On Monday, November 6, Clackamas County, Happy Valley, Catholic Charities and Caritas Housing celebrated the opening of Good Shepherd Village. The 143-residence apartment community is the first affordable housing to be built in Happy Valley and the largest affordable housing development in Clackamas County.
The opening also marks a milestone for Metro’s affordable housing bond: over one thousand new homes have now been built across greater Portland using bond money, for a total of more than 4,500 in production thanks to the voter-approved measure.
“Metro’s affordable housing bond program doesn’t just provide a roof and a front door, it provides hope and stability,” said Metro Councilor Ashton Simpson, whose district includes Happy Valley. “By building affordable housing in communities all over our region, we’re ensuring people have access to stable housing in the communities they live, work, go to school and already call home.”
Good Shepherd Village was built on 11 acres of land donated by the Brockamp family, who lived on the property for many years. When local construction firm owner John Brockamp initially decided to gift the land to Catholic Charities, he thought about different community-minded uses for the site and decided affordable housing would provide the greatest benefit. Though John passed away last year, his widow Peggy spoke at the opening, sharing the community spirit behind the family’s gift.
Apartments are designated for two income levels: some will be reserved for people earning less than 30% of the area median income ($33,840 for a household of four) and the rest for people earning less than 60% of the area median income ($67,680 for a household of four). Apartment sizes range from studios to three-bedrooms. Fifty-eight apartments are permanent supportive housing, which combines rent assistance and supportive services tailored to each individual’s needs. This type of housing is widely recognized as the most effective way to address chronic homelessness.
Permanent supportive housing households at the Good Shepherd will receive rent assistance through one of 35 federal HUD section 8 vouchers or 23 Metro regional long-term rent assistance vouchers. Services are paid for by Metro’s supportive housing services fund and provided on-site by Catholic Charities. Fifteen of these apartments are reserved for veterans who have experienced homelessness.
The three-bedrooms and several of the two-bedroom apartments are located in two buildings surrounding a small courtyard. The studios, one-bedrooms, and remaining two-bedrooms are in a large adjacent building, along with the community rooms and office space for residents and supportive services staff. Each building has laundry facilities and secure bike parking for residents. The project uses trauma-informed design, universal design, and sustainable design elements. The property also includes a four-acre natural area on the northeastern portion of the site.