The modular homes made from Oregon-grown mass-timber, arriving in communities this summer, may offer a speedier solution to state’s housing crisis

OTIS, Ore., June 7, 2023 — This morning in Otis, a small Lincoln County community near the Oregon coast, Barbara and Scott Benedict stood on their rural property and watched as a crane lifted a pair of large boxes off of two flatbed trucks. By early afternoon, workers had placed the two boxes, or modules, together to form the Benedicts’ new home, replacing the one destroyed in 2020 by the Echo Mountain Fire near Lincoln City.

The Benedicts’ new “Mass Casita” is one of six prototype homes developed by Hacienda CDC and built from Oregon-grown mass timber. Last month, they began arriving in Oregon communities; nearly all will be ready for their owners to occupy them later this summer. 

The home deliveries are the latest chapter in the story of Mass Casitas, an innovative pilot project that is among the first of its kind in the nation. Led by Hacienda CDC, a statewide housing organization based in Portland, the project aims to demonstrate how modular housing built with mass timber could provide a more efficient, faster and less expensive way to build housing and ease Oregon’s housing shortage. 

Oregon is short 140,000 housing units and needs to build more than a half-million homes over the next 20 years in order to keep up with demand. Gov. Tina Kotek has set a construction target of 36,000 units per year, an 80% increase over current production. Reaching that goal will require innovative solutions that can generate housing much faster than Oregon does now.

“Oregon urgently needs more homes, not only for families displaced by disasters like wildfires, but for our many rural and urban communities that simply don’t have enough housing,” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda. “With Mass Casitas, we’re developing a process that could add many more homes throughout the state, at a faster pace than traditional construction.”

From design to delivery

Beginning in June 2022, the six prototype Mass Casitas were designed and developed at the Port of Portland’s Terminal 2. So far, three of the six prototypes have been delivered to Otis (one home) and Talent (two homes). A fourth home will be delivered to Madras in June; the remaining two homes will be installed in Portland later this summer.

At the Port, large panels of mass timber plywood were assembled into the boxes, or modules, that form the homes. After the walls were framed, crews installed mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, as well as windows, insulation, and roof structures. The boxes were then placed onto trucks and delivered to their new communities.

On site in Otis, the two modules for the Benedicts’ home were lifted by crane off of two flatbed trucks and placed together on a concrete foundation to form one 1,136 sq. ft. structure. Over the next four to six weeks, crews will affix the two modules to the foundation, join them together, and complete a range of finishing work — such as insulating the crawl space, hooking up utilities, and completing interior doors and trim. The Benedicts will move in by late July.

Over the next year, the Mass Casitas team will work with Mass Casitas residents to monitor how the structures perform in different Oregon climates. The team will use what they learn to improve the design of Mass Casitas and inform the production process.

Potential to scale up, community partners

Hacienda’s Mass Casitas project includes the design, development, delivery and field-testing of six prototype homes. Going forward, Hacienda continues to explore how to produce Mass Casitas on a larger scale, potentially as part of a federally funded project that envisions the Port of Portland’s Terminal 2 as a new Mass Timber Innovation Hub.

In communities, Hacienda has worked with nonprofit partners to help identify and/or select the families who will live in the Mass Casitas. The six homes (which range in size from studios to 3-bedroom models) have been or will be delivered to these four communities:

• 1 home arrived today in  Otis (Lincoln County); partner is Cascade Relief Team

• 2 homes are on site in Talent (Jackson County); partner is Casa of Oregon

• 1 home is going to Madras (Jefferson County); partner is Casa of Oregon

• 2 homes are going to Portland (Multnomah County); partner is Community Vision

During the December 2021 special session, the Oregon Legislature allocated $5 million for Mass Casitas to the Port of Portland, which has provided the warehouse space and fund management and partnered with Hacienda, the housing organization leading the project. Other key team members are: Salazar Architect Inc. (design), Walsh Construction Co. (general contractor), and Freres Engineered Wood (mass timber supplier/expert).

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This program is built to help businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth.

Hacienda CDC is partnering with Comcast to get the word out about Comcast RISE, a grant program for small businesses that opens June 1st! 

This program was created in 2020 to help small businesses hard hit by COVID-19 recover and thrive. As small businesses transition from pandemic recovery to a focus on expansion and growth, Comcast will continue its efforts in 2023 to help an even broader range of small businesses while focusing on diversity, inclusion, and community investment. 

 “We are thrilled to partner with Comcast to help spread the word about Comcast RISE and make sure small businesses know about this opportunity and submit an application,” says Ernesto Fonseca, Hacienda’s CEO. Year-round Hacienda helps entrepreneurs who are interested in starting or growing a business with technical assistance and connection to resources through our Empresarios program.  

Comcast RISE stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment. Comcast will award grant packages to 100 small businesses in Multnomah County, including those owned by women, people of color, and individuals committed to uplifting their local communities. Valued at approximately $40,000, the grant packages will include the following: 

• Business consultation services 

• Education resources 

• $5,000 monetary grant 

• Creative production, media, and technology makeovers 

From June 1-30, 2023, small businesses in Multnomah County can learn more and apply for Comcast RISE at  www.ComcastRISE.com. We will be hosting drop-in application hours at Portland Mercado and the Cully Learning Center in June. Stay tuned for dates and times! 

Comcast will notify the winner in August. 

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Begin the application process…

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.

Name of Business: Paola Zararte Insurance

Country of Origin: Mexico City, Mexico

Goals for the Business: Help customers identify the insurance coverage that best fits their needs.

Paola’s Story

Paola has a deep appreciation for family, which inspired her to follow in her entrepreneurial parents’ footsteps to open her own business. Originally she attended school in Mexico City, and eventually graduated from Washington State University, where she worked in the industry before starting her own insurance agency 6 years ago. She enjoys the flexibility and opportunity that business ownership offers, especially as she begins her own family and advances her career as a professional business woman.

About Paoala Zarate Insurance

Meet Paola Zárate , she is an affiliate of Farmers Insurance agency, providing services to organizations, individuals, families and businesses. Identifying an insurance disparity among newcomers to the United States, Paola Zárate insurance exists to inform the community of the benefits and importance of having insurance.  With a dedication to community prosperity, Paola offers insurance, retirement planning and much more. As your local Farmers® agent in Portland, OR, she help customers like you identify the insurance coverage that best fits your needs. This process is straightforward and personalized to help make you smarter about insurance. She has the knowledge and experience to help you better understand your coverage options--whether that's auto, home, life, renters, business insurance and financial services.

Learn more about our Empresarios program and other businesses at the Portland Mercado.

Hacienda CDC is excited to announce that it was selected by Portland General Electric’s 2022 Drive Change Fund to receive funding for two electric vehicles to support ongoing programming and vechicle access to community members. The PGE DCF is funded via the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Fuels Program. Funded by the sale of Oregon CFP credits, which PGE aggregates on behalf of residential customers who charge their electric vehicles at home, the fund supports projects aimed at expanding electric mobility options and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The DCF prioritizes projects focused on serving vulnerable populations and underserved communities.  

“Portland General Electric is excited to support our partners in expanding cleaner transportation systems across the state,” said Maria Pope, president and CEO of PGE. “Transportation electrification plays an essential role in accelerating the clean energy transition. It is going to take all of us working together to achieve a cleaner and more equitable future for all Oregonians.”

Transportation is the single biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon and a major source of other air pollutants. Hacienda CDC is excited to partner with PGE to accelerate the conversion to electric transportation through this investment in our mission and community.

 In addition to the positive impacts on our environment and communities, EVs are a better consumer choice

• Cleaner air. EVs have zero tailpipe emissions and reduce carbon monoxide emissions, nitrogen oxide emissions and other toxic compounds

• Safety and comfort. EVs are quiet, reducing noise pollution in our communities

• Cost of ownership. Less maintenance—no more oil changes or trips to the gas station! And the price of electricity is regulated unlike gasoline

About Portland General Electric

Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is a fully integrated energy company based in Portland, Oregon, with operations across the state. The company serves approximately 900,000 customers with a service area population of 2 million Oregonians in 51 cities. PGE owns 16 generation plants across Oregon and other Northwestern states and maintains and operates 14 public parks and recreation areas. For over 130 years, PGE has delivered safe, affordable and reliable energy to Oregonians. Together with its customers, PGE has the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the U.S. PGE and its 3,000 employees are working with customers to build a clean energy future. In 2020, PGE, employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated $5.6 million and volunteered 18,200 hours with more than 400 nonprofits across Oregon. For more information visit portlandgeneral.com/news. -30-

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.

Name of Business: Fernando’s Alegria

Country of Origin: Tolca, Mexico

Goals for Business:  They hope that the Mercado will be a success, be able to cater events and eventually, they would like to own a restaurant. 

Fernando’s Story

Fernando Rodriguez has worked hard to build his business into a success and set a name for himself in the industry. A toluqueño de corazón, Fernando appreciates this opportunity to make something that encompasses what el sabor mexicano means. 

About Fernando’s Alegria

Your experience at Fernando's begins the moment you the Portland Mercado. The smell of culinary creativity will draw you to Fernando's cart, where you will always be welcomed with open arms. Fernando's puts a creative spin on classic burritos and wraps. From mojito vegan wraps to carnitas burritos, there is something to be found for everyone on their extensive and innovative menu. And for those who so not like the wrap or the wheat tortilla, you can have a deconstructed burrito!

Learn more about our Empresarios program and other businesses at the Portland Mercado.

Hacienda CDC is proud to announce the rename of its early childhood education program, Portland Niños, to Sembrando Semillitas (sem-BRAN-do Se-mee-YEE-tas).

Hacienda CDC is proud to announce the rename of its early childhood education program, Portland Niños, to Sembrando Semillitas (sem-BRAN-do Se-mee-YEE-tas), meaning sowing little seeds in Spanish. This new name reflects the program's mission to cultivate the growth of parents and their children by planting the seeds of knowledge and nurturing their development. 

At Hacienda CDC, we are dedicated to providing affordable housing, economic development, and educational opportunities to our communities. Our focus on education is driven by our belief that high-quality resources and educational opportunities set our community members on a path to success. 

The Sembrando Semillitas program, formerly Portland Niños was established in 2005, and has been a cornerstone of Hacienda’s education initiatives, providing bilingual, culturally responsive early childhood education throughout Multnomah County to parents and their children ages 0-5.  

“Our early education support and programming is a fundamental part of our work in the county and has supported families and their children for nearly two decades.”" Says, Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC. “We are so proud of the work that this team does every day and look forward to seeing them deepen their impact in their new permanent programming space.”

Through home visits, play-based learning, and intentional instruction to both parents and children, our staff are a pillar of support for families and help children develop the skills they need to thrive in their early years and beyond. Our bilingual, bicultural approach ensures that all families, regardless of their background or language, feel valued and supported. 

Thanks to the incredible community support, Sembrando Semillitas program will be housed in its first-ever permanent location in Hacienda’s Las Adelitas. The new space, called Las Abejitas, which means "the little bees," is a play on the Las Adelitas name and is inspired by bees as the pollinators contributing to plant’s growth and development who collaborate to create a strong community together. We hope that this new space will inspire parents and their children to explore, learn, and grow together. 

We are thrilled to continue our early education work as Sembrando Semillitas!

Click here to learn more about Sembrando Semillitas

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.

Name of Business: Alecocina

Country of Origin: Argentina

Goals for Business: Showcasing the Argentinian culture through the flavors and dishes which highlight their culinary excellency.

Alejandra’s Story

“Mi nombre es Alejandra Kochanowski, de Argentina. llegue a Los Angeles, California en el año 2001 a los 29 años con el sueño de tener mi propio negocio de comida Argentina .

A los 13 años de edad, comencé a trabajar y siempre tube el sueño de ser una Empresaria para poder tener mi propio negocio y poder ayudar a quienes más lo necesiten. En el año 2003 conocí a mi esposo, Daniel Kochanowski con quien mi sueño se comenzó a hacerse realidad. Tuvimos Dos Hijos Agustin y Brian, quienes hoy son mi motor y razón para no abandonar este gran sueño de ser dueña de mi negocio.

Con el tiempo comencé a cocinar para fiestas en mi iglesia y para eventos privados. Poco a poco todos me ayudaron a llevar adelante mi Sueño de tener mi propia casa de comida típica de mi país, ARGENTINA! Fue eso lo que me brindo la oportunidad de poner mi propio negocio en Portland Mercado, al cual estoy muy agradecida con HACIENDA CDC por esta gran oportunidad que me están brindando. Deseo con todo mi corazón llegar al corazon de toda la comunidad Latinoamericana con mis DELICIAS ARGENTINAS!” 

About AleCocina

AleCocina has always focused on showcasing the Argentinian culture through the flavors and dishes which highlight their culinary excellency. With a focus a Sandwiches and Empanadas it is the perfect place to buy food to-go, ideal for taking at home or dining near by at a park. Also, perfect for bigger things such as catering your work team or family dinner! Aside from these options which are available in many stuffings, AleCocina also caters pastries and deserts. Be sure to check out her facebook for examples of her recipes!

Learn more about our Empresarios program and other businesses at the Portland Mercado.

Hacienda CDC is proud to have been selected by the City of Hillsboro to develop “Dolores”, an affordable housing project built for and inspired by community

HILLSBORO, OR, March 22, 2023— Hacienda Community Development Corporation (CDC) is thrilled to announce that last night, Hillsboro City Council approved our proposal for the “Dolores” affordable housing development in response to the Walker Road Affordable Housing Request for Proposals (RFP). Hacienda’s proposal was selected after a competitive process that began in late September 2022 and attracted affordable housing developers in the region.

“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the City of Hillsboro to deliver much needed affordable housing,” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC. Hacienda is deeply grateful for the City's commitment to housing and their investment which includes up to $10.5 million in Metro Affordable Housing Bond funds and land on Walker Road pending additional City and Metro project approvals. Dolores will be sited on two parcels in the Tanasbourne area and will include 67 new affordable homes in a 3-story, elevator-served, community-inspired building with 74 off-street parking spaces.

The new affordable housing community, designed by Access Architecture, will be built by LMC Construction and is inspired by the area’s cultural diversity and the site’s history as a hazelnut tree orchard. The design aims to enhance resident well-being, accessibility, and connectivity with a courtyard, play area, greenspace, covered outdoor gathering space, offices for on-site resident services, and an Earth Advantage GOLD rating.

Named after Latina agricultural labor rights advocate Dolores Huerta, “Dolores” includes 67 affordable rental apartments, including 20 one-bedroom, 17 two-bedroom, 26 three-bedroom, and 3 four-bedroom units, all designated for community members earning 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and below. Of these 67 apartments, ten will be Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) to serve individuals and families exiting homelessness. Almost half of the apartments will be affordable to very low-income households, those earning up to 30% Area Median Income. New Narrative will partner with Hacienda to provide wrap-around services for individuals and families served by permanent supportive housing.

“I’m very proud of the work that has been done,” said Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway following the City Council vote for the project. “This new development will provide people homes, provide people roots, provide people a strong future, and create a stronger community.” 

Hacienda CDC, a community-based organization that provides affordable housing and holistic community programming and services, will be the project’s developer and owner, and provide on-site resident services. Hacienda has 11 affordable housing communities in the region, including the recently opened Las Adelitas in NE Portland. This is Hacienda’s first affordable housing development in Washington County. 

Along with Metro Affordable Housing Bond funds reserved for this project other sources of funding will include Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity, permanent debt with Oregon Affordable Housing Tax Credits (OAHTC) interest rate subsidy, and deferred developer fees.

We are grateful for the opportunity to develop affordable housing in Hillsboro, and we look forward to this opportunity to partner with the City of Hillsboro, Metro and Washington County to deliver quality affordable housing, culturally responsive resident services, and robust community building opportunities.

Hacienda CDC’s Portland Mercado is the hub for our Empresarios programming that 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.

Name of Business: Que Bacano!

Country of Origin: Cali, Colombia

Significance of Name:  "Qué Bacano!" is colombian slang used to describe something as cool, hip, or radical

Goals for Business: Building a relationship with the community is most important to Andres. They plan to introduce Colombian history and culture to the community by sharing their authentic Colombian recipes and food.

Andres’s Story

Meet Andres Felipe Perez he has been part of the development of the Mercado since 2013. Originally a dentist in Colombia, Chef Andres learned culinary skills from his grandmother and from studying in Italy. In order to prepare for their first business, a food cart, Andres worked in various restaurants, including Pambiche and La Carreta, and selling food at various farmer's markets in the city. Que Bacano! brings their regional flavors of Colombia to the Portland Mercado. 

About Que Bacano!

Qué Bacano! is on a mission to introduce us to rich gastronomy and culture of Colombia that is uncommonly known in Portland, by introducing us all to a deliciously unique culinary experience. Their menu is filled with traditional Colombian dishes, such as arroz con pollo, arepas, empanadas, and sancocho, treats one would find in town and cities across Colombia. Their home country is truly as diverse in landscape as it is in cuisine -- from the Caribbean sea to the Pacific Ocean - the amazon jungle to the foothills of the northern Andes mountain range, !Qué Bacano!

Learn more about our Empresarios program and other businesses at the Portland Mercado.

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 

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.

Business Name: BARRIO

Country of Origin: California

Goals for Business:  To be an integral part of the Portland Mercado as a social enterprise which brings people together and gives them a reason to stay and come back.

Chris’s Story

Chris Shimamoto, the owner, partnered with the Portland Mercado to open BARRIO a social enterprise beer and wine bar. Their other venture, the wine nomad, is a mobile wine bar that provides wine and beer on tap at events throughout the region. Their expansion into a full-time space at BARRIO compliments their knowledge and expertise in the beverage and events industry, and our desire to build a sustainable project.

About BARRIO

Cultural beverages to compliment your cultural foods and services!? Si, Señores! This small "Old World style Cantina"  is located on the Northwest corner of the building, serving up wine in bottles and draft from regions of Latin America and cold, crisp beers to accommodate everything from the spiciest of dishes to the more delicate flavors. For your convenience, BARRIO leads both directly into the market hall, where you can eat food and drink, and to their patio, providing indoor and outdoor eating and drinking options at the Mercado. It is even outfitted with a covered, heated patio for the less tropical Portland months. It's a comfortable laid back space where you can hang out and enjoy. Our hope is that we've created a unique and alternative option to other drinking establishments in the neighborhood.

Learn more about our Empresarios program and other businesses at the Portland Mercado.

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.

Name of Business: Xōcotl

Country of Origin: Mexico

Significance of Name: Xōcotl: Náhuatl word meaning "fruit".

Favorite Dish: Tangy Sweet & Sour Spiced slushie made with natural frozen mango and pineapple blended with fresh squeezed lime and pineapple juice topped with fresh mango, homemade "Chamoy" sauce and powdered chili pepper

Vanessa and Omar’s Story

 Meet Vanessa and Omar, Xōcotl’s owners, hope to bring the symbolism of our pre-Hispanic roots to PDX. Xocotl transforms fruits and vegetables into beverages and nutritious foods that fill us with life and health.

Vanessa and Omar grew up in Mexico City and emigrated to Oregon in 2002. Their entrepreneurial spirit and past business experience eventually drew them to the Portland Mercado’s Entrepreneurship Programs. On March 2018, they launched “Xōcotl - Fresco & Natural”, their first business in the United States.

About Xōcotl

In the Aztec worldview, the tenth month of the calendar is called Xōcotl-Huetzin (the fall of the fruit). It was a time to harvest and celebrate the "the dead days”. The "Xōcotl", a red fruit, was placed on top of a polished pole, symbolizing the tree of fertility. Young men would dance around and climb the pole to knock down the Xōcotl.

Great taste is the name of the game and we're committed to stepping up to the plate. To get the fresh flavor we're known for, your juice is made fresh after you order. We refuse to compromise on quality at our juice bar. We only use 100% natural ingredients. No added sugar or preservatives

Learn more about our Empresarios program and other businesses at the Portland Mercado.