How will my donation make a difference?
Human Solutions depends on donations from individuals, companies and foundations to build the Multi-Service Center - and now we need just over $400,000 from fundraising to start construction on the Multi-Service Center. A donation in any amount will help with the construction costs and building materials for this community-changing effort! Please click here to make a donation to the Multi-Service Center!

Where is the Rockwood area?
There is no one definition of Rockwood. The Rockwood area is generally located between Halsey and Powell, and 148th and 202nd.

Why are you developing a Multi Service Center in Rockwood?
Rockwood, centrally located in East Multnomah County, contains the highest level of poverty, and the lowest level of services for people living in poverty.

Who will be in the Multi Service Center?
The Multi Service Center will bring together eight service agencies, including Human Solutions, and will touch the lives of more than 80,000 low-income and homeless people in Mid and East Multnomah County, Oregon each year. The goal of the Multi Service Center is to reduce inequities by providing health and social services opportunities to those most in need in the community.

What will the new facility look like?
The new three-story building, to be built on a long-vacant lot in the Rockwood Urban Renewal District, at 181st and Couch, will boast 26,000 feet of space for the Multi Service Center on the ground level, as well as 47 units of rental housing targeted to individuals or families earning  60% or below the Area Median Income in Multnomah County. 15 of the 47 units will be reserved for homeless families.

What is the value of the Multi Service Center?
Human Solutions and its partners will work together to efficiently coordinate services, thus eliminating the barriers low-income and homeless households experience in accessing the help they need. The Multi Service Center will also serve as a catalyst for revitalization, positively impact the urban renewal process of Rockwood and the surrounding area, and create a renewed sense of neighborhood pride. The eight agencies are Human Solutions, Loaves and Fishes, Mount Hood Community College Head Start, El Programa Hispano, Metropolitan Family Services, Lifeworks NW, Medical Services and Outside In. The Multi Service Center will increase the amount of services available in the area while simultaneously increasing the efficiency of service delivery.

What is the timeline for this project?
Human Solutions expects to break ground on the new building in January, 2010 and for the building to be ready for occupancy by the end of 2010.  The building is being designed by Portland-based Myhre Group Architects and financing commitments for the project thus far have come from the City of Gresham, the City of Portland, Multnomah County, the State of Oregon, Meyer Memorial Trust, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Collins Foundation, PGE fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Providence Health, State Farm Insurance, Pacific Source Foundation, Swindells, Hedco and others.

What does the City of Gresham think about the plan?
“The City of Gresham is pleased to announce the approval of the Human Solutions Rockwood Building, said Mike Abbate, Urban Design and Planning Director for the City of Gresham.  “This facility reflects the best of what can happen when community members, private organizations and the City join forces to meet the changing needs of our citizens.  With a Head Start program and 47 affordable housing units contained in a beautiful building, the facility captures the spirit of the Rockwood community:  vibrant, growing and hopeful.” 

Click here to make a donation to the Multi-Service Center today!