The Oregonian - Gov. John Kitzhaber, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici Help Celebrate Second Phase Of Juniper Gardens In Forest Grove

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On Nov. 1, Juana Lucatero and her family will have a house to call their own.

The 54-year-old has been working in agriculture for the last six years around Forest Grove. She and her two daughters have been living with her family in Cornelius. But when Lucatero first stepped into her new two-bedroom apartment at Juniper Gardens, she stood still in awe.

As she prepares to move into her own house with her son and daughters, Lucatero said she can provide a sense of security, take English classes, and build a better future for her two daughters.

Lucatero's family, along with more than 80 guests, packed into the complex's community center to celebrate the unveiling of Juniper Gardens II, Bienestar's 12th affordable housing project in Oregon.

Oregon Gov. John Kitzahaber, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici and Forest Grove Mayor Peter Truax were among the dignitaries present to help cut the ribbon and mark the unveiling. Bienestar's executive director Karen Shawcross thanked the nonprofit's supporters for their work, since the $6 million project began in 2009.

Grand Opening of Juniper Gardens, affordable housing for farm workers in Forest Grove
Juniper Gardens II grand opening in Forest Grove. Affordable housing for farm workers.
The apartment complex will add 22 two-, three-, and four-bedroom units geared toward farmworkers. The first phase, completed last January, brought 23 townhome-style units to working families.

Families at the site will pay no more than one-third of their income in rent and have access to a variety of services, such as a playground area, a homework club for kids, and job skills training.

Along with a $3 million federal grant and loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program, Bienestar received support from CASA of Oregon, the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services and the Washington County Office of Community Development.

Kitzhaber said he felt inspired by the community support for Juniper Gardens.

"Affordable housing is the foundation of upward mobility," Kitzhaber said. "It's about a community coming together to give hardworking Oregonians hope -- hope they could own a home, hope they could have a better life, hope they could have a fair shot at the American Dream."

Truax touted Bienestar's efforts to providing affordable and sustainable housing for families. The project received LEED Gold Certification for its energy-efficient and environmentally friendly facility.

"It's fitting that Bienestar means 'well-being,'" Truax said. "That is what Bienestar contributes to the life of our citizens and the life of our community, a sense of well-being, a sense of identity, a sense of community contribution."

-- Edwin Rios

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