In a community still healing from the devastation of the Almeda fires, an innovative housing project is offering hope and stability to families who lost everything and to address the affordable housing crisis in Oregon. Among those affected by the fires is Ryan Hanan, an engineer here at 12, lost his house during the fires.
Ryan and his family experienced the harrowing aftermath of the fires that swept through the region in 2020. “I got the photo albums, her wedding dress, and my dog. And that was it,” Ryan recalled, reflecting on the emotional toll of losing their home. For the past four years, the Hanans have navigated temporary living situations, including living in a friend’s yard and various rentals, all while raising their twins.
Now, the family is awaiting to be approved for a three-bedroom, two-bath home in the newly developed New Spirit Village. “If we can achieve this, it would give us a more permanent home and something we can pass on to our kids,” Ryan explained.
New Spirit Village aims to address the ongoing housing crisis in Oregon through an affordable housing model that allows families to buy homes while leasing the land. Senator Jeff Merkley, an advocate for affordable housing in the state of Oregon recently toured the site, emphasizing the need for affordable housing solutions. “These homes will be selling for $180,000 to $230,000, providing families with a stake in their communities,” Merkley stated. “This is a beautiful thing—families need stability, and this project will help provide that.”
Merkley highlighted the emotional and practical benefits of stable housing, especially for children. “Children do so much better when they have that stability,” he noted. “Suddenly, they do better in school and have pride in inviting friends over to their new homes. This project offers a chance to build roots in a supportive community.”
Ryan and his wife along with the other applicants have been participating in classes on financial readiness and homeownership as part of their application process. “It’s been a long and involved process,” Ryan said. “But it’s great that they ensure we’re ready and understand what we’re getting into.”
As families like the Hanans await the chance to move into their new homes, New Spirit Village stands as a way for families to plant their roots after the Almeda fires. With continued support from leaders like Senator Merkley paving the way for more affordable housing options in the region.
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