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.

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

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.

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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!

In 2006, Hacienda’s Plaza Los Robles, a thriving farmworker community, opened its doors in Molalla, OR. Seventeen years later at 415 Toliver Rd., Plaza Los Robles has evolved into a central location where families come together and connect through Hacienda programming. Read on to learn more about this community and the Hacienda staff that impact the Plaza Los Robles community every day.  

The Molalla team stands alongside City Manager Dann Huff, Mayor Scott Keyser, and Risk Manager Andy Oliva during a 2023 community event.

Farmworkers are the backbone of Oregon’s agricultural economy, yet these workers are some of the lowest paid in the state. Low wages and an overall lack of adequate housing created barriers for families whose primary language is Spanish, who don’t speak English, and who often experience challenges assimilating to a new and sometimes unwelcoming culture. 

In 2006 Hacienda, in partnership with Casa of Oregon, confronted this issue by developing Plaza Los Robles, a 24-unit affordable housing community in the countryside of rural Molalla, to provide housing for farm workers and their families. Located in beautiful countryside, Plaza Los Robles provides affordable housing near the farms where many of its residents work. What sets this community apart outside of its location is the intentionality placed behind the programming and support systems that address the concerns of families. 

At Plaza Los Robles, residents and local neighbors have access to a range of programs offered by Hacienda, including Expresiones, an after-school program designed to support the children of Plaza Los Robles residents. This support has proven to be crucial for families navigating the challenges of assimilation and integration into a new community. Santa Avila, a longtime Plaza Los Robles resident who now serves as a Senior Community Organizer at Hacienda, recalls how as families moved in, it also sparked a sense of belonging among all residents.

Santa, alongside other founding community advocates, saw the needs of families, many of whom are Latino, and began to seek more resources to support community members. In April 2013, after years of being a volunteer, Santa led advocacy work and supported children in the community as the Plaza Los Robles After-School Coordinator. Over time, Santa's tireless advocacy work resulted in the establishment of culturally specific services and partnerships that directly benefit Plaza Los Robles residents. From tax preparation assistance provided by El Program Hispano to instrumental help from partners like the Ford Family Foundation for programs such as Expresiones, these collaborative efforts have significantly enriched the lives of Plaza Los Robles residents.

“My younger siblings and my nephews and nieces were in the program, so I know how much impact Expresiones had to the community of Molalla and Plaza Los Robles…”

Bianca Delgado Mendoza, who embodies the values and legacy of Plaza Los Robles, excitedly joined Hacienda as the newest Program Coordinator for Plaza Los Robles in 2023. Bianca’s family was one of the first to live at Plaza Los Robles and she has seen generations grow up there. “My younger siblings and my nephews and nieces were in the program, so I know how much impact Expresiones had to the community of Molalla and Plaza Los Robles… I wanted to work here because I knew some of these kids since they were very young.”

Bianca believes that Expresiones is an important space for students to access opportunities, such as joining the Lobos and Lobitos soccer team, that otherwise wouldn’t be possible for them. Bianca excitedly mentions “these teams are led by volunteers, and they are known here in Molalla because they are so good!” Los Lobos and Los Lobitos have taken people by surprise and have quickly become a gem in the community after winning many games and tournaments!

Given the demanding workdays of farmworkers, parents frequently depend on after-school programs like Expresiones to provide their children with not only a safe but also a welcoming environment. Bianca says, “I have students who don’t live in Los Robles but are still part of the program. They attend every day even if they don’t live here.”  

As Molalla’s Latino community continued to grow it became apparent that additional help was needed to meet these needs. “Families knew they had after-school help for their kids, but there wasn’t any support for their babies… there was a need there” says April Arellano, a Sembrando Semillitas Early-Childhood Educator.

In mid-2023, the Sembrando Semillitas program launched, and April became Molalla’s first Sembrando Semillitas Coordinator. For April, this was more than a job, it was a way she could help parents gain understanding and feel encouraged, something she needed during her motherhood journey with her four-year-old son. “My son has development challenges… I get to help families, but I am also learning more about how to be a mom for my son.” April’s passion for serving Latino parents stems from her desire to see more culturally responsive resources that reflect the community and people she serves. According to April, there are things that she would never have understood had she not had help during her initial years of parenting. She hopes she can shed some light the same way it was granted to her.    

Plaza Los Robles has become an important place for the Latino community in Molalla, offering opportunities and pride. The community center in Plaza Los Robles is the preferred location for City Council meetings, where community opinions and ideas are regularly voiced. And from this place stems incredibly passionate individuals. For Santa, breaking ground as the first Latina to collaborate with Oregon Health and Science University serves as a powerful platform to advocate for her community and extend outreach to the Latino population in Molalla. Meanwhile, Bianca is nurturing mentoring connections with students who share a similar background, fostering a sense of solidarity and support. Additionally, April is actively searching for new networks to meet the needs of Latino parents, enhancing access to vital resources and services.

"Queremos ser una voz para la comunidad Latina... we want to be a voice for the Latino community," says Santa. "Plaza Los Robles means a lot to many people in Molalla," adds Bianca. We look forward to seeing what is next for Plaza Los Robles as they continue to advocate for and with the community they serve.

Muchas gracias to the Molalla team for pioneering Hacienda programming. We know Plaza Los Robles will continue to demonstrate its community strength for years to come.

Click here to learn more about Hacienda’s Youth and Family Services. 

Vanesa Mendoza-Cruz shares how her desire to SERVE Our community is a direct reflection OF her personal journey. Read more about Vanesa’s story as A hacienda resident to chief of staff to the ceo.

Vanesa Mendoza-Cruz is an example of what it means to exude tenacity, determination, and passion for her community. Most recently named Hacienda’s Chief of Staff, Vanesa has inspired our team and community through her engagement and community advocacy. Throughout her life, Vanesa has demonstrated the importance of elevating voices and stories that speak the truth of our community’s spirit. Read more about Vanesa’s story.   

Vanesa’s journey with Hacienda began twenty-four years ago upon her arrival from Oaxaca, Mexico to NE Portland at age eight. Like many immigrants, her family’s arrival in the United States signified a moment of hope and change. Her childhood was shaped by Portland’s Cully neighborhood. She grew up attending neighboring schools, and lived in Hacienda’s Clara Vista community in apartment thirty-nine; Vanesa’s first home during a time that gave her a place of belonging. “A lot of my memories since I arrived in the United States here happened there in that apartment …” 

As her journey into adulthood began, Vanesa found herself feeling a desire to serve and give back to the community that supported her. After three years of working in the banking industry, she felt compelled to fulfill this passion by finding opportunities to directly engage with community. It was during this waiting period that a temporary three-month Data Entry position opened for the then-Portland Niños program, now Sembrando Semillitas. It wasn’t before long that her passion for our work and community was noticed, and Vanesa transitioned into the role of interim Executive Assistant to the CEO. Yet, due to the role’s short-term nature, she became an Administrative Assistant within the Hacienda’s Real Estate Development program. “I pretty much have worked in every department except Economic Opportunity…”  

As fate would have it, the full-time Executive Assistant position became available and she was offered the opportunity given her natural skillset. For Vanesa, it was both exciting and nerve-wracking; “It was intimidating but I gave it a shot and said yes.” Little did she know her yes to the challenge would result in a six-year career as our CEO’s executive assistant. 

What’s next for Vanesa? She has proudly accepted a recent promotion as Chief of Staff to the CEO.  

“It’s the ‘Hacienda Effect’, everyone who’s worked or been part of Hacienda ends up returning somehow regardless of where they go…”

Vanesa strives to serve her community, and as she explains it, “…meet our communities where they are at.” Meeting communities where they are at means understanding their needs and goals and creating awareness of the various opportunities accessible to them. It means creating a seat at the table but making sure you’re also heard at the table once you’re there.”  

Raising awareness for the needs of our Latino and low-income communities is one of the primary ways Vanesa believes change can occur. Often, community members don’t know the resources they can access, such as schools or after-school programs, so Vanesa makes it a point to inform others and advocate for them.  

Time and time again she has seen Hacienda’s impact and its commitment to uplifting our communities. “It’s the ‘Hacienda Effect’, everyone who’s worked or been part of a Hacienda ends up returning somehow regardless of where they go… Our residents are the main example of this.” For Vanesa, her journey is a clear example of this “Hacienda effect” as her experience as a Hacienda resident led her to return to make a difference and be a leader in her community.  

When looking to the future, Vanesa is excited to continue her work at Hacienda and use her wisdom as well as her personal story to help the organization meet communities where they are. As the new Chief of Staff to the CEO, she aims to foster an environment of hospitality and promote the needs of community members. “I’m looking forward to what’s to come and to continue this work and find ways to meet other community needs. We can work on mental health and see the youth in our programs fulfill their dreams from beginning to end.”  

Vanesa’s story is an example of resilience and passion. Her impact continues to bring unity and hope to many. Let’s celebrate her newest role as Chief of Staff to the CEO and her continued efforts to raise individuals within our communities! Felicidades, Vanesa! 

Hacienda CDC programs encompass our values. Learn more about Hacienda’s mission by clicking here.  

Hacienda CDC’s latest Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), built in partnership with Community Vision, will offer Christin a supportive, on-site, affordable housing solution for her adult sons with disabilities.

Hacienda’s Small Homes Northwest initiative aims to identify new housing solutions to our state’s affordable housing crisis by building and demonstrating the use of ADU’s as affordable housing and offer a unique housing model in dense residential urban areas. Recognizing the urgent need for such housing options, Hacienda CDC embarked on this project and has once again partnered with Community Vision to make a positive difference in the lives of families like Christin and her sons, KeLani and KeJon in Gresham, Oregon.

Christin and her family experienced numerous challenges due to the lack of stable and affordable housing options for adults with differing abilities. Christin, who became a homeowner by purchasing a land trust home with Proud Ground, looked for supportive housing for her oldest son, but only found long waitlists and high costs that her family could not afford. The chance to have an ADU in her backyard offers her sons the opportunity to achieve independence. Her oldest son will move in first, and when her younger son is ready, the second bedroom will be his. Once they are ready to move out on their own, Christin will be able to rent her home to a future low-income tenant, providing a modest stream of income.

The benefits of an accessory dwelling unit are particularly advantageous for individuals needing to stay close to home. Joe WykowskI, Community Vision’s Strategic Housing Outreach Consultant explains, “ADU’s provide an anchor to neighborhoods and the opportunity to live a more self-determined life for individuals experiencing disabilities.” And though still in the final stages of construction, Christin and her family are already hopeful for the future.

“There is no way I could have done this alone,” says Christin, “my family is so grateful for this new space. My boys can now have the independence they crave while also being close to the support they need. This level of independence would never have been possible without this project.”

Christin finalizes her ownership of her family’s new ADU

Hacienda brought multiple partners together to make Christin’s ADU possible including Community Vision, Hampton Lumber, the Kuni Foundation, and Meyer Memorial Trust. The partnership leveraged additional funding and in-kind donations which paired with Christin’s investment to build the ADU. Designed by Mitch Snyder and built by Roost LLC, the ADU will belong to Christin with the requirement that the home be affordable to tenants earning 60% AMI and below for a minimum of 10 years.

By partnering with Community Vision, Hacienda’s Small Homes Northwest initiative provides housing solutions that allow adults with disabilities and their families a new option.

The construction of the ADU was possible thanks to a generous lumber and financial donation from Portland-Based Hampton Lumber, who were inspired to be part of this solution and contacted Hacienda after learning about Small Homes Northwest last year.

“The affordable housing crisis is affecting urban and rural areas throughout the state,” said Kristin Rasmussen of Hampton Lumber.  “We’re proud to be able to grow, harvest, and manufacture sustainable building materials right here in Oregon and to be part of this innovative effort to create more affordable housing opportunities in our communities.”

Community Vision, Hacienda CDC, and Hampton Lumber join Christin and her son in celebrating this milestone

The new ADU, which will be complete this summer, will provide both of Christin’s sons a private and safe living space, fostering a sense of independence while still being connected to family and their support network.

For this family of three, the Small Homes Northwest initiative has been truly life-changing. With a stable living situation, the mother can rest at ease knowing her sons have a safe, nurturing environment that they can call their own.

The success of the Small Homes Northwest initiative in Gresham serves as a beacon of hope for other families facing housing challenges. The program's model highlights the potential of community-driven initiatives in addressing the housing crisis, emphasizing the importance of unique housing options.

“Every ADU we develop with Small Homes Northwest tells a different chapter of our work to combat the housing crisis in Oregon. We wish Christin and her family great joy with their new casita and appreciate the opportunity to pair innovation and partnership to make it possible,” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC.

This family in Gresham has found a place to call home, enabling them with the new possibility of living independently with dignity and stability. Together, we celebrate their inspiring journey, and are reminded of the profound impact that thoughtful initiatives can have on transforming lives and building a brighter future for all!

Hacienda CDC is proud to announce the grand opening celebration of Las Adelitas, a new community in the heart of Portland’s Cully neighborhood. The community was brought to life on the site of a once-neglected piece of land has now blossomed into a community designed for families and individuals looking for safe and affordable homes. Built with community in mind, Las Adelitas is now a place where residents can thrive and grow and access additional support through Hacienda’s holistic programming and services. 

Attendees at the Grand Opening celebration were able to witness firsthand how Hacienda CDC’s commitment to creating affordable and accessible housing for families and individuals has most recently transformed the Sugar Shack into Las Adelitas, a community named after Female Mexican Revolutionaries, which aims to prioritizes the well-being of its residents and provides a platform for growth and opportunity. 

The program started at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 9th, with opening remarks by Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC, who shared his vision for the project and spoke about Hacienda’s mission to support its existing and growing community. Also in attendance were Governor Tina Kotek, Director Andrea Bell of Oregon Housing and Community Services, Commissioner Carmen Rubio of Multnomah County, Councilor Mary Nolan of Oregon Metro, Bryan Guiney of United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Molly Rogers of the Portland Housing Bureau, Cat Vielma of Red Stone Equity, Alex Salazar of Salazar Architect, Jaclyn Sarna of Hacienda CDC, and Vanesa Mendoza, a long-time Cully community member and Hacienda CDC staff. 

 “We are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Las Adelitas and to see this community come to life,” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC. “Our commitment to creating affordable and accessible housing for families and individuals has transformed the Sugar Shack into a community that prioritizes the well-being of its residents and provides a place for stability, growth, and opportunity. People thought it couldn’t be done, but here we are in the heart of this beautiful space celebrating together. 

 “When we all work together and we’re bold, and tenacious, we get stuff done… This is a community triumph. This project, this community, this home is going to transform this community… and it wasn’t easy but should be easier for communities to put resources together to get people homes in a place like this.” says Governor Tina Kotek  

 “We talk about change and today we are actualizing turning a vision into a force of action. And for me, from my seat, that is what hope looks like, that is what optimism looks like… This is not about numbers or abstracts, but how people are doing. How are the people we serve? And what we are seeing today is the manifestation of that course of action,” says Director Andrea Bell, Oregon Housing and Community Services.  

 The grand opening celebration concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the community, a dance performance by Peru Baila Asi, and musical performance by Freddy Vilches.  

Ernesto Fonseca, speakers from the grand opening event, and a resident from Las Adelitas are available for interviews by request. 

For more information about Las Adelitas, visit lasadelitas.org