Developing Affordable Housing for a Diverse Population in Hillsboro, Oregon

Nueva Esperanza is an affordable housing community in Hillsboro, Oregon. Primarily targeted to Hispanic and Somali families, the development features 150 apartments, including 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom units. Photo credit: Pete Eckert

Nueva Esperanza is a 150-unit affordable housing community in Hillsboro, Oregon, a city approximately 12 miles west of downtown Portland and the seat of Washington County. The community opened in 2024 and includes 12 residential buildings, a community building, and common amenities. Nueva Esperanza ("New Hope" in Spanish) targets Hispanic and Somali families.

Development Process

Bienestar, an Oregon-based nonprofit, launched in 1981 to provide quality housing for Washington County farmworkers and their families, many of whom were Hispanic immigrants living in substandard housing. Today, Hispanics, who make up nearly one-quarter of Hillsboro's population, often live in crowded or unsafe dwellings. As of 2020, more than 40 percent of Washington County renters were cost burdened.

In 2020, Bienestar responded to a competitive request for proposals (RFP) from the city of Hillsboro to develop affordable housing on a vacant 6-acre parcel once owned by the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The RFP also included an award from the $653 million Metro Housing Bond measure that voters in Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah counties approved in 2018. Although Bienestar remained focused on farmworker housing, the nonprofit developer also decided to address the housing needs of the city's broader population of Hispanic and low-income residents. Working with the Hillsboro School District and local community and cultural groups, the developer realized the extent of the housing need among the city's low-income Hispanic and Somali families. In 2022, Bienestar and codeveloper Housing Development Center (HDC) began construction on Nueva Esperanza. The $54 million development opened in May 2024 with 150 affordable apartments. In addition to the city's land donation and the $17 million Metro Housing Bond award, the project benefited from low-income housing tax credits and funding from Oregon Housing and Community Services.

An Affordable Housing Community

The development has 12 adjacent residential buildings and a community building. More than half of the units have multiple bedrooms to accommodate large families — 55 units have two bedrooms, 46 have three bedrooms, and 4 have four bedrooms. Sixty of the units serve families earning no more than 30 percent of the area median income (AMI), and the remainder serve those earning no more than 60 percent of AMI.

Nueva Esperanza consists of 12 residential buildings and one community building. Common amenities include a playground, dog park, picnic area, and gathering space. A tree-lined path, or paseo, runs through the property. Photo credit: Pete Eckert

Inspired by early Spanish settlements, Nueva Esperanza has three neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has a dedicated laundry room and mailboxes. The grounds have ample green space for recreation and gatherings. Community features include a playground, a picnic area, a playing field, a garden, and a dog park. A tree-lined path, or paseo, runs through the property, connecting the neighborhoods with the community building. Ample parking for residents is available throughout the complex. The property also incorporates energy-efficient building materials, solar panels, and a stormwater filtration system, all of which contributed to its Earth Advantage Platinum certification.

The apartments adjoin a public park and a community recreation center and are within walking distance of a small commercial center with a pharmacy. In addition, residents can commute easily to Portland, downtown Hillsboro, and other suburbs from the light rail station a half-mile from the property.

A Multicultural Community

The developers designed Nueva Esperanza to reflect the cultures and preferences of its residents. For example, the units have large open kitchens that residents can close off, a design choice that members of the Somali Empowerment Circle thought would particularly benefit Somali women who want to cook alone. Similarly, the development's courtyard-style design allows parents to keep an eye on their children while they play outside. The property features several interior and exterior murals, which, according to Nathan Teske, Bienestar's executive director, embody the community's Hispanic influence and broader multiculturalism.

The community building hosts programs and events for families. Residents also can access a public recreation center across the street. Photo credit: Pete Eckert

Nueva Esperanza's community center hosts events and programs for families. The property managers also work with local organizations to offer services and activities for residents. For example, a youth summer camp agreed to provide bus service from Nueva Esperanza to the camp.

Moving Forward

Teske says that Nueva Esperanza helps address the city's affordable housing shortage and provides a safe and welcoming community for residents from diverse backgrounds. Bienestar is also codeveloping another affordable housing project, Plaza Los Amigos, in the nearby city of Cornelius. The 113-unit development will prioritize large families, with most units having two or three bedrooms. Residents will have access to case management and other supportive services. Like Nueva Esperanza, Plaza Los Amigos is receiving Metro Housing Bond financing.