This summer while grocery shopping, you can also help take care of the environment and your community at the same time! When you bring in a reusable bag to the Slabtown New Seasons Market, their Bag It Forward Program will donate 5 cents to Hacienda CDC.

Give while you can at the New Seasons Market - Slabtown at 2170 Northwest Raleigh Street in Portland, Oregon.

Bag It Forward supports organizations like Hacienda and others that support food access and equity, education programs, and environmental action and justice. Hacienda CDC is honored to have been selected in this partnership that has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to community organizations.

Hacienda CDC is a Latino Community Development Corporation that strengthens families by providing affordable housing, homeownership support, economic advancement and educational opportunities. We are grateful for this partnership and support of our work! Take the opportunity to give and support our mission by visiting the New Seasons in Slabtown, Portland, Oregon.

Learn more at NewSeasonsMarket.com

During the 2021 Oregon Legislature Special Session the Port of Portland and Hacienda CDC received a $5MM grant to prototype the design, development, and installation of volumetric mass timber modular housing. Through this prototype exercise, Hacienda CDC, Design Consultant and Construction Company will design and develop modules that can stand alone as a single floor studio or through a combination of two, three or four modules a two-to-three-bedroom modular volumetric house.

Hacienda CDC requests qualifications from contractor services for the construction of mass timber modular housing.

Through this prototype exercise Hacienda CDC, Design Team and Construction Company will design and develop modules that can stand alone as a single floor studio or through a combination of up to four modules a two-to-three-bedroom modular volumetric homes.

This type of module made with mass timber products will be one of the first in the nation. Join us in building innovation and industry in Oregon!

The deadline for submissions is June 10th.

Questions? Email modularhousing@haciendacdc.org

MENTAL HEALTH GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES

It’s been a difficult time for a lot of families. Many are dealing with a loss, financial instability, and poor health. With all these struggles taking front seat it’s important that we acknowledge our mental health and seek out professional help to support ourselves and others.

It’s okay to ask for help

Oregon-based nonprofit Lines for Life and OHA have launched the Safe + Strong Helpline at 800-923-4357 (800-923-HELP). The line offers free, 24-7 emotional support and resource referral to anyone who needs it – not only those experiencing a mental health crisis. Callers are routed to a counselor who can provide emotional support, mental health triage, drug and alcohol counseling, crisis counseling or just connection.

More information:

• Safe + Strong: https://www.safestrongoregon.org/mental-emotional-health

• For children/family: https://multco.us/behavioral-health/system-care-children-and-families

• For adults: https://multco.us/behavioral-health/system-care-adults

Stress management/ health

Stretching and practicing yoga can help your body rid of toxins and fight infections through increasing circulation of the lymph which acts as your body’s filtering and drainage system.

Take a minute to stand up and stretch out your arms and legs. Bend at the waist and let your arms and head hang freely (only if this feels right). Or just lye down and take slow deep breaths focusing on each inhale and exhale.

Adho Mukha Svasana or Downward facing dog

Bhujangasana or Cobra

Arhda Matsyendrasana or Seated Spinal Twist

(you can also do this by lying down and bringing one or both of your legs to your chest then letting them rest to one side of your body)

Stress-relieving hand massage video

Can help to relieve tension, headaches, and pain

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Portland's new Street Response program has gone citywide. This program sends teams of paramedics and mental health professionals to respond to people who are experiencing a mental health crisis, instead of sending armed police officers.

The program started off last year in the Lents neighborhood, and has now expanded to the entire city, including Cully.

If you come across someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis or who is intoxicated and needs support, please consider calling on Portland Street Response instead of the police. You just call 9-1-1 like you normally would, and ask them to send Portland Street Response.

This service is available every day 8:00am-10:00pm. Street Response teams can come to public places, including stores and public areas of businesses, but not private homes. Here is more information on the program:

https://www.opb.org/article/2022/03/28/portland-street-response-oregon-mental-health-crisis/

UPDATE 6.22: Our Lobitos team participated in the Oregon United Cup tournament in Beaverton. The team worked hard all season and took second place in their first weekend tournament ever! We are so proud of los Lobitos!

Hacienda’s children’s soccer team, Los Lobitos, was brought to life in our Plaza de Los Robles community thanks to the hard work and dedication of our coach, Jose Guadalupe Vazquez, and our Youth & Family Services team.

Read more of Jose’s story and what this team means to him, our youth and their families, and the community at large.

by coach Jose Guadalupe Vazquez

_______

One afternoon when I returned from a day of work, very tired indeed, I saw two children playing soccer, when I saw them I remembered how happy that sport has made me. I remembered in an instant my childhood and youth, in which I discovered that I had many skills and that gave me a lot of satisfaction; and as an adult the opportunity to meet many professional athletes. Unfortunately, due to my work responsibilities I had no longer been able to practice.

That was how our conversation about soccer began and I decided to find my soccer ball and go out and play with the kids for a while. We started exchanging passes and I showed them some plays and tricks with the ball. One of these children was very moved and asked me if I coached children, and I replied that in Mexico and Washington I had coached some teams. We kept playing and I quickly saw myself reflected in that little boy.

He then asked me, “Can you train us?” And I didn't have to think long before I said yes. Immediately his next question was, “How much are you going to charge us?” I smiled. The thought of playing with them had rewarded me enough, and I replied that I would not charge them anything.

“...little by little they have learned about discipline, teamwork, camaraderie, and of course, playing soccer. ”

Hearing my answer, he said, “I’ll be right back”. And I continued with my day. Five minutes later the doorbell rang, I opened the door and there were four smiling children accompanied the little boy and he excitedly told them that I would train them. That day I made not one but five little friends and days later I found myself surrounded by children who wanted to play soccer. That was how I met the children of Plaza Los Robles.

Sometimes I came back from work late, very tired, and no longer wanting to do anything, but as soon as the children saw me, they asked me if we could train, at that moment I forgot my tiredness and went out to play with them for a while. Little by little, the garden of the Plaza couldn’t fit us all, and the neighbors could no longer stand the balls hitting their doors and windows at all hours, so we decided to go play on the Middle School sports field. We would bike every Saturday and Sunday to the field. The neighbors looked at us curious to know where those children went every weekend and when they asked the kids shouted, “Vamos a jugar futbol!".

It has been a slow progress at first, because they thought that training was just some passing of the ball, but little by little they have learned about discipline, teamwork, camaraderie, and of course, playing soccer. More boys and girls have joined since the small group began, which they did not like very much at first, but little by little they earned their place and respect. And they have also surprised me because they have started to train the little ones who also want to play soccer.

“ My hope is that tomorrow will be rewarded because of what we do for the children today.”

I am very happy to know that they get along, at least that is my perception, and as some parents have told me, the children who never used to let go of their cell phones or tablets now go out to play much more.

We are so thrilled to have the new uniforms, balls, and equipment to be able to train and are thankful for everything Hacienda does to continue supporting Latino children, so that they have activities that empower them and help us grow as a community. My hope is that tomorrow will be rewarded because of what we do for the children today.

Lobitos, enjoy your family, play a lot— and get ready because next year we will continue with our efforts!

During the 2021 Oregon Legislature Special Session both, the Port of Portland and Hacienda CDC received a $5MM grant to prototype the design, development, and installation of volumetric mass timber modular housing. Through this prototype exercise, Hacienda CDC, Design Consultant and Construction Company will design and develop modules that can stand alone as a single floor studio or through a combination of two, three or four modules a two-to-three-bedroom modular volumetric house.

Hacienda CDC requests proposals from Professional design services for the design of mass timber modular housing

Proposals are requested from qualified professional architectural firms that will lead a design and engineering (A&E) team to prototype the design and development of volumetric mass timber modular housing units.

The A&E team will collaborate closely with the Hacienda Modular Housing Project Manager and Construction company contracted to build, transport, and complete each module to develop the best and most efficient modular housing possible. In addition, the A&E team will be responsible for designing the site improvements to receive the modules including, coordinating all required permitting processes with any necessary regulating entities. These modules will be sited/tested across the state. (Sites and jurisdictions remain to be selected).

NOTE: Once design development reaches 60-80% completion, Hacienda CDC will release an RFP for construction services.

The Hacienda CDC Modular Housing Project has a goal of 20% participation by firms certified by the State of Oregon’s Certification Office for Business Inclusion & Diversity (COBID) for all contracts. Interested COBID certified firms are encouraged to submit Proposals or participate as sub-consultants.

NOTE: This RFP serves as the first preliminary step toward partnership selection. Submissions should highlight firm strengths, experience, and high-level vision for this project. Timelines for the design and production of this project will be developed once a partner has been selected.

The deadline for submissions has been extended to April 11th.

Questions? Email modularhousing@haciendacdc.org

Our Resident Services team works every day to support our residents and community members during times when they need it most. This work wouldn’t be possible without various community resources. If you are looking for rental assistance in Washington County or Clackamas County please reach out to the below contacts who can support your needs for rent relief and finding permanent stable housing.

Clackamas County:

• 503-655-8575 - Call this number for coordinated resources

• Callers can be connected to the rent assistance program or partners who are offering rent assistance

Washington county:

• 503-615-0700 (Mon-Tue starting @ 9am)

• Call for assistance or fill out a request form here https://caowash.org/programs/housing-stability/renter-support.html

• 503-640-3263 Call Community Connect - a 24/7 hotline for supportive referrals to access permanent housing

OTHER RESOURCES

• Referral to homeless housing and services available at the Veteran Community Resource and Referral Center in Portland at 503-808-1256 or 1-800-949-1004 extension 51256.

• Referral to homeless housing and services available at the Hillsboro Veteran Community-Based Health Clinic (CBOC) at 503-906-5000.

• Dial 211 or go online at www.211info.org.

• Fleeing domestic violence, contact Portland Women's Crisis Line at 503-235-5333.

• Veteran, seniors or people with disabilities, contact Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services at 503-846-3060.

• Other entry points for systems of care in Washington County

Thanks to generous support from Travel Oregon and Prosper Portland, the Portland Mercado has welcomed a new addition: a custom mural by local artist, Christian Tellez, in partnership with the Portland Street Art Alliance.

“We are thrilled to have this beautiful addition to the Portland Mercado,” says Ernesto Fonseca, Hacienda CEO, “which will enhance this community space and serve as a testament to the colorful, bold, and dynamic individuals that make up our community at the Portland Mercado, and the vibrant and eclectic cultures that are a part of our heritage.”

Originally from Mexico, Christian is a licensed architect and accomplished artist with completed works in Oregon, Texas, and Puebla, Mexico. His background in architecture and interior design and extensive experience designing residential and commercial spaces, allow him to create unique and beautiful works like the Mercado Mural. We chatted with him to learn more about what this project means to him and the community at large.

_______

Tell us about yourself!

Muralist Christian Tellez with Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC

I'm from a town called Chachapa in Puebla, Mexico. I graduated as an Architect in Mexico, and I work as an architectural design staff here in Portland.

What does it mean to you to be a part of this mural project at the Portland Mercado?

It means an opportunity to keep introducing myself to the community. I like to become part of a community as an active member enhancing public spaces with art and culture and remembering I'm able to change my environment and raise my opinion. 

What does a place like the Portland Mercado mean to you? What impact have you seen it have on the community?

The Mercado reminds me of those warmer places when you are far away from your family, friends, and roots, making you feel at home. It is a place to re-charge your energy. It's essential to have these places to share our culture and have safe and welcoming places for diverse cultures.

Your work as an artist and an architect works to both enhance and physically create new spaces. What does a vibrant community look like to you?

To me, a vibrant community should be the example of a living community where you can see the product of cultural interaction and dialogue. A vibrant community is constantly transforming itself to respond to community needs that develop its vision for the future.

Your work as an architect is also directly connected to our new affordable housing developments, Las Adelitas! Tell us what it means to be a part of a project like this that will bring 142 new affordable homes to the Cully neighborhood.

It feels great to be part of a multicultural and inclusive team at Salazar Architect. Providing quality housing project options to the community is part of the solution to the housing crisis we’re seeing. I'm sure it will be a significant improvement to the area.

The Latinx population increased 30% over the last 10 years. What is your personal hope for the growing Latinx community in Portland?

I hope the quality of interaction between cultures grows. Having diverse roots allows us to bring the best of each place to our new home, our new environment, and share them. We have to help each other create opportunities to connect and constantly grow as a community with solid values.

Keep up to date with Christian’s work on Instagram and be sure to visit his vibrant new mural that provides a striking visual for visitors at the Portland Mercado.

About the Portland Mercado

Did you know the Portland Mercado, known for its delicious meals and vibrant atmosphere is actually much more?

Portland Mercado is just one part of Empresarios, our entrepreneurial program with a focus on supporting women-, minority- and immigrant-owned business owners— giving them the tools they need to achieve the dreams they have for their business, their families, and their future.

Learn more about our small business support programming.

Are you behind on your sewer/stormwater/water bill?

The City of Portland has a new program that could help you get your sewer/stormwater/water bill back on track. They have federal funding to give a limited number of bill payment support credits.  

You can apply if…
  *  You pay your sewer/stormwater/water bill to the City of Portland;
  *  You have overdue charges on your household water bill;
  *  You have been affected financially by the COVID-19 pandemic; and
  *  You meet the income guidelines on this chart.

The application usually takes 10–15 minutes to fill out and is due April 11, 2022.  

The process for giving credits
Program staff expects to receive more requests than the program can fund. View the criteria for how the City of Portland will distribute the funding.

If you haven’t been able to stay on top of your bill, please apply today!  

Hacienda CDC’s Empresarios programming supports entrepreneurs to start, grow, and scale their businesses. Read more about our featured Empresario and learn about our amazing community of small business owners.

Following a successful series of pop-ups at the Portland Mercado, Mya Sandy Myint, who has been in the Mercado Empresarios program since August 2019, has transitioned to opening her first brick-and-mortar food stall at the CORE (Collective Oregon Eateries) food hall in South East Portland. She is planning on opening this year. Along with participating in our boot camp and advising programming, Sandy also received logo and branding support via the Empresarios design pilot program. She is currently enrolled for a business Individual Development Account (IDA) through Hacienda CDC for added capital to support her continued growth forward.

We connected with Sandy to learn more about her experience in the Empresarios program: 

Tell us about yourself, your business, and how you connected with Empresarios? 

I migrated to the United States in 2005 from Myanmar. I had a restaurant business for 11 years in my country and started my business, Sandy’s Myanmar Cuisine, in Portland in 2019.  In that time, I started my business at a farmer’s market. For the farmer’s market, I needed to find a commissary kitchen to serve food to the community. I searched in Google for the nearest in my area for Commissary Kitchen and I found Portland Mercado Commissary Kitchen and I submit my application. The response was very fast and I got connected with a Business Engagement Specialist and received lots of information and connected to Hacienda CDC. I attended the Boot Camp Program and took a business class from PCC with a scholarship I received from the program. After that, I got assigned a business advisor.  

How did Empresarios impact you and your business trajectory? 

Since I came to this country as an immigrant I didn’t have any knowledge about business [in this country] especially the food and restaurant business, because they have so many rules and regulations. I had no idea. So I went to the boot camp and I got a lot of context and information that is very helpful for my business and helps me keep going with my business. My advisor and the supportive grants I’ve received from Hacienda have helped me survive. My dream is to continue gaining more and more education to support my business. I want to build up and grow Sandy’s Myanmar Cuisine more and more.  

What would you say to someone wanting to start a business of their own? 

Sandy and her son Brandon

I would recommend them to Hacienda and if they wanted to go into the food business I’d tell them to look at the commissary kitchen. That is a very good place to start to build your business. Hacienda is wonderful and gives a lot of support. For people like me, a minority woman in a small community, you need a lot of information. To start a business, we need support very much.  

What is one thing that you’ve taken out of this experience? What made the most impact on you? 

I did have a lot of difficulties financially in 2020 and I got [connected to] a support grant through Hacienda and that was the biggest impact. If I had not gotten that grant I could not continue, especially during this time. Finances are everything. Hacienda has the information that you need to start a business especially for immigrants and minority groups. They give a lot of information regarding financials, IDAs programs, how to save, and how to get [capital]. We have no idea where we have to start to get the information. Hacienda gives us ways to navigate it and get educated. Hacienda is my navigator.  

These last few years have been very difficult for businesses. How would things look different for you without this support? 

Without Hacienda… Sandy’s Myanmar Cuisine could not survive. I am very thankful from the bottom of my heart to the Hacienda CDC organization and everyone who support Sandy's Myanmar Cuisine in Portland, Oregon.  

Click to learn more about Sandy’s Myanmar Cuisine

Click to learn more about Hacienda’s Empresarios program

The United States Postal Service is offering free at-home Covid tests delivered right to your door.

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com and are limited to one order per residential address.

One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. Orders will ship at no charge starting in late January.

To order a free covid test kit visit: https://special.usps.com/testkits

A list of recommended covid testing sites in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington County. This is not an extensive list, please visit our covid resources page for links to health organizations with up-to-date information.

The sites listed prioritize or require appointments.

Tests are free and insurance is not necessary to receive a test at any of these locations. 

 Last updated January 31st, 2022

Multnomah County 

Portland Expo Center 

2060 N Marine Drive (enter from North Expo Rd)  

• Free drive-thru Covid testing offered by OHSU

• Appt required; sign up online or call 833-647-8222 during business hours 

• Hours:  Mon, Wed: 9 am – 1:30 pm; Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9 am - 5 pm 

Rose City Futsal-East 

5010 NE Oregon St, Portland  

• Free PCR testing by Curative

• Call 888-702-9042 to make an appointment  

• Hours: Mon - Fri: 1 pm - 8 pm; Sat, Sun: 9 am - 5 pm 

Aladdin Theater 

3017 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland  

• Operated by True West

• Hours: Tues - Sun: 4 pm - 10 pm 

• Call 888-702-9042 to make an appointment  

OHSU Drive-Thru 

OHSU Parking Garage D 
719 S.W. Lower Canyon Drive Portland, OR 97239 

• Appt required; sign up at https://www.ohsu.edu/health/covid-testing-ohsu  

• May be a good option for people with mobility limitations. 

WVT Laboratory 

1450 SW Marlow Avenue, Portland, OR, 97225 

• Open 7 days a week, 9:00AM – 5:00PM 

• Appt required; sign up at https://wvtlab.com/#covid-testing-locations under “Portland Testing Site” 

Washington County 

OHSU Immediate Care Clinic 

15700 SW Greystone Court, Beaverton  

• Free COVID-19 testing

• Appt required- call 503-494-1700 to schedule 

Beaverton Resource Center 

13500 SW Walker Rd, Beaverton

• Free parking lot covid testing

• Hours: Mon - Fri: 12 pm - 7 pm  

• No appointment needed 

Rite Aid 

12575 SW Walker Rd., Beaverton  

• Free COVID-19 testing

• Hours: Mon - Fri: 10 am - 8 pm; Sat, Sun: 10 am - 5 pm  

• https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/services/covid-19-testing  

Neighborhood Health Center 

266 W Main St. Hillsboro  

• Free drive-thru PCR testing

• Appt required; call 503-941-3016 to schedule 

Clackamas County 

Clackamas Community College Harmony Campus 

728 Molalla Ave, Oregon City  

• Free PCR testing

• Site accessible by TriMet bus line 152  

• Hours: Tues - Sat: 8 am - 5 pm  

• Appt required; visit https://book.curative.com/sites/34332 to book an appointment

NHC Oregon City 

728 Molalla Ave, Oregon City  

• Free COVID-19 testing

• Hours: every Tuesday 8 am - 4 pm  

• Call 503-848-5847 to make an appointment 

Tachos Restaurant 

515 Molalla Ave, Oregon City  

• Free COVID testing & all-age vaccinations   

• Hours: Saturday 2 pm - 7 pm until 1/29/22  

• No appointment needed 

Racial and economic disparities in access to safe, affordable housing existed long before COVID-19, and the pandemic has only widened these divides. In the new year, Hacienda will pilot a new solution, Small Homes Northwest (SHNW). 

SHNW is a program to build small backyard homes—also called accessory dwelling units (ADU) or casitas—as affordable rentals. We aim to build up to three energy-efficient casitas in Portland neighborhoods at risk of gentrification, in partnership with moderate-income homeowners and local community organizations, including Community Vision. The casitas will be regulated affordable rentals for a period of 10 years, built at a fraction of the public cost of a typical affordable apartment. 

Why we are excited about this approach 

SHNW benefits both homeowners and renters. Right now, ADU’s are primarily built by people with wealth for long-term investment. Our goal is to work with moderate-income homeowners in quickly gentrifying neighborhoods for whom an affordable rental casita in their backyard can raise their property value and generate income while also increasing the stock of affordable rental units for low-income individuals and small families. The program is a natural complement to Hacienda’s ongoing work to build affordable housing and support stable homeownership. 

The SHNW pilot project is funded by Meyer Memorial Trust and resources secured by Verde. We are thrilled to share that the Oregon Legislature passed a bill, HB 3335, allocating a $1,000,000 grant to Hacienda to fund a demonstration project and create the opportunity for replication across the state. 

Our partners in this pilot include Bend/Redmond Habitat for Humanity and DevNW. Both joined us in advocating for this pilot project as a statewide tool to create new affordable rental housing and to provide stability and asset-building for modest-income homeowners. Many community partners, including 1000 Friends of Oregon and the Oregon Housing Alliance, provided letters and testimony in support of HB 3335. 

We received strong support in the last Legislative session for this pilot (House Bill 4015), but it was one of the many bills that did not get final approval due to the walkout. The bill was re-introduced in the 2021 session by Representative Meek, and endorsed by the Oregon Housing Alliance. 

What's next? 

We are proud to announce that HB 3335 was signed into law by the Governor on July 19 and will be administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services. 

We want to express our deep thanks to the Legislature, and specifically Representative Meek for sponsoring HB 3335 and co-sponsors Representatives Bynum, Leif, Pham, Ruiz, and Salinas, and Senators Frederick and Jama. 

Funding from the Legislature will allow us to demonstrate the model by building up to 8 affordable ADU’s, both in the Portland Metro area and across the state. This is a key innovation to help meet the growing need for affordable housing. 

Our long-term hope is that this ADU model will give community organizations throughout Oregon a new tool to achieve the goals of adding modest residential density in single-family neighborhoods to help address our affordable housing crisis. 

Courtney Freeman, a hospital health educator and mom who lives in Northeast Portland knows firsthand the life-changing effects of homeownership. "I really worked hard on my way to being a homeowner… I know what it’s like to struggle and here I am, a homeowner." When asked about our pilot ADU program she says, “I looked at this as: here’s two people who can meet each other halfway and help each other.”  

Stay tuned for more updates as we roll out this program. 

“I work like a laborer, delegate like a foreman, and study like an intern,” says Saulo Quezada with a smile after a long day’s work. That’s how he describes LMC’s approach to developing his skills as a Foreman on the construction of Las Adelitas through a unique partnership between Verde and LMC.

Verde and Hacienda were early neighborhood partners in identifying the need to acquire and convert the Sugar Shack, a former strip club, into a community asset. Las Adelitas, which is under development by Hacienda with LMC as the general contractor, will include 142 units of affordable housing and is scheduled to be completed and welcome new residents in October 2022.

With the goals of continuing Verde’s participation and expanding the organization’s capacity to manage future projects, LMC and Verde agreed on a two-pronged approach: for Verde to assist LMC in the selection of a subcontractor to install the solar panel system and for Verde to hire a Foreman intern to be trained and mentored by LMC throughout the 18-month project construction schedule.

Now that the solar subcontractor, Neil Kelly/O’Neill Electric, has been selected, and Saulo’s been on the job for six months, those two paths are converging: Saulo has been assigned as the lead LMC contact for the solar panel array installation. “It’s a lot of responsibility. First I need to learn how the roof is constructed and then figure out how the array connects to it. I’ve been watching videos and studying the plans. I can go down rabbit holes real easy,” says Quezada.

A self-described former hoodlum from Santa Ana, CA, seven years ago Quezada, the son of Mexican immigrants, left behind a carefree lifestyle that consisted of working as a carpenter, taking college classes, surfing, skating, and boxing, as well as enjoying the close-knit network of family and friends in the largely Mexican-immigrant community. “I woke up from a dream one day where I saw my future, and I was disappointed. I hadn’t realized my full potential.” That same night, he bought the cheapest one-way ticket out. Never having visited Oregon before, he landed in Portland in September 2013 wearing shorts, a tank top, and no socks. “I didn’t even have a jacket. I had never experienced rain and dark nights like that before.”

Not knowing how long he’d stay, couch surfing, and relying on his savings, he slowly began piecing together odd jobs including bartending, sales, and the occasional construction gig. He made a commitment to stay when he moved into an apartment three months later. “I was either going to succeed or end up homeless,” he says. “No calling home for help or money.”

Curious by nature, Saulo found himself drawn to project management and teamwork. “I like to be in the mix,” he says, describing the process and sequence of events needed to turn an idea into a physical reality. This led to long-term employment with a local producer of custom wood coverings for high-end products. He could see the wood come in one door, and the finished product out the other, and enjoyed being part of every process in between.

In the meantime, Saulo had developed two new passions: cycling and social justice. His interest in cycling had started in Santa Ana as a cardio workout alternative to his boxing coach’s running assignments, but became a lifestyle when he started commuting and found a supportive community in Portland. Although familiar with low-income, Latinx, and immigrant communities, in Portland Quezada became more aware of other marginalized groups. He saw an opportunity to expand participation in cycling and began volunteering his time and skills with BikePOC, which assembles bikes and hosts rides to welcome people of color, women, and the LGBQT community into cycling.

By 2020, Saulo began thinking about how to incorporate these passions into his career plans. With a fresh resume and a solid track record, he applied to local cycling manufacturers as well as for two program management positions with Verde without success. A bit discouraged, it was then he received the call offering the Foreman internship. Verde had remembered his applications and thought this was the perfect fit.

“I was scared. It took me a month to think it over before accepting the position,” says Saulo. His main trepidation was the construction worker culture, where he had previously observed racist, sexist, and homophobic comments. “The work is hard enough, there’s no reason people should be subjected to that at the jobsite.” Quezada consulted with friends and decided his leadership could create space for more people, but he needed to establish clear boundaries.

Quezada says LMC’s Superintendent Bob Kantola set the standard from the very beginning: “Bob tells us it’s about the greater good.” Kantola, who has more than 40 years of construction experience, sits down with Saulo every week to go over the project plans and schedule, helping him to navigate the project management software, and to understand how the building’s elements fit together. “Bob’s built the environment, and Carlos is my main mentor, he helps me see, not just what’s happening today but also how it connects to three months from now.”

Saulo with Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC

The Las Adelitas story and Hacienda’s mission attracted Quezada to the job. “I wouldn’t have taken the position for just any construction project. It was Hacienda’s involvement and the community they serve that makes it matter. I want to see my people, Latinx, Africans, low-income, immigrants, LGBQT, etc. benefit from this work.” Quezada has described the project to his mother who is familiar with the Adelitas story and she tells him “Think of us, think of me.” Everyday he shows up to work with a smile because he sees the connection to his own past, knows he’s part of something bigger than himself, and is continuing to grow as a person. “I remind myself everyday: Hard Work. Dedication. Joy. Patience.”

Before arriving in Portland, Quezada thought he wasn’t meant to succeed. “I realize now the difference between success and failure is just not stopping. From cycling I learned about endurance and resilience. I need to keep pedaling, moving forward, and I’ll get there.” He is motivated by building opportunities for others, noting that children will see the mountains from the upper floors, as far as they can see will be views of something beautiful and the endless possibilities in the bigger world. “I can’t wait for this to be completed. I can see it now. We will have done something to elevate the next generation.”