On behalf of Hacienda CDC, I extend our deepest condolences to Dolores Huerta’s family, loved ones, and the generations of organizers and community members whose lives she touched.

Dolores devoted her life to the dignity of working people. Through decades of tireless organizing, she challenged injustice and helped farmworkers, women, and Latino communities recognize their power to create change. Her courage also extended to speaking painful truths about her own life. In doing so, she affirmed that every person’s dignity matters, including within the movements and institutions we hold dear.

We were honored to welcome Dolores as our keynote speaker at La Gala this time last year where she brought nearly 500 people to their feet to chant, “Sí, se puede”. Our connection to her legacy also lives in Dolores, our affordable housing community named in her honor. That name carries a responsibility: to help build a future where families have a stable home, opportunities to thrive, and a voice in the decisions that shape their lives.

As a Latino-led organization, we carry her example into our work and our hopes for the communities we serve. Dolores showed what becomes possible when people organize, stand together, and refuse to give up on one another.

Today, we mourn with her family and all who loved her. We honor her by continuing the work she dedicated her life to: advancing justice, dignity, and opportunity for generations to come.

Gracias, Dolores. Sí, se puede.

Ernesto.

Estimada comunidad,

National Hispanic Heritage Month has begun—a time to celebrate the history, culture, creativity, and contributions of the Latino community.

Over the next month, we’ll honor the people whose courage opened doors; the traditions, languages, and stories carried across generations; and the artists, entrepreneurs, advocates, and families shaping our communities.

Heritage is not only what we remember. It is what we carry forward—and what we build together.

This year, here at Hacienda CDC, we reached milestones that reflect what is possible when culture, community, and opportunity come together:

• Dolores grand opening – we celebrated Dolores—named for civil rights and labor leader Dolores Huerta—with 150 residents, partners, and elected officials, including Gov. Kotek. The 67-home community is Hacienda’s first in Washington County.


• Portland Mercado rebuild – we completed 90% of the rebuild of this vibrant home for culture and entrepreneurship, and we expect to celebrate a soft opening in January 2027.

• Resident Services direct assistance – we distributed nearly $200,000 to 209 households, helping residents meet essential rental and utility expenses. 

• Arrobas digital access initiative – we reached more than 1,500 community members ages 12–65 through STEAM learning, with 99 participants earning high school credit or industry-recognized certifications.

• Mass Timber workforce training expansion – we graduated the first cohort of 60 participants from this first-of-its-kind program, with the next cohort underway

Continuing the Celebration at La Gala on Friday, October 30

Our community will come together at La Gala—Hacienda’s signature evening celebrating our culture, honoring our community, and advancing our collective impact—presented by LMC Construction.

This year’s Día de los Muertos celebration will feature cultural icon and leading Chicano art advocate Cheech Marin, a beautiful ofrenda, live musical performances, and an evening grounded in remembrance, connection, and joy.

Together, we will honor those who came before us. Join us in celebrating what our community is accomplishing today and help us build what comes next.

Siempre Adelante,

Dr. Ernesto Fonseca

Chief Executive Officer

Hacienda CDC

New Hillsboro development brings 67 affordable homes, including family-sized apartments and supportive housing, to one of the region’s growing communities 

HILLSBORO, Ore. — Hacienda Community Development Corporation today celebrated the grand opening of Dolores, a new 67-home affordable housing community located at 9965 NE Walker Road in Hillsboro. The event marks a major milestone for Hacienda CDC as its first affordable housing community serving Washington County families. 

Named after Latina labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta, Dolores reflects Hacienda’s commitment to culturally responsive community development and expanding affordable housing access for families and individuals who have historically faced barriers to stable housing. 

The three-story, elevator-served community includes one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments serving households earning between 30% and 60% of area median income. The development includes 46 family-sized apartments with two or more bedrooms, helping meet the need for affordable homes that can accommodate families in Hillsboro and across Washington County.  

“Dolores is more than a building; it’s a promise that working families, children, elders, and community members deserve stable, high-quality affordable housing in the places they already call home,” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC. “As Hacienda’s first affordable housing community serving Washington County families, Dolores reflects our commitment to culturally responsive development, long-term resident stability, and expanding opportunity across the region.” 

“Housing is the foundation for opportunity and prosperity, and projects like Dolores are exactly the kind of partnership Oregon needs to meet this moment,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “By creating affordable homes for families, we are creating stability and connection and building a stronger future for everyone.” 

“The City of Hillsboro is proud to welcome Dolores to our community,” said Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace. “This development reflects what is possible when cities, housing providers, public agencies, and community partners work together with purpose. Dolores will help families remain rooted in Hillsboro, close to schools, jobs, services, and the people and places that make this city home.” 

“Dolores shows the power of regional investment in affordable housing,” said Metro Council President Juan Carlos González. “Across greater Portland, families are being pushed farther from opportunity by rising housing costs. This community is a meaningful step toward making sure Washington County families — including Latino, immigrant, and working families — can continue to thrive in the communities they helped build.” 

Dolores’ development was supported with $10.5 million from the voter-approved Metro Affordable Housing Bond, as awarded by the city of Hillsboro. In addition, Metro acquired the site using $2.8 million in Site Acquisition Program funds, also from the Affordable Housing Bond. 

“Affordable housing is essential to the health, stability, and economic strength of Washington County,” said Washington County Board Chair Kathryn Harrington. “Dolores brings much-needed homes to Hillsboro and demonstrates the impact of cross-sector partnership in addressing one of our region’s most urgent challenges. We are grateful for Hacienda CDC’s leadership and commitment to serving Washington County families.” 

Dolores includes resident-centered amenities such as a community room, community garden, central courtyard with covered seating, children’s play area, bike storage, parking, property management offices, and supportive service offices. In May 2026, the project was certified gold under the National Green Building Standard for its sustainability features including rooftop solar, heat pump water heaters, and mini-split heating and cooling systems. 

The project was selected through the City of Hillsboro’s Walker Road Affordable Housing Request for Proposals. Hacienda CDC serves as the developer and owner, with property management provided by Northwest Real Estate Capital Corp. The community also includes supportive housing in partnership with New Narrative for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness.  

Dolores was made possible through partnership with the City of Hillsboro, Metro, Oregon Housing and Community Services, Housing Authority of Washington County, Beneficial State Bank, Red Stone Equity Partners, New Narrative, Access Architecture, LMC Construction, and Northwest Real Estate Capital Corp. 

The grand opening celebration took place Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 10am–1pm at Dolores. The program included remarks, a ribbon cutting, guided tours, and a celebration with food and beverages courtesy of Hacienda’s Empresarios clients.  

About Hacienda CDC 
Hacienda Community Development Corporation is a Latino-led nonprofit organization that strengthens families by providing affordable housing, homeownership support, economic opportunity, small business services, and culturally responsive programs that advance social and economic mobility. 
 

Courtney Yones is the founder of We Must Mustard, a small-batch condiment brand reimagining how mustard shows up on the table—not just as a spread, but as a flavorful, versatile dip.

With support from Hacienda CDC’s Empresarios program, Courtney is able to turn a passion for food into a growing business rooted in creativity, community, and bold flavor. 

What started as an experiment in the kitchen quickly became something more, but Courtney’s connection to food began much earlier. Growing up in a family where her parents owned restaurants, she developed a deep respect for pure, natural ingredients and the role food plays in bringing people together. That foundation continues to shape We Must Mustard today. Courtney began exploring how mustard could be elevated beyond its traditional uses—crafted with thoughtful ingredients and designed to pair with everything from meats and cheeses to vegetables and snacks.

As interest in her products grew, Courtney faced the realities that come with launching a food business—navigating regulations, production requirements, and building a brand from the ground up. That’s when she connected with the Empresarios program. 

Through Empresarios, Courtney received a micro grant that helped cover essential early-stage costs, including her Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) business registration and support for building her website. The program also supported a professional photo shoot, helping Courtney bring the We Must Mustard brand to life visually and elevate how it shows up to consumers. These foundational steps were critical in turning her product into a market-ready business. 

Equally impactful has been the ongoing mentorship she receives. Courtney meets monthly with Empresarios Program Manager, Melina Romero, who has helped guide her through the culinary industry—an entirely new space for Courtney.  

“Melina has been instrumental in helping me think through how to grow the business the right way,” Courtney shared. “She challenges me, supports me, and pushes me to expand thoughtfully while staying true to the brand.” 

With this support, Courtney has continued to refine her products and grow her presence in the local food community. We Must Mustard is now carried by respected regional grocers, including New Seasons Market and Market of Choice, as well as beloved specialty retailers such as Classic Foods Outlet, Elephants Delicatessen, Tender Loving Empire, and The Meadow—marking an exciting step forward in bringing her unique “dipping mustard” concept to a broader audience. 

Courtney’s connection to the Empresarios community extends beyond business support. In partnership with Hacienda, she donated nearly 250 jars of mustard to support its youth and family services programs, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community that has helped her grow. 

As the business evolves, Courtney remains focused on building something sustainable and meaningful. From expanding her flavor offerings to deepening her retail partnerships, she is committed to growing intentionally while maintaining the quality and creativity that define the brand. 

“The support from Empresarios has been incredibly meaningful—not just financially, but in giving me the confidence and guidance to keep going,”

Looking ahead, Courtney is excited to continue introducing We Must Mustard to new audiences, experimenting with new flavor profiles, and building a brand that brings people together around food in a fresh and unexpected way. 

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These business success stories are made possible thanks to our Empresarios team. Thank you for helping our entrepreneurs create sustainable businesses!

Progress, Resilience, and What’s Ahead

Estimada comunidad,

As we reflect on FY25, I’m grateful for the residents, partners, supporters, and community members who continue to believe in Hacienda CDC’s mission and help bring it to life every day.

I’m proud to share Hacienda CDC’s FY25 Impact Report, highlighting the collective impact we made together over the past year and the momentum continuing to shape our future.

This past year tested many communities across Oregon. Families navigated rising costs, housing instability, and a climate of fear and uncertainty that has deeply impacted many immigrant and Latino communities. Yet even in challenging moments, our community demonstrated extraordinary resilience, care, and determination.

In FY25 alone, Hacienda CDC served more than 4,000 residents and community members through our programs and initiatives. 

Building on this momentum, we are continuing to advance several important initiatives in FY26 that reflect our ongoing commitment to social and economic mobility for all communities:

• Dolores—Celebrating the grand opening of our newest affordable housing community in Hillsboro and expanding Resident Services to Washington County

• Arrobas Digital Access Initiative—Updating technology across our Learning Centers and piloting a device lending program to improve digital connectivity and access for program participants and the broader community

• Mass Timber Workforce Training—Launching one of Oregon’s first residential mass timber workforce training programs to connect community members to emerging industries and quality careers

• Portland Mercado Rebuild—Continuing the restoration and reimagining of a vital cultural and economic hub for Portland’s Latino community

• 27th Annual Latino Home Fair—Building on nearly three decades of creating pathways to homeownership through trusted resources, education, and financial empowerment opportunities

These efforts are part of a larger vision for a stronger, more equitable Oregon where families and communities can thrive for generations to come.

I invite you to explore our FY25 Impact Report and learn more about the people, partnerships, and progress shaping Hacienda CDC’s next chapter.

Thank you for being part of this work and for investing in our community.

Siempre Adelante,

Dr. Ernesto Fonseca
Chief Executive Officer
Hacienda CDC

We are deeply troubled by the recent reporting in The New York Times regarding longstanding allegations of abuse of women and girls involving César Chávez. We also honor the courage of Dolores Huerta in speaking publicly about these experiences.

César Chávez and Dolores Huerta co-led a movement that advanced the rights and dignity of farmworkers and inspired generations. That legacy remains meaningful to many in our community. At the same time, the accounts described–spanning many individuals and decades–are devastating and cannot be ignored.

We also recognize that in many movements, including our own communities, harm has at times gone unspoken or unaddressed in the interest of protecting a broader cause. That context does not diminish the experiences shared–it underscores the power, and often the cost, of coming forward.

We believe survivors and the truth of their experiences, and we take seriously what they have shared.

The experiences described, particularly by women who have carried these stories over time, reflect the courage it takes to speak truth in the face of power, silence, and stigma. These truths reflect the profound and lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

As a Latino-led organization rooted in community, Hacienda CDC is committed to upholding the dignity, safety, and humanity of all people.

We also recognize the importance of continuing to examine the histories we inherit, ensuring that the leaders we uplift reflect not only impact, but integrity. And as we do, we must be clear: the burden of shame and stigma does not belong to those who come forward–it belongs with those who cause harm.

Moments like this call on us not to look away, but to listen, reflect, and reaffirm our values. We stand with those who have come forward and with all survivors whose voices deserve recognition, dignity, and care.

If you or someone you know needs support, confidential resources are available, including Línea UNICA (24/7 support for survivors of interpersonal violence). You can also access the national RAINN hotline at 800-656-HOPE.

Nos preocupan profundamente los recientes reportajes en The New York Times sobre denuncias de larga data de abuso contra mujeres y niñas relacionadas con César Chávez. También reconocemos el valor de Dolores Huerta al hablar públicamente sobre estas experiencias.

César Chávez y Dolores Huerta co-lideraron un movimiento que promovió los derechos y la dignidad de las y los trabajadores agrícolas e inspiró a generaciones. Ese legado sigue siendo significativo para muchas personas en nuestra comunidad. Al mismo tiempo, los testimonios descritos—que abarcan a muchas personas a lo largo de décadas—son devastadores y no pueden ser ignorados.

También reconocemos que, en muchos movimientos, incluidas nuestras propias comunidades, en ocasiones el daño ha permanecido en silencio o sin abordarse con el fin de proteger una causa mayor. Ese contexto no disminuye las experiencias compartidas—más bien subraya el poder, y muchas veces el costo, de alzar la voz.

Creemos en las personas sobrevivientes y en la verdad de sus experiencias, y tomamos en serio lo que han compartido.

Los testimonios descritos, particularmente por mujeres que han cargado con estas historias a lo largo del tiempo, reflejan el valor que se requiere para decir la verdad frente al poder, el silencio y el estigma. Estas verdades reflejan el impacto profundo y duradero en la vida de las personas afectadas.

Como organización liderada por latinos y arraigada en la comunidad, Hacienda CDC está comprometida con defender la dignidad, la seguridad y la humanidad de todas las personas.

También reconocemos la importancia de seguir examinando las historias que heredamos, asegurando que las personas líderes que reconocemos reflejen no solo impacto, sino también integridad. Y al hacerlo, debemos ser claros: la carga de la vergüenza y el estigma no recae en quienes alzan la voz—recae en quienes causan daño.

Momentos como este nos llaman a no apartar la mirada, sino a escuchar, reflexionar y reafirmar nuestros valores. Estamos con quienes han hablado y con todas las personas sobrevivientes cuyas voces merecen reconocimiento, dignidad y cuidado.

Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita apoyo, hay recursos confidenciales disponibles, incluyendo Línea UNICA (apoyo 24/7 para sobrevivientes de violencia interpersonal). También puede comunicarse con la línea nacional de RAINN al 800-656-HOPE.