DevNW 2023 Annual Report

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

DevNW’s mission is to create thriving, inclusive and healthy communities through affordable housing, financial/economic opportunity, small business development and policy change.

Building Strength in Community Connect with us! DevNW.org NMLS#260098

From Our CEO 7,969 Program Participants

In many ways, 2023 felt like the first year, post-COVID,

understand and overcome the barriers that stand in

that DevNW was able to revisit – and begin to

the way of success.

realize – the original goals of our late 2019 merger.

We’re especially excited to share big increases in our affordable housing development across our full region. Yet, as we look forward to what we can accomplish as a more multi-faceted organization, we also seek to continue investing in the partnerships

66 Staff 4 Offices: Salem,

Corvallis, Springfield, Oregon City

Lane, Linn, Benton, 7 Counties: Lincoln, Marion, Polk, Clackamas

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cynthia Campobasso-LeDoux, Chair Daniela Abrams, Vice-Chair Chrystal Shearer, Secretary Albert Kong, Member Christina Tran, Member Duane Walrod, Member Staci Larson, Member Steve Ochs, Member Jin Plummer, Member and CLW Chair

DevNW 2023 Annual Report | page 1

forged during the pandemic. We have long known that we can achieve more collectively than we can as individuals. When we unite with a common purpose, our combined efforts can overcome barriers that would be insurmountable alone.

The cooperative efforts of many stakeholders, including residents, businesses, nonprofits, local government, and our supporters underscores the reality that none of us can do this alone. Ultimately, our strength is found in community; in coming together to share resources, break down silos and work toward shared prosperity through access to opportunity for all members of our community.

Together, we amplify impact and create outcomes that cultivate individual and community well-being.

Thank you!

The results of partnerships are evident throughout our programming. Be it through the unexpected collaboration of DevNW and a school district career program (pg. 3); the referral relationships between DevNW and six new culturally specific agencies to increase access to matched savings for underserved members of our communities (pg. 5); a partnership with a local community devasted by fire coming together to rebuild the area’s affordable housing and economic vitality (pg. 10); or the multiple ways our staff and clients work together day-in and day-out to

Emily Reiman, CEO

Funding and Political Focus

DevNW Community Investments = $ 17,761,428 $4,923,681

$5,366,050 Investments in affordable housing Financial assistance: youth housing assistance, rent/utility assistance, matched savings, home repairs, downpayment assistance, pass thru grants

$7,471,697

Delivery of all programming services *Funds raised for affordable housing development grew by nearly 600% since 2022, reflecting DevNW’s focus to address the affordable housing crisis in our state and our ability to amplify the governor’s historic investments in housing.

Advocacy DevNW advocates at the local, state and federal level to ensure a future in which our public policies no longer reinforce inequality in wealth, housing, small business development, health, and access to resources. In 2023, we set a policy agenda to build on Governor Kotek‘s Executive Orders for housing production and homelessness. Together with our allies at the Oregon Housing Alliance, we took action to address Oregon’s affordable

housing shortage, support youth experiencing homelessness, increase homeownership for underrepresented Oregonians, and support survivors of natural disasters to rebuild their homes and lives. The result was a historic investment by the Oregon Legislature of more than $600 million in funding to increase the development of affordable housing, both rental and homes for ownership, across the state.

Audited financials can be requested by contacting our finance department at 541-345-7106 ext. 2015.

DevNW 2023 Annual Report | page 2

Financial Wellbeing Local Partnerships Build Homes and Dreams The Maya Vasquez family’s goal of homeownership became a reality in 2023. This family of five worked for years to become first-time homeowners, including two with DevNW. After completing classes in both personal finance (Fundaciones Financieras) and homebuying (Fundaciones de Comprar Vivienda), Margarita and Heron worked closely with our HUD-certified homebuyer counselors to create a personalized plan.

DevNW collaborated with Unitus Community Credit Union to provide a mortgage that helped the Maya Vasquez family achieve their homeownership dream.

In addition to being first-time homebuyers, the Maya Vasquez family is also first-generation homeowners. Their home is the first house built by high school juniors and seniors in the “Future Build” career technical education program now offered by Eugene’s 4J School District. The twenty-five student builders gained construction and trade skills through hands-on learning under the supervision of teachers and industry professionals.

The Maya Vasquez family in front of their new CLT home, built by students in Eugene’s 4J School District.

DevNW 2023 Annual Report | page 3

Preserving Housing Stability “We often talk about homeownership and helping people build assets, but it is equally important for community members to KEEP the assets they’ve worked so hard to build.”

– Amy Hamilton, Director of Program Operations

Rental and Mortgage Assistance DevNW partnered with both the City of Woodburn and Benton County to help residents apply for financial assistance for their rent, utilities, or mortgage. We also assisted 525 households to access over $12M in Homeowner Assistance Funds through the State of Oregon. Such programs were invaluable to renters and homeowners to avoid eviction or foreclosure through the lingering economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

WRAP funds distributed........$223,384 / 93 households Benton County rental funds distributed....................... $357,445 / 142 households

Home Repair Program DevNW’s Home Repair team closed more loans in 2023 than ever before in a one-year period.

Access to low-barrier loans for homeowners in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties address health, accessibility, and safety for those with low and/or fixed incomes.

Funds distributed.......................................................$952,521 Homeowners served.............................................................. 50 Projects completed................................................................ 27

FINANCIAL WELLBEING HIGHLIGHTS Financial education courses ......... 497 adult graduates ..................................................................139 youth graduates Youth workshops and events .............. 468 participants Financial education workshops........... 123 participants Financial wellbeing counseling.............. 158 individuals Homebuyer education courses.............. 288 individuals Homeownership counseling................... 321 individuals Eviction prevention counseling................43 individuals Foreclosure counseling.............................. 229 individuals First-time homebuyers................................ 49 households

After losing his business due to the pandemic, Debessai E. worked with a DevNW housing counselor to apply to the Homeowner Assistance Fund for mortgage support.

…When everything was dark, and I didn’t know where to go, [DevNW] gave me hope and told me there is an alternative.

Through our darkest moments, they were always there to give advice and encouragement, mediate during resolution conferences, assist with forms for the loss mitigation review and applications. ­— Debessai E., DevNW client

DevNW 2023 Annual Report | page 4

Access to Funds Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)

Downpayment Assistance

DevNW has been part of the Oregon IDA Initiative since 2013, providing a powerful asset-building tool that leverages client savings with a 5:1 match. Recently we have focused on building referral partnerships with culturally specific organizations to provide relevant services and resources to members of communities that face disproportionate barriers to asset building.

As housing prices continue to climb, DPA has become essential to making homeownership accessible for Oregonians to build wealth for themselves and future generations.

Work with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde expanded, and we welcomed six new referral partners in 2023: • APANO • Taking Ownership PDX • Elderberry Wisdom Farms • Micronesian Islander Community of Oregon (MIC Oregon) • Portland Housing Solidarity Project • Unite Oregon IDA funds saved.............................................$380,469 IDA graduates.....................................................................242 Matching funds received................................ $1,902,345 New savers enrolled.........................................................154 Total matched funds to savers since program inception in 2013...........~ $5.9 million

DevNW 2023 Annual Report | page 5

DevNW understands that communities of color have been disadvantaged, overlooked, and underrepresented in traditional wealth-building systems. Their commitment to empowering individuals and families aligns with our Tribe’s visions for creating self-sufficient individuals and a thriving community. ­ Caitlin Zimbrick, Community Programs — Manager at the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

After taking the Homebuying Foundations class and participating in three counseling sessions to make savings, credit management, and post-purchase financing plans, Maurice’s offer on a town home was accepted and he qualified for downpayment assistance. To make the deal even better, his realtor was able to negotiate a seller credit to help pay closing costs. Maurice is very happy with his town home, saying, “It’s something I can call my own!”

DPA funds distributed..................................$1,325,750 First homes purchased with DPA..................................... 33 First generation buyers................................................ 16 Buyers from historically redlined racial groups.......... 17 Latine......................................................................................4 Multi-race / Latine.............................................................8 Black or African American..............................................3 Asian........................................................................................1 Multi-race..............................................................................1

Community LendingWorks Accessible Loans for the Community CLW is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) working to strengthen Oregon’s communities by providing personal and micro/small business loans, as well as financing to develop affordable housing. CLW is an affiliate of DevNW and provides critical capital in support of our joint mission to develop thriving communities.

$1,109,097

CLW was founded on the premise that individuals, businesses, and communities need accessible, affordable capital to reach their financial goals and create greater economic opportunity. The resources we provide are affordable loans. The impacts we create are far greater: business loans can create jobs and spur neighborhood revitalization, and auto loans lead to reliable transportation and a stable income.

CLW Financial Impact = $ 4,689,393

Primary service area with statewide lending: Lane, Linn, Marion, Clackamas, Multnomah, Douglas, Coos Counties.

Delivery of programming services $3,580.296

Loans originated

CLW BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jin Plummer, Chair Spencer McCoy, Vice Chair Carrie Copeland, Secretary Troy Reichenberger, Treasurer David Hill, Member Larry Abel, Member

CLW 2023 Annual Report | page 1

Small Business Loans Small business loans help entrepreneurs start local businesses, buy equipment, and finance operations.

2023 saw an 80% increase in CLW’s business lending in just a single year, reflecting the strong demand for affordable and accessible capital post-COVID. With rising interest rates, stricter credit policies, and reduced risk tolerance among traditional banking institutions, CLW offers entrepreneurs from newer, rural, low-income, and historically underserved communities a much-needed alternative to the predatory capital often available to them.

Dollars Deployed to Underserved Entrepreneurs $910,653 2017 2023 $778,034

$487,462

Rural (49)

Women (152)

CLW 2023 Annual Report | page 2

Racially marginalized (97)

Luis and Esperanza started the Luis Noriega Gardening business in Rickreall after years of working separate jobs. With a small business loan from CLW they were able to purchase a company truck to grow their business without depleting all their savings.

We are very grateful to Community LendingWorks for the credit they gave us to grow our own business. With the support you gave us, we were able to grow our business and become self-employed. We now have more quality time with family and friends.

Our life improved and we want to continue growing to support more people in our Latin community in the U.S.A. Thank you very much! ­— Luis N., CLW client Luis and Esperanza with their company truck (below).

Luis working at his gardening business (left).

Credit Builder Loans Credit builder loans help clients establish credit for the first time or reestablish after financial difficulties, without the need to pay predatory add-on fees for utilities, car insurance, and other basic services.

Working with Community LendingWorks has been a great experience. From the application process to the funding everyone has been so attentive and responsive. They helped me every step of the way and we closed on time and with no issues at all. I appreciate CLW and the way they treat small businesses with respect and attention no matter the situation or loan amount. ­— Bryan H., Silk Espresso owner and CLW client

DevNW doesn’t only offer financial solutions to restore credit and personal loans, but they also stand out for their commitment to the Latine community in Corvallis. Their ethical approach, fair interest rates, and personal attention makes DevNW a great option for those looking for financial stability with a human touch and cultural sensitivity.

– Iris C., CLW client

Doing business with Community LendingWorks felt like I was doing business with the neighborhood banker. This must have been the experience 60 years ago or more, when you did business with neighbors instead of large corporations.

– Brian R., owner of Rose Gem Shop in Springfield and CLW client

Dollars Deployed to Underserved Borrowers = $ 2,176,149 (61% of total loans deployed)

$487,462

$910,653 $778,034

Women Rural Racially marginalized

CLW 2023 Annual Report | page 3

Consumer and Auto Loans Consumer and auto loans assist individuals to make important purchases to advance their quality of life and economic stability.

CLW PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Total amount deployed by loan product. $1,871,023

After their arrival in the U.S., Yeimi and Carlos had difficulty establishing credit. By starting with a CLW Credit Builder Loan at an affordable rate, they qualified for an auto loan to buy their first car.

My experience with CLW was really good, from the beginning I got an introduction and someone who gave me all the information about resources and how CLW works. When I had doubts and asked for assistance while filling out forms, our CLW agent was always there to help; guiding us perfectly, in a friendly manner, with respect and professionalism.

Based on my experience, I continue to recommend CLW to my friends and family who I know might need economic assistance, or might need to build their credit.

– Carlos N., CLW client Carlos with his first car, after building his personal credit score.

CLW 2023 Annual Report | page 4

$1,005,000 $661,174

$43,100 Credit Builder Loans (89)

Consumer Affordable & auto housing loans development (180) loans (2)

Business loans (23)

Community LendingWorks Phone: (541) 345-0446 | Fax: (541) 345-9584 www.communitylendingworks.org info@communitylendingworks.org

Wildfire Recovery Wildfire Recovery Program Transitions to Rebuilding Since Oregon’s historic 2020 Labor Day Fires, survivors have faced staggering challenges toward recovery: navigating complex systems of government funding, document recovery, and lengthy insurance claims processes.

During the past three years, DevNW’s Wildfire Recovery Program has served more than 190 households on their journey to recovery, dispersing $1,496,962 to support the rebuilding of homes and businesses, and more than $500,000 in direct flexible assistance for survivors to purchase anything they considered necessary for their recovery. With the help of the DevNW Finance team, more than 250 transactions were processed by check, ACH, wire, or credit card to support survivors.

Everywhere we turned, we were getting nowhere fast in our fire recovery for almost two years. Every door of possibility seemed to slam shut in our face, and our savings were almost gone from paying

DevNW’s Wildfire Recovery case management ended in 2023, but the work to rebuild continues.

In October, our partnership with the McKenzie Community Land Trust was announced, with plans to build six new affordable homes – Rose Street Cottages - for working class residents in Blue River, Oregon.

twice the rent on campus, buying a trailer to live in, and finding a good vehicle to pull it up river. One day I had just had it and called DevNW’s disaster recovery team. Within minutes they were on the phone getting us immediate help and made it possible for us to return to the McKenzie River Valley where we belonged. DevNW went above and beyond anything we had ever encountered before. Today we are proud to be graduates from several of DevNW’s fine programs.

Thanks to their Emergency Savings IDA, we are back on our feet and looking forward to a brighter future. There is no one I would recommend above DevNW.

Visit testimonials from wildfire survivors and recovery staff at DevNW.org.

– Holiday Farm Wildfire Survivor and DevNW Emergency IDA graduate

Community partners table at Blue River Rebuilding Tour. From left to right: Lane Tompkins, Superintendent/ Principal McKenzie School District; Josh Shafer, Senior Project Manager DevNW; Braden Ravenscraft, Program Associate MCLT; Brandi Crawford Ferguson, Board Member MCLT.

DevNW 2023 Annual Report | page 6

Affordable Homes Major Developments in 2023 DevNW works throughout our service area to build affordable homes to reduce barriers to housing for low- and moderate-income families and neighbors. We are creating solutions to Oregon’s housing crisis, developing multi-family housing, affordable rentals and homes for ownership including Community Land Trust homes, which create accessible homeownership with long-term affordability and equity upon resale.

CONSTRUCTION HIGHLIGHTS Projects completed in 2023: Eugene: Polk Street expansion... 12 rental homes Projects under construction in 2023: Eugene: Nelson Place Phase I...........9 townhomes ........................................................ 3 CLT homes Corvallis: Southtown Phase I.............11 CLT homes Salem: Evergreen Apartments.... 17 rental homes Milwaukie, Clackamas CLT..................10 CLT homes Projects securing funding in 2023: Blue River Rose Street Cottages (for MCLT)............................................ 6 CLT homes

DevNW 2023 Annual Report | page 7

Community Land Trust development in Milwaukie work site started. After completion there will be ten 3-bedroom, efficient, and affordable homes at this site.

The Evergreen Apartments in Salem construction began, where 17 units of affordable housing for Veterans will include nine permanent supportive housing units.

The Macleay subdivision in Salem will include 24 new homes: nine 2-bedroom townhomes, four 2-bedroom single family dwellings, and eleven 3-bedroom single family dwellings. Site work started in December 2023.

Infrastructure work completed for 11-unit CLT subdivision in Corvallis.

The Polk Street Apartments expansion in Eugene was completed in July 2023.

Partnership with the McKenzie Community Land Trust to build six CLT homes for working class residents in Blue River announced in October 2023.

Learn more about our Affordable Homes projects at DevNW.org/affordable-homes/homeownership/

The Power of Transitional Housing Safe, affordable housing for at-risk youth helps establish the foundational tools of a stable adulthood and strengthens DevNW’s Young Adult Programs. In July 2023, DevNW completed a construction project that doubles the size of our Polk Street Apartment complex, where we have

served youth aged 16-24 who have aged out of foster care or are at risk of homelessness in Lane County since 2015. The new building includes 12 additional units for youth residents, a communal kitchen, and a community room that can be used for gatherings, classes, and onsite services.

AFFORDABLE RENTAL HIGHLIGHTS Affordable rental units owned/managed..................425 Benton County..............................................................263 Lane County......................................................................39 Linn County....................................................................123 Affordable CLTs complete/managed..............................26

Polk Street Apartments expansion completed in July 2023.

DevNW 2023 Annual Report | page 8

Healthy Communities Young Adult Programs in Lane and Clackamas Counties In response to the growing number of young adults at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness in the state, DevNW is strengthening and expanding services through our Youth Housing Initiative. In addition to the completed Polk Street Apartments expansion, our Young Adult Programs grew in 2023 to increased support across the board with the new Landlord Liaison position. The team now includes an Assistant Director of young adult services, four Youth Housing and Health Navigators, a Landlord Liaison, and a Youth Asset Building Specialist working in Lane and Clackamas Counties. The team centers their work around the needs of individual young adults as they stabilize in housing, supporting them to overcome barriers that get in the way of success, and achieve selfidentified goals.

Lane and Clackamas Counties Youth housed..................................................78 households ........................................................99 individuals Rental and utility assistance.................................. $460,794 Youth on Centralized Waitlist as of May 2024: Lane County...................................109 individuals Clackamas County.......................185 individuals

DevNW 2023 Annual Report | page 9

“One of the participants has been working hard to attain self-sufficiency despite the systemic barriers they have to overcome. They are 16 years old, which made housing an accomplishment.

Private landlords are not fond of renting to young people without credit and rental history. After finding housing through the program, they found a job on their own. I helped them navigate the Oregon Health Plan and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to access benefits and build greater support. They have been saving money to contribute towards their rent and they continue to work hard by being a great employee and renter. One goal they have for themselves as they stabilize is to become a bigger part of their child’s life. I can see the steps they are taking each day that make this possible.”

“Our new Landlord Liaison position plays an essential role as we work to house homeless youth quickly by proactively engaging with landlords, building solid partnerships, and promoting the benefits of providing stable housing to young adults.”

– Luisa Palacios Clackamas County Youth Housing and Health Navigator

– Alejandro Salas Hernandez Lane County Youth Housing and Health Navigator

Lane County Young Adult Program staff delivering community kitchen supplies to the recently completed Polk Street Apartments expansion.

Resident Services in Linn and Benton Counties DevNW’s Community Health Workers work with residents to coordinate critical support services that help maintain affordable housing and wellbeing. CHWs organize and host on-site vaccination clinics and dental screenings to lower the barriers to health services by bringing them directly to the residents, many of whom are senior residents and residents with disabilities. They also connect residents to DevNW services like financial education, counseling, and asset building tools such as IDAs.

“Our program aims to promote healthy living, stable housing, and connected communities, so we were excited to promote more social engagement in 2023. We kicked off monthly potluck socials at our Julian Hotel property, along with movie nights and holiday potlucks at Seavey Meadows, and community craft nights at Lancaster Bridge. We had great turnouts for the social events throughout the year.”

— Arianna Pennington Lead Community Health Worker

Linn and Benton Counties Residents...................................................................................761 Meals delivered......................................................................239 Households engaged in onsite community gardening...............................................138 Resident engagement events............................................ 26 Estimated resident participation............................319 Residents receiving on-site health services.................. 35

The Neighborhood Clean-Up at the Leonard Street Community Gardens resulted in beautified public space by residents and neighborhood volunteers (before, left, and after, right).

With help from DevNW, I was able to buy a vehicle. It was a pleasure to work with everyone at DevNW, and the IDA is a BIG plus in making our goals more obtainable.

— Mari, DevNW resident

DevNW 2023 Annual Report | page 10

DevNW and CLW staff, July 2023

We want to thank everyone who participated in and supported the work of DevNW and Community LendingWorks in 2023.

Our communities are stronger thanks to what we accomplished together.

Stay connected – we need each other.

Learn more at www.DevNW.org

212 Main Street Springfield, OR 97477

2525 SE 3rd Street Corvallis, OR 97333

528 Cottage Street NE, Ste 1C Salem, OR 97301

421 High Street, Ste 110 Oregon City, OR 97045