Affordable Homeownership
Building Community Wealth, One Home at a Time
The 20 townhomes at Williams & Russell are designed to offer long-term, affordable homeownership opportunities to moderate-income families from historically Black communities and the broader community. With "missing middle" housing options and accessible designs, these homes are a tool of legacy and liberation. They're built for the future.
Why This Is Restorative Justice
For over a century, Black families built wealth and community along Williams & Russell. They owned homes, ran businesses, and created the economic heartbeat of Portland's Black community. Then urban renewal swept through, destroying not just buildings but generational wealth, family stability, and community power.
When families were displaced in the 1970s, they didn't just lose their homes—they lost their stake in a neighborhood that would later see property values soar. This project corrects that injustice with dignity, design, and opportunity.
Every townhome sold represents wealth returned to Black families. Every mortgage payment builds equity instead of enriching landlords. Every deed transfers power back to the community that built this neighborhood first.
Your Family's Foundation - Townhome Tours & Owner Stories
Take a virtual tour of our 2- and 3-bedroom townhomes, including accessible units. Hear from future homeowners about what building generational wealth means for their families.
These homes are reserved for those displaced—or whose families were displaced—from this very neighborhood. Through Portland's Preference Policy, families with historical ties to North/Northeast Portland get first priority to return and build wealth where they belong.
Homeownership here isn't just about having a place to live—it's about reclaiming economic power, building family equity, and ensuring your children inherit assets in the community their ancestors built.
Ready to Plant Generational Roots?
What's Included - Designed for Wealth Building
& Family Living
Smart Layouts for Growing Families
Ten 2-Bedroom & Ten 3-Bedroom Homes
Thoughtfully designed housing with modern, energy-efficient features that keep utility costs low. Four townhomes include accessible ground-floor living. Every home is built to appreciate in value and serve families for decades.
Accessibility & Universal Design
Accessible Ground-Floor Living
Four townhomes feature accessible ground-floor units designed for aging in place, multi-generational families, and community members with mobility needs. Universal design principles ensure all families can thrive.
Energy Efficiency & Long-Term Affordability
Built for Affordability & Sustainability
Energy-efficient design reduces monthly costs so more of your payment builds equity. High-quality construction means lower maintenance expenses. These homes are built to be affordable not just today, but for the next generation.
More Than Homeownership - It’s Generational Wealth Creation
The Power of Equity Building
Instead of paying rent that builds someone else's wealth, every mortgage payment builds YOUR family's financial future. In a neighborhood where property values have historically appreciated, homeownership becomes a powerful tool for creating intergenerational stability.
What This Means for Your Family:
Equity Growth: As property values appreciate, your family's wealth grows
Generational Transfer: These homes can be passed down to children and grandchildren
Community Stability: Homeownership creates stable neighborhoods where families can invest in schools, businesses, and community
Economic Power: Homeowners have greater political voice and community influence
Breaking Cycles of Displacement
For too long, Black families have been renters in neighborhoods they once owned. These townhomes break that cycle by creating permanent community ownership. When Black families own homes in appreciating markets, they build the foundation for business ownership, educational opportunities, and community leadership.
Ready to Become a Homeowner?
We support community wealth building. Your information is safe with us. All townhomes are reserved for Portland's Preference Policy families.
Who Qualifies
You may be eligible if you or your family:
Were displaced from North/Northeast Portland due to urban renewal
Have generational ties to families displaced from the area
Meet income requirements (60-120% Area Median Income)
Are ready for the responsibilities and opportunities of homeownership
Can demonstrate historical connection to the community
Homeownership Support
We don't just sell homes—we support homeowners. Our program includes:
Down payment assistance resources
First-time homebuyer education and counseling
Connections to community lending partners
Long-term affordability protections
Ongoing homeownership support and community connections
Application Process
Apply for Portland's Preference Policy (if not already approved)
Complete homeownership readiness assessment
Provide income documentation and community connection verification
Connect with lending partners and complete financing pre-approval
Join our homeowner waitlist for unit selection when available
Townhomes available Fall 2026
Need Homeownership Support? Call: (503) 482-8352 for homeownership counseling and application assistance
Visit: 5019 NE 21st Ave for in-person consultations and resource connections
Email: homeownership@williamsrussellcdc.org
Building More Than Homes - Building Community Power
Economic Impact
20 Black homeowner families means:
Increased community voting power and political representation
Local spending that supports Black-owned businesses
Property tax contributions that improve neighborhood schools and services
Wealth accumulation that enables community investment and entrepreneurship
Historical Restoration
These townhomes represent more than new construction—they represent historical restoration. Every family that becomes a homeowner here helps restore the community ownership that urban renewal destroyed.
This is reparative development in action: returning land ownership, economic power, and community control to the families and descendants who belong here.
