Success Stories

“For the first time, I’m my own boss managing my own business.” -Zoila, 60, Micro Mercantes Vendor and Hacienda CDC Resident   Before Micro Mercantes, Zoila worked the night shift (8:00 PM—1:00 AM) at a fruit processing company standing up in cold temperatures. Read More

Angel began attending Vamos Kids Club after-school program as a fourth grader when his family moved to one of Hacienda’s affordable housing sites. Before attending Vamos, Angel was at least one year behind in reading level and did not have many friends outside his immediate family. Read More

“I see my sons and daughters being passionate about learning.“ -Abraham Mohamed, resident and father of 7 talking about Hacienda’s after school program.   Abraham, a Somali refugee for 15 years of his life, moved with his wife and family to one of Hacienda CDC’s affordable rental housing communities two years ago. Neither parent knew how to speak English and could not help their kids with their homework. Read More

"Your help has given me hope. I want to invite my friends and relatives to come to these classes so they can learn how to take better care of their children.” -Suzanna, parent Suzanna brought her child who had health problems to Portland Niños— Hacienda’s parent education and child development program offered to Latino parents in the Portland Metro Area. Read More

In 2005 the Mendez family moved into a new home to accommodate their growing six member household. Being unfamiliar with the housing market, however, they entered into a predatory loan agreement that eventually caused deep financial and personal stress to the family. Read More

Teresa is from Michoacán, Mexico. She relied on her daughter, Rosa, for support until joining Hacienda's Micro Mercantes tamale-selling co-operative two years ago. Read More

“Every time I step into my backyard, I’m so excited to know that it’s mine.” -Guadalupe Avila, homeowner   Guadalupe is a single mother of three, busy holding down a full time job and raising her family. For the past seven years she has lived in public housing. For many single parents in her shoes home ownership seems impossible. Read More

Linda's Story

Lydia is a 38-year-old mother of three and struggles with weight problems and high blood pressure. At every meal, she would pour a small mound of salt on a dish so she could dab her finger in it and place the salt on her tongue before every bite. Read More

Linda has overcome incredible hardships. After 32 years of marriage, her husband passed away. Because of exorbitant medical bills, collection agencies were knocking at her door. After steady work, her job disappeared. After 10 years of steady house payments, her bank began calling to take away her house. That is what brought Linda to Hacienda CDC, to an organization that, in her words, “went beyond the call of duty.” Read More