What are we working on right now?

Southwest Corridor Equity Coalition (SWEC)

Coalition Building | Leadership Development | Community Engagement | Community Organizing

The Southwest Corridor Equity Coalition (SWEC) is a collaborative initiative involving community organizations, residents, businesses, philanthropic partners, and government bodies. Established as part of the Southwest Equitable Development Strategy (SWEDS) during planning for transit and light rail improvements in the Southwest Corridor, SWEC aims to address racial disparities, economic inequities, and displacement risks in the area. SWEC has experienced significant growth as more individuals and organizations recognize the importance of collective action in achieving the SWEDS vision: a livable, affordable community with a strong economy and reliable transportation for all.

Tualatin Valley Highway Equity Coalition (TEC)

Coalition Building | Leadership Development | Community Engagement | Community Organizing

The TV Highway Equity Coalition (TEC) was established in early 2022 to unite residents, commuters, small business owners, and direct service organizations in response to a transit project planned by Metro Regional Government and other agencies. TEC's initial focus was developing the TV Highway Corridor Equitable Development Strategy (TEDS), which aims to create a livable, affordable, and economically prosperous community with reliable and safe transportation options. The EDS seeks to address potential impacts of this infrastructure investment on historically underserved communities, primarily by preventing displacement and providing essential services and resources.

Dare to Invest in Learning to Lead (DILL) African Men Program (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement

The DILL 2024-2025 program, funded by the City of Hillsboro, is dedicated to training and empowering African immigrant and refugee men living in Hillsboro, Aloha, and Beaverton. This program aligns with Unite Oregon’s mission to uplift BIPOC communities and reflects our commitment to centering Black lives through partnerships with Black-led nonprofits across Oregon. Using Unite Oregon’s proven community leadership curriculum, this year’s program will develop 12-18 emerging African male leaders, providing skills that build on their unique lived experiences as immigrants and refugees.

Beaverton Multicultural Community Engagement Program (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement

Previously known as the Beaverton Organizing and Leadership Development (BOLD) and the Beaverton Inclusive Housing Cohort, this program continues to be recognized as BOLD due to its longstanding recognition. It includes two elements: civic leadership development and community engagement. The Beaverton Multicultural Community Engagement program seeks to familiarize participants with local government structure, functions, and services while promoting active participation. Participants can gain practical experience in leadership, community organizing, and advocacy, and receive valuable information on research, alternative solutions, and recommended actions for various community projects and programs, including Affordable Housing, Long Range Planning, and Cultural Inclusion. Ultimately, the BOLD program aims to support Beaverton's growth as an inclusive, multicultural city.

City of Cornelius Downtown Development's Anti-Displacement Anti-Gentrification Strategy (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement

In partnership with Unite Oregon and a Land Use Consultant, the City of Cornelius Downtown Development presents a comprehensive strategy focusing on four major elements: a Planning Phase, Support for Small Businesses, Housing Affordability/Ownership, and Community Development. This collaborative effort aims to address the challenges faced by marginalized communities, ensuring equity, inclusion, and resilience in the face of population growth and redevelopment.

Lombard West Property: Community Engagement for Equitable Development (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement

This community engagement project aims to support the City of Beaverton in preparing for and implementing an equitable process to select a property developer who will build regulated multifamily affordable housing units on the Lombard West site. The project is informed by and responds to the Beaverton Downtown Equity Strategy and the Beaverton Urban Redevelopment Area (BURA) Portfolio Redevelopment Strategy. The project consists of four phases: Pre-solicitation, Solicitation Evaluation, Post-Developer Solicitation, and Reporting & Program Evaluation. By fostering collaboration and engaging with diverse stakeholders, this initiative seeks to create inclusive and affordable housing solutions that align with the community's needs and aspirations.

• Beaverton Downtown Equity Strategy

• Beaverton Urban Redevelopment Area (BURA) Portfolio Redevelopment Strategy

Amity Orchards - Affordable Multifamily Housing in South Cooper Mountain, Beaverton by Wishcamper (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement | Community Organizing

This program focuses on community engagement and leadership development. The goals are to recruit and educate qualified applicants from diverse, multicultural backgrounds and marginalized communities, and to help establish a Residents Council. The Council will work with the Resident Services Coordinator and a developer representative. Amity Orchards comprises 164 affordable homes across three buildings, featuring a mix of senior and residential housing for households earning less than 70% of the area median income (AMI). Visit the project website at www.amityorchards.com, created and maintained by Wishcamper’s property management partner, Guardian.

• Affordable Housing is One Step Closer at South Cooper Mountain (Beaverton Valley Times)

• Pushing the Boundaries of Affordable Housing (Otak Team)

New Affordable Multifamily Housing Site on 209th Ave (Aloha) - Vision and Values

Community Engagement

This project focuses on community engagement and leadership development for a new affordable multifamily housing initiative in Aloha. Metro purchased three acres at 3140 SW 209th for this future complex. Starting in winter 2024, the Housing Authority of Washington County will plan the development, which will include 86 to 100 apartments for low-income households (30-60% of the area median income, about $34,000-$67,000 for a family of four). The complex will feature a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, along with on-site parking.

Unite's Community Commons Events

Community Engagement | Community Organizing

Starting in March 2024, we have hosted Unite's Community Commons Events in community-friendly spaces across Washington County. These events aim to create a Community of Learning and Sharing, filled with food, music, and engaging activities. Serving as a beacon of unity, they foster an environment where learning and sharing thrive. Your presence is not just welcomed but cherished. Unite Oregon remains a pillar of grassroots advocacy, driven by and for immigrants, refugees, people of color, and marginalized communities.

1st event: "Affordable Housing & Community Safety" (workshop & focus group), March 5th, 2024, at Cornelius Public Library, Cornelius

2nd event: "Renter's Rights" (workshop), April 2nd, 2024, at HomePlate, Beaverton

3rd event: "Child Care Small Business and 211 Services" (presentations), May 16th, 2024, at Community Senior Center, Hillsboro

4th event: "Conversation with Small Business in Cornelius" (workshop), August 14th, 2024, at Cornelius Public Library, Cornelius

5th event: “Washington County Climate Justice Listening Session,” September 20th, 2024 at Tom Hughes Civic Center, Hillsboro

6th & 8th events: "Affordable Housing Application Process" (workshops), October 5th & 26th, 2024, at Beaverton City Library, Beaverton

7th event: “Childcare Workshop for License-Exempt Providers” (workshop), October 19th, 2024, at Hillsboro Brookwood Library, Hillsboro

9th & 10th events: “Lombard West Development Project” (workshops), October 29th & November 2nd, 2024, at The Mary Ann, Beaverton

Unite Nights! at Bag&Baggage Productions (2024-2025)

After a successful collaboration last season, we are excited to begin our second year of partnership with Bag&Baggage Productions. This season, we have received 25 complimentary tickets to distribute to Unite Oregon members, supported by the City of Hillsboro.

Saturday, August 24, 2024: Birds of North America by Anna Ouyang Moench

Saturday, September 28, 2024: Diné Nishłį (i am a sacred being), or A Boarding School Play by Blossom Johnson

Saturday, December 14, 2024: Hard-Boiled Eggnog: A Christmas Noir by Zack Peercy

Saturday, February 22, 2025: Beginnings & Endings by Sarah Lynn Brown

Saturday, May 3, 2025: The Ballad of Iron Jo by Elliot Lorenc