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.

Learn more at haciendacdc.org.

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 on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

Thanks to the support of the Zera Foundation and partnership with Adventure Without Limits, youth and families within Youth and Family Services participated in outdoor trips such as snowshoeing at Mount Hood.

Read firsthand about the López Gómez family, active participants of Sembrando Semillitas, and their experience making valuable memories.

by familia López Gómez

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It was a Saturday of family fun that gave us the opportunity to appreciate nature. While interacting with others and sharing nature at the same time we were able to interact with other people and share pleasant moments contemplating the snow and enjoying various weather changes at times.

We arrived at the meeting point to get on the bus that took us to the mountain and everything was very organized.

Since everything went in a very organized way, during the trip we were able to talk with other families. With other families, we also felt very comfortable because the organization was in charge of providing us with adequate equipment. The organization took care of providing us with some appropriate clothing for the occasion. When we arrived at the place, we were given the corresponding indications and the necessary equipment for the snow hike.

“On behalf of the López Gómez family, we would like to thank the Sembrando Semillitas program for providing this opportunity for family fun and resources to make it possible.”

We had a very nice day; my family was really happy! They very much liked to observe the view of the mountain and the small river that crossed through there.

We were also able to observe different weather changes! In some moments we could feel the sun’s rays and at other moments and other moments, we felt the wind running as well as a little snowfall. It was absolutely beautiful. We enjoyed it so much! We also had fun times as the kids were playing with the snow and funny moments where we slipped and fell in the snow but without any complications... everything was very nice!

On behalf of the López Gómez family, we would like to thank the Sembrando Semillitas program for providing this opportunity for family fun and resources to make it possible! We would also like to thank you for helping us as families spend a relaxing and joyful time with our children and get out of the daily routine; encouraging family unity! Thank you!

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These outdoor outings were made possible with the support of the Zera Foundation and Adventures Without Limits. Thank you for helping our youth and families create lasting memories!

Hacienda’s children’s soccer team, Los Lobitos, has a second generation 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 of Los Lobitos means to him, our youth and their families, and the community at large.

by coach Jose Guadalupe Vazquez

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The Lobitos’s story began 2 years and 3 months ago, when one day back in April 2022 we met and started to train and to play as a team. During this time, we had several games and we have participated in several tournaments, in some, we have done very well and in others not so much, but we continue learning. 

But now it is worth telling the story of the second generation of Lobitos.

During the games it has been very satisfying to see the families living together and supporting the team, that is where we realized that we have several small children who get very excited when they celebrate a goal from their brothers' team.

One day, during a gathering we had on the beach with all the families on the team, I saw that there were small children about the same age, and I commented “I think there are several children with whom we could put together another team” and the small children who when they heard it, they jumped and said “Yes, we want to play too.”

And it is incredible to see how the youngest children, sometimes in their innocence, believe that they can help the team. I remember that one time they were not winning the game. We were all distressed that their shots were not coming out, that their tactics and moves were not functioning, and they were not scoring goals. A younger brother of a child on the team told me, grabbing his head with his little hands, “coach, take my brother out and put me in, I play better than him.” I smiled and told him, then hurry up and grow up, and he very seriously said yes.

“This would be their first experience as a team, we knew that we might not have good results, but it didn’t matter, at that age I think the most important thing is to play and have fun.”

Another day a little girl told me “Coach, when is the team coming?” and she pointed to herself to indicate to me that she was referring to the youngest children's team, and from that time on, she asked me the same thing every time she saw me. Until one day it happened. I spoke with the second coach and father of one of the children on the team to ask him if he would be interested in coaching the youngest team. He accepted the ask. So, we had to adjust with the names, the big kids' team is now Lobos and the little kids kept the name Lobitos.

On the first Tuesday of August, Lobitos training began, and 11 children between 7 and 9 years old showed up. Oh, by the way, they are all brothers of the Lobos. In the second week, a girl asked: “Coach, when are we going to play a game?”  and everyone was excited to know that maybe it would be soon.

The children hadn't even been training for a month, but they had a huge desire to compete. So, they invited us to a tournament and we asked if there was a category for the little ones, and luckily for us there was. We talked about it with the parents and although there were doubts that perhaps it was too early to compete, they accepted. This would be their first experience as a team, we knew that we might not have good results, but it didn't matter, at that age I think the most important thing is to play and have fun.

“We had fun, we enjoyed their enthusiasm, and they made us very happy that day, I think we will remember it as the best Sunday we have ever had.”

Result of the day, Lobos won 3-0 and Lobitos won 2-1 in their first match, and they were losing 1-0, but their emotion, their dedication and their desire to win made them turn the score around, between kicks, falls, pushes, plays and tears. We had fun, we enjoyed their enthusiasm, and they made us very happy that day, I think we will remember it as the best Sunday we have ever had.

Our Sunday is about getting up early, carrying chairs, water, uniforms, shin guards, balls, and everything to go see our Lobitos play. Surely, we will have incredible days in which we will all get excited watching the game, discovering who already hits the ball better, who already dared to make a play, who for the first time scores their goal, or outwits the entire defense and gives a pass to goal. The emotion of the game won was great and brought us a smile for the rest of the day, and we continued to comment on the plays and the goals. But surely, we will also have not-so-lucky days, in which for the rest of the day we will not want to talk about the subject, but then we will start again because in reality that is life, we are going to win and lose, and we are going to overcome, to correct, to prepare, because we have to always move forward and happy.

Have you already realized that we also have about 5 or 6 children between 3 and 5 years old? I'm just saying.

We appreciate the support that Erika and Hacienda have provided to this team, to Mr. Mario Cortés coach of the Lobitos, and to the assistant parents Mr. Luis Orozco and Mr. Francisco Ruiz who support us by training the goalkeepers. And undoubtedly to all the parents for always being there supporting their children, because sometimes, even if they cannot attend training or games due to work, and cannot take the children to the games, together we all organize to try that the team is always participating.

Thank you, Lobitos Family.

FORTH and Hacienda CDC have partnered to bring two electric vehicles for shared use at Las Adelitas and Salón Comunal.

Read more about the community launch event and what to expect from the EV carsharing system.  

A new Chevy Bolt will be available for carshare rental program in partnership with FORTH.

Hacienda’s dedication to supporting and uplifting communities is strengthened through valuable partnerships. Collaborating with remarkable organizations, we develop resources to engage residents and community members. 

On January 23, 2024, Hacienda’s Resident Services team, in collaboration with FORTH, a nonprofit organization focused on clean transportation, introduced an exciting new carshare program to the Cully community. But what exactly is carsharing? It's a solution aimed at overcoming transportation limitations by providing access to a fleet of vehicles for short-term rentals. Additionally, with its utilization of electric vehicles, it also contributes to reducing carbon emissions. 

The 2-hour Launch Event served as an opportunity for residents to discover more about the carshare program and its benefits. The system will feature a specialized app allowing residents to easily reserve, unlock, and drive the vehicle during their allocated time. Moreover, participants were assured of receiving travel support throughout their journey, highlighting one of the many ways FORTH supports participating residents. A standout feature of the carsharing program is its use of electric vehicles as a transportation option. Residents got an exclusive first look at the new Chevy Bolt and eagerly explored the vehicle they will soon have access to. 

Families and individuals across the Cully community will utilize the carshare for their daily errands and to create new memories during their vacations. Thank you FORTH for partnering with Hacienda and making transportation accessible to everyone!  

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Are you a Hacienda Cully resident interested in using the carshare system?  

Download the MDO Carshare app from the Google Play or App Store or scan the QR code to get started:

1. Register Account  

2. Onboarding Call 

3. Reserve 

4. Unluck and Drive  

5. Return and Pug-In  

Need help? Please visit goforthcarshare.com or call 503-850-0007 

Nico and Fran are two entrepreneurs with a mission to introduce their innovative pistachio spread, Pistakio, to every household. In 2023 they partnered up with Hacienda’s Empresarios program to launch their business. Read more about their inspiring journey. 

In 2022, Fran Voit and her partner Nico Buffo were in their senior year at Savannah College of Art & Design when they came up with an innovative business idea for one of their classes. With their shared passion for food, (and pistachios!) the two of them thought about ways to create a universally loved treat. Why pistachios? While traveling through Italy, these two entrepreneurs fell in love with its savory and sweet applications. From this unexpected inspiration came Pistakio, a spread that they call “pistachios reimagined.” 

Impressed by the final project, Nico's professor urged them to bring their idea to life. His encouragement instilled belief in the potential success of Pistakio. After much deliberation, Fran and Nico embraced the unknown, eager to see where their idea could take them. “We were honestly shocked at the response we got, and that got us thinking,” explained Fran. 

They soon launched an Instagram page, inviting followers to join them on their journey. In February 2023, they showcased their first batch of recipes at a farmers' market in Savannah, Georgia. At the farmers market, Nico and Fran received feedback from customers about what they liked and didn’t, which gave the business owners a better idea of what people appreciated. 

"We wanted to make sure people could use the spread on anything, not just have seasonal spreads like you often see," said Fran. This commitment to creating a versatile pistachio spread led them to Portland. “We knew that this was a great place to start a business because people care for fresh and local businesses.” Their goal was clear: to tap into the vibrant community of small businesses to offer a unique, delectable nut spread unlike any on the market. “We noticed that there were nut butters and spreads, but not many pistachio-based for everyday use...” Fran added. 

As Pistakio's popularity grew over time, Nico and Fran faced the challenge of meeting demand. During this time, they discovered the "Get Your Recipe to Market" course at Portland Community College. Fran luckily crossed paths with Melina Romero, the Empresarios Program Coordinator, since the Empresarios program gave an educational presentation to the class. “Melina was a presenter one day and we immediately connected after realizing we were both Ecuadorian. Soon after, we began to search for a kitchen to produce and she told us about the commissary kitchen, so we went immediately!” recounted Fran.   

The Portland Mercado commissary kitchen provided Nico and Fran with the space to scale up production, fueling their ambition to create more products. They soon became clients of the Empresarios program, where they were paired with Flavio Gracia, their personal business advisor. On one occasion, through the guidance of the Empresarios program, Fran and Nico pitched their ideas to a local grocery store, gaining invaluable insights to propel their progress. "I vividly remember seeing Fran and Nico's dedication and passion during the pitch meeting. Some board members said that it was the best presentation they had heard," shared Melina. 

The relentless determination and hard work of this dynamic duo have undoubtedly paid off. Their success is also due to the unwavering support of many. "It was because of a lot of people's support we are here now and in less than a year. I’m grateful for Melina and the Empresarios team, all the vendors, and the people who have supported us. We are grateful for it all.," expressed Fran. 

Looking ahead, Pistakio will be available for national purchase through their website beginning February 26th, 2024. Furthermore, Fran and Nico are eager to launch a second savory Pistakio spread in 2025 and explore additional flavor variations. “We want to create variations and fun collabs of our sweet one since it has been loved by so many already. And we're super excited (and nervous) for our launch coming up really soon!” shared these amazing entrepreneurs. Congratulations, Fran and Nico, on an extraordinary and inspirational beginning! 

Ready to start your food-related business? Learn more about our Empresarios program.

Portland Parks & Recreation engages the next generation of environmental leaders through volunteer naturalist training, paid work programs, nature-based camps, field trips, guided walks, and stewardship. Learn more about opportunities available.

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.  

Free community-focused college course supporting participants in connection building and networking.

Read more to learn about this program and eligibility.

Humanity in Perspective (HIP) is a free, for credit, college level humanities course for individuals living on low incomes and/or face barriers to continue their education.  

In addition to a free course, all class-related readings are provided. Upon fulfillment, participants receive transferable undergraduate credits as well as a certificate of completion.  

This unique and incredible course has been made possible through a partnership between Oregon Humanities, Bard College, and Portland State University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 

To Register: View the list of upcoming courses and complete a short, noncompetitive registration form located on the HIP website.

Questions? Contact Rozzell Medina, HIP’s Program Manager and Lead Instructor at r.medina@oregonhumanities.org or (971) 361-9883.

Hacienda’s vision will bring 55 new affordable apartments to Lake Oswego

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore.— Clackamas County has granted preliminary funding for Hacienda Community Development Corporation (CDC) to proceed with its proposed affordable housing community in Lake Grove. Hacienda CDC, Oregon's largest Latino-led community development organization, is dedicated to addressing the critical need for affordable housing, particularly for underserved populations. This significant development will be Hacienda CDC's third community in Clackamas County and furthers their commitment to provide affordable housing and holistic programming to communities across the region. 

Hacienda CDC's proposal envisions a three-story, elevator-served building on Boones Ferry Road that will provide 55 new affordable rental units and include on-site resident services provided by Hacienda CDC, as well as a host of culturally-specific support and programming for youth and families. 

Mackenzie and Access Architecture have united to design the community project that Colas Construction will build. The project site will include open and covered seating, an art-filled plaza, a nature-based playground, and a native plant garden. The community will also feature energy-efficient appliances, 100% electric building systems, rooftop solar panels, passive solar design, and incorporate universal design principles and trauma-informed design, ensuring accessibility, and comfort.

"We are excited to bring much-needed affordable housing options to Lake Oswego and continue our work in Clackamas County. We are honored to have been selected by the County to provide community members with the housing they need and deserve," said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC.

The final community design will be informed by Hacienda’s community engagement process beginning in Fall 2023 and will ensure that the building aligns with the needs and desires of residents and community members. Hacienda is currently seeking community-based organizations and support agencies in the area that would like to be involved in community engagement efforts. Following community engagement, the project will seek approval through the City’s land use development review process. 

"Creating housing that is accessible to our full community means creating housing affordable to a wide variety of families through non-profit led development partnerships. The Boones Ferry Road location - with access to high quality schools, premier parks and natural areas, close to employment, transit, and regional access - is exemplary of a high opportunity location befitting the needs of future residents,” stated City of Lake Oswego Mayor Joe Buck. “We are grateful to the neighbors and community members who served on the developer selection committee and are excited to welcome both Hacienda and our future neighbors into our incredible city.” 

The Lake Grove project will provide affordable housing to a diverse population, including families and individuals facing homelessness or imminent displacement who require permanent supportive housing (PSH). Out of the 55 apartments, 20 will be rent-restricted to 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with 10 of those units dedicated to PSH through coordination with the Housing Authority of Clackamas County (HACC). Supportive services will be provided by New Narrative. The remaining apartments will be comprised of varying unit sizes and rents accessible to low-income and working-class individuals and families earning 60% AMI or below. 

“We are delighted that our affordable housing bond dollars will provide 55 more affordable apartments in Lake Grove,” says Board of County Commissioners Chair Tootie Smith. “I applaud Lake Oswego’s commitment to affordable housing, which allows the local workforce community to live closer to their jobs in high-cost areas. This new project helps Clackamas County meet our goals to address homelessness and ensure a safe community for everyone who lives here.” 

While Clackamas County's approval is a significant milestone, the project's final endorsement is pending from Metro. Hacienda CDC remains committed to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to move the development forward and provide much-needed affordable housing options for the Lake Grove community. The project is expected to break ground in Fall of 2024.

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About Clackamas County

 We are building a safe Clackamas County where all people thrive, are celebrated for their diverse identities, and know they belong. Our strategic priorities are to build public trust through good government, grow a vibrant economy, build a strong infrastructure, ensure safe, healthy and secure communities, and honor, utilize, promote and invest in our natural resources.

About Lake Oswego

Lake Oswego, Clackamas County’s largest city, is known for its peaceful neighborhoods, natural beauty, recreational and cultural amenities, highly-rated schools, and sense of community. With a population of approximately 41,000, an extensive parks system, and a full range of retail and commercial services, Lake Oswego is one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play in Oregon. Lake Oswego is proud to be a full-service City with a complete range of municipal departments including police and fire protection, an award-winning library, and a well-maintained parks system. There is a strong sense of community pride as evidenced by the range of City Boards and Commissions, more than 20 neighborhood associations, and a number of civic and cultural organizations. We strive to be a community where any family or individual feels a true sense of belonging. Whether you live in Lake Oswego, work here, or visit, Lake Oswego hopes you see yourself reflected in aspects of our diverse community life.

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