BEtter days to come: The future of the Portland Mercado looks bright
PORTLAND, Ore., May 12, 2025
Estimados amigos,
As we continue with the reconstruction of the Portland Mercado, we want to ensure you stay informed about the progress of our beloved Mercado. These recent updates reflect a shared vision of what the future of the Portland Mercado will look like.
We are deeply grateful to every business owner who brought energy, flavor, and culture to the Portland Mercado over the years. We’re cheering them on as they continue their journeys. A heartfelt thank you to Havana Station, Fernando’s Alegria, Principe Maya, Tierra del Sol, Que Bacano, XoCOTL, Tita’s Kitchen, and Barrio.
Construction began Monday, May 12th, an exciting milestone in our journey forward.
We anticipate officially reopening in Spring of 2026. We’ll continue to keep you updated as new milestones are reached.
Thanks to the generous support of Prosper Portland, the Oregon Community Foundation, Harbourton Foundation, and countless individual donors. To this date we have raised over $1,060,000 toward our rebuilding efforts. To contribute towards the Portland Mercado rebuild fund please go to haciendacdc.org/donate
A New Beginning: The reimagined Portland Mercado will feature enhanced commercial spaces, a new commissary kitchen, more community gathering areas, a lower bar and a rooftop terrace and bar while keeping our colorful food carts.
We are excited for this next chapter and grateful for your continued love and support. Muchísimas gracias for standing with us as we rebuild and reimagine the Portland Mercado.
Saludos,
Dr. Ernesto Fonseca, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
Hacienda CDC
Yonny is a self-starter and passionate business owner with a vision to bring bold flavors and elevated regional Mexican cuisine to life. Through the Empresarios program, he has transformed his dream into reality—launching a family business that shares the rich culinary traditions of Yucatán with the Portland community.
Read on to discover Yonny’s inspiring journey from Hacienda resident to proud Empresarios client.
Photo credits: Nick Mendez
Upon arriving in Portland, Oregon, Yonny and his family set out to make the most of their new life in a different country. Like many immigrants, this chapter was marked by hard work, determination, and the drive to build a better future. With a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to bring prosperity to his loved ones, Yonny began working tirelessly to support his family. His career in Oregon began in janitorial services, a role he held for several years.
Over time, Yonny realized he wanted something more. He shifted into the food industry, where he found not just a job, but a passion. Although Yonny’s new life in Portland began in the late ’90s, he never forgot his roots. A proud native of Yucatán, Mexico, he held tightly to the flavors and traditions of his homeland while adapting to life in the U.S. As a father of three, he constantly sought opportunities to grow and learn.
Over the course of more than a decade, Yonny’s persistence became one of his greatest strengths. Starting in the kitchen as a dishwasher, he quickly began asking questions, observing processes, and learning every aspect of how a kitchen operates. With each passing year, he developed a deeper understanding of the food industry and what it takes to run a successful kitchen. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually ignited a dream: to start his own food business.
That dream gave birth to Ta Bueno Ne.
“Ta Bueno Ne is a term of endearment we all heard growing up. It means ‘It’s good, friend,’ often used when talking about food in Mayan culture.” This sentiment captures the heart of Yonny’s mission—bringing comfort, culture, and connection through food.
“The Empresarios program helped me and guided me through a very difficult process. We didn’t know where to go but they knew how to support us”
“At first, we thought starting was easy. We soon realized it wasn’t, and we didn’t have any idea as to how to do it. It felt defeating and like we were doing everything wrong. Very discouraging.” Like many first-time entrepreneurs, he and his family underestimated the complexities of launching a business. The excitement quickly gave way to confusion and frustration as they encountered unexpected challenges—from permits and licensing to budgeting and logistics. But instead of giving up, Yonny looked for support.
Through the guidance of Business Advisors in the Empresarios Program, he began to understand not only the systems involved in the food industry but also the practical steps needed to create a sustainable business. With the encouragement and ongoing mentorship of Juan Vildosola, a Business Advisor, Yonny remained committed. He frequently reached out with questions, always eager to absorb new information. Over time, and with this steady support, his dream became a reality.
“Our food isn’t typical because we aim to elevate both visually and in flavors. Flavors matter but so does the plating. In Ta Bueno Ne, we really focus on all the details.” Developing new menu items was one of the first foundational goals Yonny pursued, shaping a culinary vision that reflected both his roots and his aspirations. Yonny made it his mission to present dishes that are both rooted in heritage and elevated in execution. From traditional flavors to modern presentation, every plate tells a story.
Yonny’s children have been a source of strength and motivation throughout his journey. Not only do they support him emotionally, they also actively participate in the business. His oldest daughter, now a co-owner, has fully embraced the entrepreneurial spirit. She works alongside her father, helping to manage operations and shape the future of their growing enterprise. “My kids are encouraging me to continue to do this, and they are proud that we have been able to achieve this success.” Yonny shared that his children are proud to know they can have a family business and also participate in running it.
Yonny exemplifies what’s known as the Hacienda effect—a full-circle moment experienced by many who engage with Hacienda’s programs. From being a resident in Hacienda housing to becoming a thriving small business owner, Yonny’s story highlights the potential and success that blossoms within the Hacienda community.
Yonny's journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when community, opportunity, and perseverance come together.
These business success stories are made possible thanks to our Empresarios team. Thank you for helping our entrepreneurs create sustainable businesses!
This program is built to help four motivated individuals join the Advanced Mass Timber Training Program.
Zaugg Timber Solutions, a mass timber and modular housing company is seeking motivated individuals with carpentry experience to join the Advanced Mass Timber Training Program. This opportunity aims to mentor and provide professional development to participants which will ensure the organization's continued growth and impact in the communities they serve.
About the program:
The Program is designed to provide trainees with the skills and knowledge required for company operations. This includes expertise in machinery, materials, techniques, safety and work processes in the factory and on the job site. The first week of training will cover safety on the job site. Subsequent training will have both practical components as well as in-classroom theoretical components. Practically, trainees will spend the majority of their time on the construction site doing day-today work. Two to four days per month trainees will study building science in the classroom while also accomplishing a hands-on project. Trainees will be asked to keep their own notebooks to document what they have learned.
One of our favorite First Tech’s legacy community campaigns is here again! Season of Giving, where employees and members are invited to help direct end of year giving, is giving Hacienda the opportunity to win $10,000. These funds are extremely valuable to help further our mission. The five nonprofit organizations who receive the most write in nominations will each receive a $10,000 grant of unrestricted funds.
The Season of Giving campaign runs from November 1st through the 30th. All we are asking you to do is to fill out this short survey - it really is short, promise! – and nominate Hacienda at the end.
The information the survey asks about Hacienda is the following:
Name: Hacienda Community Development Corporation
City: Portland
State: Oregon
Thank you to First Tech members, employees and community supporters who make these opportunities possible.
#FirstTechFed #FirstTechGives
Nomination Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SOG24
Take this short community survey or sign up for a focus group. Your answers will be anonymous.
Your opinion matters! Take our survey or sign up for a focus group for a chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card! Your responses and personal information will be kept anonymous.
¡Tu opinión es importante! ¡Participa en nuestra encuesta o inscríbete en un grupo de enfoque para tener la oportunidad de ganar una tarjeta de regalo Visa de $100! Tus respuestas y tu información personal se mantendrán anónimas.
Please take the short survey here.
Si desea realizar la encuesta en español, haga clic aquí
We also have two focus groups you can join virtually to have your voice heard.
También tenemos dos grupos focales a los que puede unirse virtualmente para que se escuche su voz.
November 11th, at 12:00pm
Click Here to Sign up and Get Zoom Link
Da Click Aqui Para Participar en Zoom
November 13th, at 2:00 pm
Click Here to Sign Up and Get Zoom Link
Da Click Aqui Para Participar en Zoom
Meet us in person
Encuéntramos en vivo
Thursday, November 14
Jueves el 14 de Noviembre
9:00am - 10:00am
Food Bank
Las Adelitas Community Room
6735 NE Killingsworth St
Portland, OR 97218
Over the past few days, false information about Hacienda CDC and one of our downpayment assistance programs has rapidly circulated in conservative media, tabloid websites, and social media.
To be clear, we do not discriminate against anyone and serve all Oregonians equally.
The truth is important, so we are sharing the following facts about the programming in question:
Through a pilot program for 21 homebuyers, Hacienda distributes mortgage down payment assistance funded through Business Oregon. This is part of the Economic Equity Investment Program (Oregon Senate Bill 1579), which aims to build economic stability, self-sufficiency, wealth-building, and economic equity among disadvantaged individuals, families, businesses, and communities in the State. The program does not exclude U.S. citizens.
Participants need to be Oregon taxpayers with a mortgage pre-approved by a bank or credit union and meet two out of five risk factors outlined by the program governed by State Statute and RGA requirements. These include:
Experience of discrimination because of race or ethnicity
English language proficiency
Citizenship status
Socioeconomic status
Residence or operation in a rural location
A community flyer we created misstated these program requirements.
For 32 years, Hacienda CDC has been advancing the health, livability and progress of all Oregonians, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Our mission is to strengthen families by providing affordable housing, homeownership support, economic advancement, and educational opportunities, focusing on creating inclusive pathways to success.
We ask our community to help in sharing these facts with others. Thank you for being so supportive as we respond to this false information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ernesto Fonseca
Chief Executive Officer
Hacienda CDC
This gift will support the development of Dolores with 67 new affordable homes in hillsboro.
PORTLAND, Ore., June 10, 2024 — Hacienda Community Development Corporation is pleased to announce that the U.S. Bank Foundation has awarded the organization a $400,000 multiyear U.S. Bank Foundation Opportunity Fund grant. This gift will support the development of Dolores, a $41.3 million development with 67 affordable homes (a mix of 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom apartments).
“It is only with the help of our valued partners like the U.S. Bank Foundation that we can deliver on our mission of strengthening families, beginning with housing,” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO, Hacienda CDC. “Dolores will bring more than just affordable homes to Hillsboro. This will be a community that provides what individuals and families need to find stability and reach their goals.”
Hacienda is Dolores’s sponsor, developer, owner and resident services provider - this will be its first affordable housing development in Washington County. Hillsboro has a population of 106,633; of those, 24% identify as Latino, and 37% identify as BIPOC. A majority of those living below the poverty line and rent burdened in Washington County are BIPOC. Dolores will serve 67 LMI households: 40% will be affordable to households earning 30% of Area Median Income (AMI) and below; and 60% to households earning 60% AMI and below. Ten apartments will be dedicated to permanent supportive housing. The development project began in May 2023 and anticipates opening in September 2026.
“Expanding access to affordable housing helps children, families and communities thrive. Supporting organizations like Hacienda Community Development Corporation means more people will have increased options for finding a safe, stable place to call home,” said Meghan Valley, community affairs manager at U.S. Bank.
The U.S. Bank Foundation created the Opportunity Fund in 2023 to support organizations working to increase wealth-building opportunities for underserved communities, including low- to moderate-income communities, rural communities and communities of color. The fund currently prioritizes grants toward community development financial institutions (CDFIs); small business technical assistance and business incubators; affordable housing development; homeownership and down payment assistance; and digital access and economic development in rural and Native American communities.
For more information about Hacienda CDC and its programs, visit haciendacdc.org
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About Hacienda CDC
Founded in 1992 in Portland’s Cully neighborhood, Hacienda CDC is a trusted community-building corporation supporting diverse and historically underserved communities throughout urban and rural Oregon. Hacienda strengthens low-income adults, families and youth, with an emphasis on immigrants and communities of color, through our affordable housing and culturally adept programs and services. Hacienda’s innovative approaches, high-impact partnerships, and advocacy for systemic change expand opportunities for community members to thrive and achieve their dreams of home ownership, entrepreneurship and education. Learn more at haciendacdc.org
About U.S. Bancorp
U.S. Bancorp, with more than 70,000 employees and $684 billion in assets as of March 31, 2024, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses including consumer banking, business banking, commercial banking, institutional banking, payments and wealth management. U.S. Bancorp has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, community partnerships and customer service, including being named one of the 2024 World’s Most Ethical Companies and Fortune’s most admired superregional bank. Learn more at usbank.com/about
This program is built to help businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth.
Overview: Hacienda CDC, a community development corporation dedicated to providing affordable housing, economic advancement, and educational opportunities, is seeking proposals from experienced nonprofit strategic planning consultants. This engagement aims to guide Hacienda CDC through a comprehensive strategic planning process, ensuring the organization's continued growth and impact in the communities we serve.
About Hacienda CDC:
Founded in 1992, Hacienda CDC is committed to strengthening families by providing affordable housing and opportunities for educational and economic advancement. Our programs focus on housing development, homeownership support, economic development, and youth and family services. We are passionate about creating vibrant, diverse, and resilient communities.
Eligibility:
We seek consultants with extensive experience in collaborating with diverse social impact entities, including social enterprises, community development corporations, and multifaceted organizations, to craft adaptive and enduring strategic plans. Preference will be given to consultants who have demonstrated proficiency in partnering with culturally specific nonprofit organizations and navigating cross-cultural team dynamics.
Our Request for Proposal aims to solicit submissions from seasoned strategic planning consultants capable of engaging with Hacienda’s Strategic Planning Committe, Board, staff, and community stakeholders. The selected consultant will collaborate closely with the Strategic Planning Committee and CEO to oversee all project activities to fruition.
Please view the full Request for Proposal here.
For further questions and proposal submission, please contact Diana Nunez: Director of Philanthropy and Strategic Partnerships at dnunez@haciendacdc.org
Grant program supports affordable housing and community development.
Portland, ORE., May 23, 2024– Hacienda Community Development Corporation is pleased to announce that Wells Fargo and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) have awarded them a $100,000 grant from the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund. This matching grant program, which was introduced in 2023, provides nearly $20 million to eligible organizations in order to strengthen communities in targeted areas of the FHLB Des Moines district. In 2024 FHLB Des Moines increased the Member Impact Fund by $10 million.
“The Federal Home Loan Banks grants are both a windfall and a recognition that we are doing things right and we are serving our communities well,” says Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda. “We are truly grateful for this $100,000 grant from Wells Fargo. They are a visionary partner that understands that developing affordable housing and delivering services to the community depend on a network of roles and needs that this grant will help us fund.”
Hacienda will use the funds received from Wells Fargo for multiple purposes that will allow it to fulfill activities and responsibilities not covered by traditional funding sources. Hacienda will undergo its strategic review process this year, and these funds will help build the vision and strategy that will maximize opportunity and innovation in the organization’s next iteration of affordable housing, economic opportunity, and youth and family services.
“Far too many people are facing housing instability. Some households pay half or more of their income on housing and the number of families who are struggling to achieve home ownership is on the rise," said Elizabeth Lorenzo, Senior Community Impact & Sustainability Specialist at Wells Fargo. “As the Bank of Doing, Wells Fargo is committed to working with organizations like Hacienda CDC to help increase access to housing, which is the foundation for wellness, dignity, and economic opportunity.”
FHLB Des Moines provides funding solutions and liquidity to more than 1,200 members to support mortgage lending, economic development and affordable housing in the communities they serve. The Member Impact Fund provides $3 for every $1 of an eligible FHLB Des Moines member's grant donation to strengthen the ability of not-for-profits or government entities to serve the affordable housing or community development needs of their communities. The Member Impact Fund awards are given in partnership with member financial institutions to communities in their district to become more vibrant places to live and work.
The Member Impact Fund is just one-way FHLB Des Moines enables our members to connect directly with local organizations who matter to them, creating value and a lasting impact in their own communities,” said Kris Williams, president and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. “The commitment of members like Wells Fargo and their connections to organizations like Hacienda CDC help advance the positive work being done in its community.”
The Member Impact Fund matching program is available to organizations located in Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. Member institutions in these locations submitted applications in February and March 2024; funds were distributed directly to the member institution, which then provide the funding alongside a matching grant from FHLB Des Moines for the partner/recipient organization.
Recipient organizations were selected based on the needs for grant funding to support capacity-building or working capital necessary to strengthen their ability to serve affordable housing or community development needs, including training, predevelopment assistance, management information systems or software, strategic planning, market study or community needs assessment, and working capital.
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About Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. We work together with over 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement.
FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. The FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.
About Hacienda CDC
Hacienda CDC was formed in 1986 to provide necessary housing and supportive services in NE Portland’s Cully neighborhood. At that time, Cully was home to the largest Latino population in Oregon. Since then, Hacienda has grown to provide affordable housing in 10 communities in Northwest Oregon and provide supportive services to over 1500 individuals, children, and families.
As Portland’s Latino population has grown rapidly, Hacienda continues building capacity to offer our bicultural services to Latinos and other low-income families. Hacienda embraces a holistic approach, providing culturally specific services that provide opportunities to access needed resources like growing or starting a business, and buying a first home. Hacienda is Oregon’s largest Latino-led, Latino-serving housing organization and remains a trusted name in the community. Learn more at haciendacdc.org.
Funding presented in partnership with the FHLB Des Moines boosts critical work of Habitat for Humanity Portland Region, Hacienda CDC, AGE+ and The Freshwater Trust
PORTLAND, Ore., May 16, 2024 — OnPoint Community Credit Union, in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines today announced a $600,000 Member Impact Fund grant to four Oregon nonprofits dedicated to affordable housing and environmental conservation. The recipients are Habitat for Humanity Portland Region, Hacienda CDC, AGE+ and The Freshwater Trust.
Each organization will use its funding to enhance vital community development projects across the region. The four nonprofits receiving this funding were selected by OnPoint based on their current needs in the housing and community development space.
“Each of these organizations plays a pivotal role in fostering stability, growth and resilience in our region,” said Rob Stuart, President and CEO of OnPoint Community Credit Union. “This funding is a critical step towards enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve. We are proud to partner with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to provide these grants and invest in a brighter, more sustainable future for all Oregonians.”
How FHLB funding works
The FHLB Des Moines is a government sponsored enterprise that supports both mortgage lending and related community investment, with more than 1,200 member institutions. OnPoint’s membership means that for every dollar it donates, the FHLB Des Moines donates $3. This helps the credit union maximize its support of local nonprofits focused on economic development, affordable housing and conservation.
FHLB Des Moines’s matching grant program, which was introduced in 2023, will provide nearly $20 million to eligible organizations to strengthen communities in Oregon, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands this year. In 2024, FHLB Des Moines increased the available grant money in its Member Impact Fund by $10 million.
“We are thrilled to see grants from our Member Impact Fund having a direct, positive impact on communities in Oregon, advancing affordable housing and community development needs in a meaningful way,” said Kris Williams, President and CEO of FHLB Des Moines.
Below are details on each of the nonprofits receiving these grants thanks to OnPoint and the FHBL Member Impact Fund partnership:
Habitat for Humanity Portland Region has built and repaired homes for over 3,000 people with low incomes across the region since 1981. Habitat has over 100 affordable housing units across the Portland Metro region under construction this year, but currently lacks the required construction support to meet the growing demand for housing. Through the Member Impact fund grant, Habitat Portland Region will receive $100,000 to add more support to help build and repair more homes.
“OnPoint Community Credit Union is a growing partner that enhances our work in many ways including volunteerism and vital funding. We are so thankful for this incredible $100,000 grant from OnPoint in collaboration with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. This funding will allow us to hire Americorps positions that will help us grow our volunteer engagement and build more homes throughout the Portland region,” said Steve Messinetti, CEO and President, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region.
Hacienda CDC is Oregon’s largest Latino-led, Latino-serving housing organization. Since 1992, it has developed 12 affordable housing communities and served 2,400 people across Portland, Gresham, Molalla and Oregon City. OnPoint has provided financial support to Hacienda CDC since 2015, including donating $5,000 to the Portland Mercado Relief Fund to help vendors from its business development program affected by a fire. Hacienda CDC’s $200,000 Member Impact Fund grant will go toward the development of its new 122-unit affordable housing project in Hillsboro.
“In Hacienda’s experience, developing affordable housing is a community effort that gets us to the finish line. For example, our Dolores Affordable Housing Project was awarded through a competitive process, which included land from the City of Hillsboro and $10.5 million of capital from Portland, Oregon’s Metro Housing Bond, among several other funding sources. Even with all this support, we still have a funding gap. This investment from OnPoint will be instrumental in bridging that gap and ensuring a commitment to affordable housing in Washington County. We are truly grateful for this community partnership with OnPoint.” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO, Hacienda CDC.
AGE+ advocates for equitable aging in Oregon by engaging in partnerships and developing innovative programs that build capacity and address the challenges and opportunities of the aging population. AGE+ has developed a creative solution that supports housing-challenged rural communities in building affordable, accessible housing for older residents. AGE+ will use its $200,000 Member Impact Fund grant to replicate their success and share their expertise with communities so more older Oregonians have a place to call home.
“This collaboration with OnPoint is a testament to our mutual dedication to innovation and equity for underserved communities. These funds ensure AGE+ can continue to roll out its modular construction approach of affordable accessible housing for older adults in a rural community, still recovering devastating wildfires,” said Stephanie Hooper, AGE+, President & CEO.
The Freshwater Trust employs advanced technology and scientific expertise to restore and protect freshwater ecosystems. The Freshwater Trust provides capacity for local groups like water districts and farmer collectives to secure and prioritize funding for high-impact conservation projects, such as upgrading irrigation systems, planting trees to provide shade and lower water temperature, and aid the recovery of endangered species. The Freshwater Trust will receive a $100,000 Member Impact Fund grant to build more capacity for its various conservation initiatives.
“This generous donation from OnPoint represents an investment in a new approach to conservation. We need to have laser focus on solutions that are big enough – and bold enough – to match the scale of the problem. The Freshwater Trust is creating a path that ensures every action translates to a positive outcome for the environment and it’s possible because of the support of organizations like OnPoint. Our mission is to preserve and restore freshwater ecosystems and we are grateful to have them as a partner,” said Kimberlee Obilana, Vice President, People & Operations, The Freshwater Trust.
ABOUT ONPOINT’S COMMUNITY GIVING
OnPoint provides funding for nonprofits, local government-sponsored projects, educational institutions and foundations that positively impact its membership area. In 2023, OnPoint donated more than $2.5 million donated to 305 nonprofits in Oregon and Southwest Washington focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, financial education, food and shelter, climate change and youth services. For more information about OnPoint’s community giving efforts, visit https://www.onpointcu.com/community-giving/.
ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 554,000 members and with assets of $9 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.
ABOUT FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF DES MOINES
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. We work together with over 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement.
FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.
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The cutting-edge, community-driven Verizon Community Forward initiative creates opportunities for digital access and workforce development, STEM education, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial learning
PORTLAND, Ore., May 3, 2024 — Adults and youth in Southeast Portland have access to new and vital connections to cutting-edge technology, STEM education, and career development opportunities with the launch of a community-driven learning center at Portland Community College. The community is invited for an open house at the new learning center on May 8 from 3:00 to 7:00PM.
The Verizon Community Forward Jade District Learning Center, one of three centers launched by Verizon in partnership with Hacienda CDC, intends to remove barriers between low-income Portlanders and the tech resources they need to succeed in a digital world. These learning centers are designed for all ages, with high-speed internet access, advanced technology, and educational and career programming. This location on Portland Community College’s southeast campus will reach traditional and nontraditional students with an increasingly diverse population.
"Everyone deserves access to the technology and resources they need to be successful in today’s digital world,” says Rudy Reyes, West Region Vice President & Deputy General Counsel at Verizon. “On behalf of Verizon, we are proud of our partnership with Hacienda to enable both youth and adults to develop the skills, knowledge and capabilities for a more promising future in the Portland community."
In partnership with Verizon, Hacienda CDC was selected to support the development of three learning centers in Portland. Open to students, community members and the public, the centers are in spaces that cater to different demographics: at Hacienda’s headquarters in Cully, mostly BIPOC youth and adults; at New Columbia, mostly high school students, and at Portland Community College’s Southeast Campus, a diverse student body and community.
“More than 60% of the families Hacienda serves in its affordable housing and programs access the internet only through their smartphones. That’s a huge barrier when you’re trying to participate in school, fill out a job application, or manage your business only through your phone,” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO, Hacienda CDC. “Latinos, who are a large portion of families served by Hacienda, are among the communities who are under-resourced when it comes to technology. They make up only 8% of STEM workers despite being 18.5% of the U.S. population.”
Known for developing affordable housing throughout metro Portland, Hacienda takes a holistic approach to building communities that goes beyond housing. The new Verizon Community Forward learning centers exemplify how Hacienda’s programs and pathways remove barriers to education, careers, and wealth building for low-income families — especially for Latinos and communities of color who historically have been shut out of opportunities.
Everyday challenges continue to magnify the barriers that low-income households face — such as not having internet or devices at home— which unfairly limit their opportunities to succeed at school and at work.
“Thanks to Verizon and a partnership with Hacienda, the learning center will help increase digital access, literacy and STEM learning opportunities for low-income families and communities,” said PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings. “PCC is Oregon’s largest post-secondary institution and one of the most diverse institutions in the state. With a focus on equitable student access and success, it is our mission to drive outreach and support for underrepresented populations. This is just another example of that effort.”
The Verizon Community Forward Learning Centers are helping Hacienda remove those barriers with advanced tech including computers, 3D printers, audio/video recording tools, and more. These resources are coupled with programming offered through partners like Portland Community College, Free Geek and iUrban Teen that will help community members use the space and launch opportunities — whether that’s learning to use a computer, developing critical STEM skills and connections to secondary education, or launching a new career or small business.
Schools and community groups who want to participate in programming opportunities at the Verizon Community Forward learning centers or learn more should visit haciendacdc.org/community.
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About Verizon
Citizen Verizon is the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement. Citizen Verizon empowers Verizon to deliver on its mission to move the world forward through action by expanding digital access and resources, protecting the climate, and ensuring people have the skills needed for jobs of the future. Through Citizen Verizon, and the key pillars of Digital Inclusion, Climate Protection and Human Prosperity, the company's responsible business goals include providing 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030, supporting 1 million small businesses with resources to help them thrive in the digital economy by 2030, achieving net zero emissions in its operations by 2035, and preparing 500,000 individuals for jobs of the future by 2030. Learn more at CitizenVerizon.com.
About Verizon Community Forward
Verizon Community Forward works with local non-profit partners to create innovative learning spaces in community centers, powered by 5G. Verizon Community Forward expands existing local education resources around the country to deliver education and skills training needed to prepare youth and adults for the digital economy and jobs of the future. There are nine Verizon Community Forward learning centers in 4 cities: Portland, Pittsburgh, Houston and Cleveland.
About Hacienda CDC
Hacienda CDC was formed in 1986 to provide necessary housing and supportive services in NE Portland’s Cully neighborhood. At that time, Cully was home to the largest Latino population in Oregon. Since then, Hacienda has grown to provide affordable housing in 10 communities in Northwest Oregon and provide supportive services to over 1500 individuals, children, and families.
As Portland’s Latino population has grown rapidly, Hacienda continues building capacity to offer our bicultural services to Latinos and other low-income families. Hacienda embraces a holistic approach, providing culturally specific services that provide opportunities to access needed resources like growing or starting a business, and buying a first home. Hacienda is Oregon’s largest Latino-led, Latino-serving housing organization and remains a trusted name in the community.
About Portland Community College
Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.
Visit PCC news at www.news.pcc