom fully equipped for wheelchair use with turnaround space, grab bars and a roll-in shower. The kitchen will feature lowered counter space, a roll-under sink and cabinet storage within reach of a person in a wheelchair, so Andrew can prepare meals and feel comfortable maneuvering in the kitchen. Storage space for multiple wheelchairs and exercisers has been added.

We also have other builds such as the Women Build and the 2008 Home Builders Blitz.  But we need your help to keep planning these future builds!  If you're interested in donating land, dollars, or materials, or if you would like to sponsor a specific family's home, please contact us!  

We welcome and value your involvement - thank you!