Category: Business Relocating

Business Relocating, Community, Services November 10, 2023November 10, 2023

Rahab’s Sisters Path to a Dedicated Facility

On December 6th, the non-profit Rahab’s Sisters will relocate all functions from St. Peter and Paul Episcopal Church to the Montavilla United Methodist Church at 232 SE 80th Avenue. Their move one block west allows the day services provider to maintain operations as it seeks Multnomah County funds to create a dedicated facility. The group serving women and gender-diverse individuals will keep the same operating hours while embedded in its temporary location. The organization’s leadership hopes to offer an expanded schedule after they set it up in a long-term space.

Rahab’s Sisters started serving those marginalized by poverty, houselessness, sex work, violence, and substance use in 2003. They have worked from the church building at 247 SE 82nd Avenue the entire time, making this move a significant event for the organization. “It’s the very first location and only location. So we’ve been there 20 years,” explained Desiree Eden Ocampo, Executive Director of Rahab’s Sisters. The program stemmed from the church’s community but without a religious agenda. “A group of Episcopal women, both lay and clergy, wanted to care for folks working on 82nd at night, giving them a place of safety without any sort of preconceived notions that somebody has to be fixed or saved. It’s harm reduction,” said Ocampo.

Rahab’s Sisters’ move coincides with the closure of St. Peter and Paul Episcopal Church. At the end of 2023, the congregation will turn over the SE 82nd Avenue property to The Episcopal Church in Western Oregon (ECWO), which will begin the site’s transformation into affordable housing. Initially, Rahab’s Sisters hoped to return to the property after crews completed construction, working from a ground-floor commercial space. Early concepts for the housing development included non-residential storefront space on the first floor. However, those plans changed as the church worked to maximize available housing and secure specific funding. Ocampo explained that the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon offered Rahab’s Sisters continued use of the SE 82nd Avenue building until its demolition. However, the cost of operating the old building without other tenants sharing the expenses was not practical for the non-profit’s budget.

Fortunately, the organization was able to expand on an existing relationship to find temporary accommodations. Rahab’s Sisters began renting office space from Montavilla United Methodist Church in May as they were outgrowing St. Peter and Paul’s facilities. When the church announced its closure this year, Ocampo approached the Methodist church leadership about moving all activities into their space. This relocation will double the interior area available to the group while still offering a kitchen space to prepare the meals served at Friday community dinners. It also allows them to bring some previously outside activities inside the building. The Multnomah County’s syringe exchange program van uses the St. Peter and Paul Episcopal Church’s parking lot to distribute harm reduction kits. Ocampo said that with this move, that interaction will now focus on Rahab’s Sisters’ guests within the church building, although those guests can share supplies with people not served by the organization.

Montavilla United Methodist Church will be a valuable transition space for Rahab’s Sisters. Its proximity to the original location helps alleviate fears of change experienced by some frequent guests. Before the move, Rahab’s Sisters staff will take guests on walks to show them where to go starting on December 6th. They also intend to post signs with directions to the new location. Although the larger facility at the Methodist Church will work well to maintain services, it is not the dedicated location Rahab’s Sisters needs to grow the organization.

On September 28th, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners allocated $62.5 million in one-time-only funding for added shelter capacity. The County set aside $3.3 million within that package to expand daytime support services. Rahab’s Sisters applied for $775,000 of those dedicated funds to cover the buildout costs needed to develop day services within a dedicated facility. Nearly $500,000 would go towards capital improvements to the building, creating a suitable kitchen and constructing interior amenities using trauma-informed design. The remaining funds will add furniture and cover other costs related to starting a new facility. Desiree Eden Ocampo explained they have already looked at locations between 122nd and 70th Avenues, giving the group an idea of what spaces the organization could lease. All potential sites will need work to meet their unique needs. However, with the County’s one-time funds covering the significant startup costs that previously prevented expanded operations, Rahab’s Sisters can finally step towards enhancing services within a reasonable operating budget.

Rahab’s Sisters currently supports over 300 people annually, operating two days a week. A dedicated facility will allow them to grow that number, but more importantly, it would expand support throughout the week. If Rahab’s Sisters receives the Multnomah County support, they will need to move quickly, with the bulk of the work happening in the summer of 2024. Ocampo thinks Rahab’s Sisters’ expansion is precisely what the County is looking for when expanding the provider network. There is a significant gap in day service providers operating in East Portland. Most facilities are concentrated Downtown and on the inner Eastside.

Ocampo acknowledges that moving the organization twice in less than 12 months is not ideal and would have liked to work from the original location longer. However, Rahab’s Sisters fully supports the SE 82nd Avenue property’s redevelopment and looks forward to the speedy construction of affordable housing. The first half of 2024 will likely feature substantial growth for the day services provider. The staff will have more private space within Montavilla United Methodist Church for community partners to work from, increasing the quality of service. Then, the group will have the substantial task of locating and creating a dedicated site to grow its supportive community. Expect updates on this process in early 2024.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Business Relocating, Community October 31, 2023October 31, 2023

Unitus Moving Mall 205 Branch

Unitus Community Credit Union will permanently close its Mall 205 branch on November 16th, relocating operations to a new Cascade Station storefront the following week. Credit Union management expedited the planned move after an early October car crash damaged the building, compromising security. Consequentially, tellers are no longer able to complete cash transactions at the Mall 205 location.

Unitus moved into its current Mall 205 space at 1052 SE 96th Avenue on July 25th, 2011, relocating from its former Mall 205 location less than a mile away. The credit union had outgrown the smaller space and wanted to modernize the branch. In a 2011 press release, the financial institution presented the new storefront as “one of Unitus’ signature branches with artwork, a tech center, coffee kiosk, contemporary furnishings and décor.” A little over a decade later, Unitus’ Chief Retail Officer Corlinda Wooden explained they need less space to support members. “We felt that the space at Mall 205 had become too big for the use we need, so we looked for another location nearby to help reduce our lease expenses. We decided to relocate the branch to the Cascade Station shopping center, which is about five miles from the Mall 205 location.”

*_{Repair to the southeast corner of the of Unitus after car crash}*

Unitus Community Credit Union’s decision to shrink its footprint follows many organizations that have reduced leased space post-pandemic. Even before health concerns forced companies to embrace work-from-home operations, the banking industry was adjusting to the mobile-first preference of users who now complete most banking services via smartphone.

Unitus’ move out of the area further reduces banking options for Montavilla residents. US Bank closed its NE Glisan Street branch three years ago, and Riverview Bank consolidated operations out of the neighborhood in 2021. In late 2020, Chase Bank closed its location inside Fred Meyer at 6615 NE Glisan Street. However, OnPoint Credit Union opened in its place a few months later. Montavilla residents also have BMO Bank, formerly Bank of the West, at 8135 SE Division Street.

Unitus Community Credit Union plans to open its Cascade Station branch on November 20th. The Mall 205 location no longer supports cash transactions. However, cash is available through the on-site ATM. Credit union members should look for an email from Unitus announcing the new branch opening sometime in November or check the institution’s website for more details when they post that information.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Business Relocating, Community October 9, 2023

Recuperative Care Program Greeting Guests

On October 10th, Central City Concern (CCC) will begin transporting Recuperative Care Program (RCP) participants from the Blackburn Center to their new Evergreen Crossing facility at 8225 NE Wasco Street. Earlier this year, CCC bought the former Comfort Inn to expand its ability to provide ongoing medical and housing support for people recently discharged from the hospital but needing continuing care. Last month, Evergreen Crossing staff invited people to see how a three-story hotel transformed into a medical recovery site.

Resident transfer to the new facility will take place in one day using taxis to carry people between buildings. An expected 45 people will move to this newly updated space with their possessions. Over the last few months, crews removed carpet throughout the building, leaving just the entry room’s flooring as it was. The floors now have easy-to-clean hard surfaces, more fitting a medical environment. Locksmiths installed electric latches operated by keycard readers mounted on the wall. The onsite manager’s apartment provided the ample platform to become an onsite clinic providing primary care within two exam rooms. Staff converted the apartment’s kitchen into a modest lab space, and the living room serves as a reception area.

*_{Evergreen Crossing single occupancy room}*

During the search for a new building, CCC staff were impressed with this Comfort Inn’s amenities and condition. It has onsite commercial laundry facilities with double the equipment seen in similarly sized buildings and a large communal dining area. The multi-story building also had an elevator to assist the predominantly mobility-impaired guests. The program will reuse much of the hotel’s furniture in the rooms, with the exception of the couches and beds. For over four decades, the organization worked towards ending homelessness. During that work, they developed their own bed design that uses a welded metal frame and easily sanitized sleeping mat. The couches were part of larger rooms labeled suites. Those expanded spaces with small divider walls will become double occupancy rooms when the program scales up.

Some elements of the hotel will not work for the RCP, and CCC will need to perform future renovations to address those issues. The building came with an indoor swimming pool that they will need to decommission. Most residents are newly released from the hospital with conditions that would not mix well with chlorinated water. That large pool room could become space for visiting medical providers to perform onsite treatments for patients unable to travel easily. The facility also lacks a full kitchen capable of cooking meals. At first, residents will receive a dinner prepared offsite and brought into the facility. In the future, CCC will build out the existing food prep room to accommodate a commercial kitchen and create meals onsite. The Evergreen Crossing staff also intend to install gates around the parking structure to create a secure environment for residents enjoying the courtyard.

*_{Evergreen Crossing Clinic medical supply room}*

CCC expects residents to be self-sufficient and somewhat autonomous within their rooms. Each room has a mini-refrigerator and microwave for breakfast and lunchtime meals. Guests must be able to use the restroom independently and get into and out of a seated position without assistance. Staff will be available around the clock on each floor to assist within reason, but current training levels will only allow them to provide certain levels of care. That could change as they increase staffing levels over time. With 66 available rooms, some of which enable double occupancy, they anticipate housing a maximum of 90 people. Still, they will always attempt to run at 90% usage to allow for emergency placements or delayed checkouts.

*_{Evergreen Crossing double occupancy room}*

Montavilla residents and the thousands of vehicles rushing past this building will likely be oblivious to this hotel’s transformation into a recuperative care site. People are only placed into the program through medical referral, and visitors are not allowed, keeping site activity at a minimum. CCC does offer walk-in medical services, but not at this facility. People seeking that assistance can visit the Blackburn Center at 12121 E Burnside Street.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Business Relocating, Food and Drink, Restaurant October 4, 2023October 5, 2023

Sebastiano’s Relocating to Sellwood

October 4th, Sebastiano’s announced their intention to close the original Montavilla location at 411 SE 81st Avenue and move operations to Sellwood. The transition will happen in early 2024 after completing construction at the new shopfront. For the owners, this difficult choice resulted from steady growth and a pragmatic investment in their business.

Since opening in June 2020, Sebastiano’s Sicilian Deli has increased its citywide brand and expanded its customer base, often bumping into the limits of the sub-700 square foot storefront on SE 81st. The pandemic prevented the store from offering indoor seating at launch. By the time restrictions were lifted on table service, kitchen operations had already expanded to take over the entire shop. Over the years, owners Elise and Daniel Gold invested in sidewalk coverings, parking lot tents, and food trucks as a way to make their constrained space support onsite dining while expanding their offerings.

In May, the Golds leased a second location at 8235 SE 13th Avenue to serve as a production kitchen. A healthy farmers market presence, event popups, and diverse menu items require a full commercial kitchen that will not fit in their current location. Even as they worked on that new 2000-square-foot space, the Golds intended to keep Montavilla at the center of their business. However, the kitchen space at SE 13th and Umatilla Street had enough floor area to support a respectable amount of customer seating, and the other restaurants around the Sellwood storefront were creating substantial foot traffic.

The opportunity to create a quality indoor dining experience for their customers appealed to Daniel Gold, and it was not something he could accomplish in the existing Montavilla storefront. “All the cool and quirky things that we’ve gotten good at – whether it’s popups, aperitivo, special meals or, you name it – in that [new] space, we can do those sorts of things on a daily basis and provide seating.” Even before completing renovations, the purpose of the Sellwood shop shifted towards a full restaurant format and a true second location.

With rising build-out cost and cautionary tales from other multi-location restaurant owners, the reality of running two locations became apparent and now seem excessively ambitious to the Golds. Although the couple are no strangers to taking on business challenges, running both restaurants full-time would stretch the family business thinner than they would like. The practical choice is to focus on one location that can serve all their needs and free up a mighty micro kitchen for another startup business. Daniel Gold feels the affordable space that hosted their creation is one of the factors that helped Sebastiano’s pass the three-year mark where most restaurants fail. He is looking for another fledgling business seeking the same opportunity they had to take over the Montavilla space.

Even after transitioning to Sellwood in the new year, Sebastiano’s will continue its Montavilla presence at the Farmer’s Market and potentially hold special events with other businesses. Daniel Gold expressed sadness regarding this change. The connections within the community have been greater than he imagined when starting this journey, and he hopes people will still support them in their choice. There are still several months before Sebastiano’s moves, and all their regular customers will find an enhanced dining experience at the new Sellwood location in 2024.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Business Closing, Business Relocating August 1, 2023

Clogs-N-More Moves Out for Ceramics Expansion

The Clogs-N-More shoe store closed its Montavilla location at 7821 SE Stark Street on July 23rd, consolidating operations to its Westmoreland location. JaMpdx will expand from their shared workspace in the back of the storefront to occupy the entire shop, developing a retail space. The unique ceramics maker predominantly sells online and at events, making this their first dedicated store.

The new retail space will take on the name Glaze and offer various products alongside the company’s hand-crafted products. “We’ll carry our own JaMpdx ceramics as well as bring in some other products we love – tea, honey, candles, some work by other artists – with intentions to expand our selection as business allows,” explained Meghan Radick of JaMpdx. Reworking the front space will take a month to complete. The JaMpdx owners anticipate holding a Grand Opening by September 1st.

Clogs-N-More and JaMpdx took over the former Pottery Fun location on Stark Street in September 2020. Meghan Radick worked for Clogs-N-More for 12 years, so when the shoe store owner found the Montavilla space with kilns in the backroom, they instantly thought of sharing a new retail location with the former employee. At the time, each business only needed part of the square footage available, and JaMpdx was primarily interested in production space. The cooperative leasing worked out for three years, but changes in both companies have shifted, presenting this new opportunity.

Expect signage to change over the next few weeks as the interior takes on a new design. Follow the JaMpdx Instagram for updates about the storefront’s transformation and opening dates. People looking for Clogs-N-More should visit their 6809 SE Milwaukie Avenue location eight miles away. That location is open seven days a week.

Jacob Loeb

Business Relocating, Event, Food and Drink, Renovation June 22, 2023

Jacksons Store and Shell Station Opens

On June 22nd, the Jacksons Food Stores and Shell Gas Station reopened to customers on the corner of NE Glisan Street and 82nd Avenue. This multi-year project involved merging two properties and expanding the store’s footprint to accommodate an enhanced selection of edible items. The Jacksons design team implemented several retail and food service advancements throughout their new market, many of them firsts for the chain’s Oregon stores.

The redesigned Jacksons at 611 NE 82nd Avenue features a market-style store with prepared foods and grocery options, an eight-pump refueling station, and a corner pedestrian plaza with covered seating. The entire project added numerous new street trees and landscaping while retaining many of the preexisting mature trees. Later this year, a local artist will install a mosaic tile mural on the corner wall visible to all passing by the station.

The original gas station’s convenience store offered a modest selection of snacks and drinks in a confined space. According to Alex Romero-Chavez, District Manager for Jacksons, the structure itself had outlived its useful lifespan. He explained that the company would have needed to rebuild the store even without any expansion at this location. While looking at the site for improvements, Jacksons determined that an expanded store in this location would benefit the neighborhood. The group purchased an adjacent property to the north that once housed a Pizza Hut restaurant, merging the two properties into a 0.92-acre parcel.

Designers working with Jacksons used that expanded space to create a 4,452-square-foot convenience store with modern stone cladding. Customers can enter from the sidewalks or one of two parking lots to the north and south of the building. Gerard Aguilar, Regional Manager for Jacksons, anticipates store patrons will be impressed with the selection of food and drinks available at this location. Staff stocked the store with grocery essentials, including milk, eggs, and bacon. Shelves contain a wide assortment of chips, drinks, desserts, and other snacks. This location has an extensive selection of bottled wines and beer. A walk-in “beer cave” surrounds the shopper with a multitude of beer selections in self-fronting racks that always keep the brews visible to shoppers.

Prepared hot and cold food is another marquee feature of this store, and many new technologies help keep the food at peak taste throughout the day. It starts with an onsite kitchen in the back where precooked base ingredients are heated and assembled into the dishes available in the self-service displays. Hot food shelves use heated air curtains to keep the food at the optimal temperature until purchased. That retail technology works similarly to the cold air curtain used for open-faced refrigeration units. Even the pizza display utilizes new technology to better preserve the product. In addition to heating, it uses humidity controls to prevent the dough from drying out.

*Hot dispensers use heated air-curtain similar to the cool air-curtain used for open-faced food storage*

People looking for the staple of this type of store can use the brewed-to-order automated coffee machine. However, the cutting-edge automatic milkshake machine could see significantly more use, at least during summer. Customers can place a special ice cream cup into the machine and have it whip the frosty creation while they wait. Romero-Chavez explained that he has high hopes for serving the neighborhood. “This should be the destination for the whole community.” He envisions it replacing some grocery store trips for people in the community. The central location for the store has the potential to fill the gap left by last year’s closure of Sunny 82nd Market. Romero-Chavez is particularly excited to serve people who use the Montavilla Park and Community Center across the street that may need a take-and-go option.

Speed of shopping is an integral part of this store’s redesign, and Jacksons has just begun to roll out self-checkout to improve the customer experience. Each payment terminal can flip over and become a cashier-free station for credit card paying patrons. Age-verified products and cash sales will require store staff to ring up the purchases, but customers can otherwise checkout independently without waiting in line. This process only recently graduated out of testing, making this one of the first locations in Oregon to implement this payment option.

Over the last month, new store staff have trained at other locations. Jacksons has filled thirteen of the sixteen positions, and those employees have spent the previous few days readying the shop. The store will open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, with plans to transition to 24-hour service when business conditions warrant it. People working and living near this store should now have a new option for convenient access to a variety of food items.

Jacob Loeb

Business Closing, Business Relocating, Community, Property Sale April 26, 2023

NE 82nd Hotel Becomes Recuperative Care Site

Central City Concern (CCC) is relocating its Recuperative Care Program (RCP) to the former Comfort Inn at 8225 NE Wasco Street. From this new location, staff will provide ongoing medical and housing support for people recently discharged from the hospital but needing continued recovery assistance. Participants are referred directly from local hospitals, health plans, and outpatient providers, staying on the property for an average of four to six weeks.

CCC is purchasing the 66-unit former hotel to host the RCP program currently housed within the Blackburn Center at 122nd Avenue and E Burnside Street. That location often runs at its capacity of 51 participants. The program’s relocation to the NE 82nd Avenue building will allow it to expand to address the 25 to 35 patient referral waitlist. Beyond the added space, the new facility offers centrally located access to transportation through the adjacent Max station and the 72 Bus line. According to Jordan Wilhelms, director of CCC’s RCP program, many of their clients face mobility issues and need easy access to TriMet. “Having access to public transportation is critical to their recovery,” wrote Wilhelms in an email interview.

The RCP provides a critical service to recovering people who do not have access to post-treatment support. Medical respite care prevents recently discharged patients from relapsing and needing to be readmitted. Inadequate post-hospitalization care is a particular concern for unhoused individuals who do not have access to primary care or specialty outpatient care. CCC will provide on-site primary care and pharmacy support for RCP participants in the new building, so people staying on the property can have immediate access to those services. The health care and pharmacy services currently offered at Blackburn Center will remain at the E Burnside Street facility, while the soon-to-be vacated RCP space could help expand the supportive housing program offered in that building.

Since 2005, CCC has grown the RCP and often stands as an example to other communities facing similar issues. “We were early adopters of the medical respite care service and are routinely visited by governmental and organizational representatives from cities all over the country looking to replicate the model. Our service is built around connecting participants with appropriate health care, helping stabilize health conditions, and accessing much-needed housing support,” explained Wilhelms. They provide around-the-clock support for clients and a place for medical providers to refer patients experiencing homelessness and needing additional care to recover from an acute or chronic condition.

Sheltered people often accomplish post-hospital care at home with the assistance of their personal support network, but that option is not available to everyone. RCP partners OHSU, Providence, and Health Share rely on this program to discharge at-risk patients to a safe and supportive environment where they can receive continued care. Programs like RCP can save money and keep hospital beds open. With the RCP option, people do not need to extend their hospital stay solely because they have no medically sound place to go when released. The CCC is engaging neighborhood and business associations in conversations regarding this site, and people can direct questions to the senior director of public affairs with the CCC, Juliana Lukasik, at juliana.lukasik@ccconcern.org.

Disclosure: The author of this article servers on the boards of the 82nd Avenue Business Association and Montavilla Neighborhood Association.

Jacob Loeb

Business Relocating, Community April 2, 2023

AYCO Secures Dream Center on SE 82nd

The African Youth & Community Organization (AYCO) moved into the group’s Dream Center at 2110 SE 82nd Avenue in January 2023. This new location is the first permanent space for the 501c3 nonprofit organization. It moved from a temporary office on NE Glisan Street, where two affordable housing units will soon break ground, prompting their relocation after only two years. As the first long-term occupants of this modern building on SE 82nd Avenue, the youth-focused group has plans to build out the unfinished space but still needs further funding to implement those changes. However, investing in the culturally specific community center is already expanding services for an often overlooked segment of Portland’s population.

Executive Director Jamal Dar founded AYCO in 2009 with an emphasis on athletics and mentoring. Thanks to the helpful staff and donors, he continues to grow the organization to support entire families and the wider community. This new building is the next significant leap for the organization, which already serves thousands. “AYCO serves over 25,000 community members every year, with youth development, skill building, environmental education, workforce development, mentorship, and leadership. We serve over 11,000 students every year,” recounts Dar. His group partners with six school districts with 575 students enrolled in its after-school program. In-school staff called Cultural Navigators are available to students in the participating districts. They offer educational support and mentoring with an understanding of the challenges faced by immigrant and refugee youth.

*Jamal Dar at the new AYCO Dream Center*

Jamal Dar explained that serving the children alone is not enough to build success for students. The family’s situation influences a child’s future. This realization is why AYCO expanded to support parents, providing them with tools to participate in the education process. “We’re dealing with a multi-generational model where our children will grow up here in the culture, creating a barrier between them and their parents,” said Dar. In some cases, the child acts as the family translator and can take advantage of the situation to filter out the negative aspects of their behavior at school. AYCO informs parents of their right to receive translation services from the school and helps them interface with educators successfully. Dar also emphasized the cultural difference in American education, explaining that many African communities will not require parents to participate in school matters. However, in Oregon’s schools, parental involvement is an ingredient for academic success.

When AYCO moved into the NE Glisan Street location two years ago, it provided a needed boost in facilities, helping expand their support services. Similarly, this latest relocation will also help grow the organization. However, the move was faster than Jamal Dar had planned. When they took the short-term lease from Metro in 2021, Dar hoped redevelopment plans would include AYCO in the new affordable housing project as part of the ground floor programming. Ultimately, Metro did not select the development proposal that included AYCO as a service provider at the site, forcing them to relocate permanently ahead of the building’s demolition. Fortunately, several funding sources materialized to secure a new space. However, not all funds were available in time, prompting the need for a bridge loan to help AYCO buy 2110 SE 82nd Avenue. The nonprofit community development organization Craft3 stepped in to fill that financial gap, which Dar hopes to repay later this year.

*Draft plan for 2110 SE 82nd Avenue’s fist floor*

As the AYCO staff complete the acquisition phase of the Dream Center’s development, they must consider how to shape the raw space into the community center that they envisioned. Working with an architectural firm, they’ve crafted a draft proposal for the interior configuration. Dar has those building plans displayed on the back wall of the 82nd Avenue building, letting visitors imagine where the new walls will land in the open room. It features an ample event space at the front of the building allowing for organization lead gatherings and rentable space for personal celebrations. Plans call for segmenting the reaming two-thirds of the building to serve specific programs.

Ahlam Osman, the Youth Environmental & Workforce Development Coordinator at AYCO, explained that this transformation will take years. “So we have the outer shell built, but they’re going to continue building it, building walls and making it into an actual center. That’s going to take about two years for it to be complete.” Osman described how each area would enhance the organization’s offerings. “We’re going to have an adult daycare—a space for the elders in our community to come together and drink tea. Just having a space where they can relax and connect is important for our community. We like to talk and discuss,” said Osman. “We’re also going to have a childcare area, that’s a huge need in our community, and we currently don’t have any childcare facilities that’s culturally specific.” The plans have designated rooms for homework assistance and training classrooms. AYCO leadership envisions an organization that can serve pan-African youth from kindergarten to college. They’ve also planned space for a media room to foster podcast productions, giving voice to their community.

Osman appreciates the new space’s potential and how it benefits the African immigrant and refugee population. They can expand beyond the established youth programs, educating adults on navigating all the systems of American society. Recently they hosted a discussion about renter’s rights. “Our communities are [mostly] renters, not homeowners. So a lot of them want to learn more about what their tenant rights are and how to talk to their landlords because their landlords are not receptive to the issues that they bring up,” explained Osman. Much of this information is available from other sources but not as accessible to everyone. “There’s a lot of Somalis who live in this county and who live in this neighborhood. I don’t really see there being options for translated materials,” remarked Osman.

According to Osman, that barrier to information extends into political participation. “We’re definitely not as engaged [as others], and I think a huge reason for that is because of a lack of education. They all know what the problems are and what the issues are. They just aren’t aware of how to solve those issues on a structural level. Not understanding the system, and the language barrier, are all contributors to the lack of civic engagement. I also feel like our elected officials and local politicians don’t do a great job coming to our community and meeting us where we’re at. I just think there’s a huge disconnect between our local politicians and our community,” said Osman.

Part of the disconnect comes from a structural difference in how this community communicates. “We collect data differently than the way it’s traditionally collected through surveys. We as an organization collect qualitative data through storytelling, dialogue, and conversation,” explained Osman. This approach is a culturally specific method for imparting experience and often clashes with established techniques used to quickly harness data and normalize it to appear on a chart. “It’s really hard to capture quantitative data, and that’s usually what’s being asked for,” said Osman.

Although information-gathering approaches differ, pan-Afican community members face similar income and living expenses issues as many Portlanders. “Housing is huge and the main issue that gets brought up. We do a lot of wrap-around support and assistance, but it’s not really sustainable because there are a lot of underlying issues like a lack of employment. It’s really hard for the elders in our community to even find jobs because of the language barrier. You have to know fluent English to get a job, or they’re being mistreated and abused by their employers because they don’t know English, and they get taken advantage of,” explained Osman.

As with other population groups in the area facing rising housing costs, the African immigrant and refugee community must move further east. That can further isolate children as they relocate away from services. “Transportation is a huge barrier for our youth, they have to ask their parents for rides, but their parents work. We used to have a van, but it got stolen. We’re also trying to encourage our students to take the bus, but safety is a huge issue. A lot of our youth are black and Muslim and just don’t feel safe taking it,” said Osman. Jamal Dar reiterated that sentiment, saying the 2017 stabbing on the MAX train was a significant moment for his community. That attack began as a verbal anti-Muslim assault on two black teenagers, ending with two dead and one person critically injured. That incident still makes some Muslims hesitant to ride TriMet. This new center is closer to the people they serve and on a busy bus line. However, several changes are needed to make this center more accessible by public transportation. AYCO staff are looking forward to TriMet improvements to bus safety and a greater acceptance of headwear worn by some Muslim women. Osman also hopes to see a permanent student free-ride program for Portland Public and David Douglas School Districts.

Ahlam Osman began working with AYCO seven months ago while studying community development at Portland State University. She is excited to work in this position within her chosen field. “My job is very much tied to what I’m studying and what I want to do in the future after I graduate,” said Osman. “I lived in Portland my whole life. I’ve never felt like I had a place to call home outside of my actual home. I never imagined us having our own Community Center. So I’m really excited to see this building fully built because it makes me want to stay here in Portland.” AYCO is still searching for funding and volunteer support. People interested in helping develop the program and donating to this group can find more information on the organization’s website.

Jacob Loeb

Business Relocating February 18, 2023March 25, 2023

Injury Attorney Moves Practice to Montavilla

An injury attorney recently moved his law practice into the former Hand Therapy Specialists building at 300 SE 80th Avenue. Christopher T. Hill purchased the building last December and relocated his offices from Downtown Portland into this single-story building. The property only required new interior paint and carpets to host this business, but future upgrades will create additional private office space for prospective tenants.

This business’s move out of the City Center was years in the making, driven by Hill’s desire for a practice closet to his South Tabor home and to provide a more convenient location. “I wanted to move my office to the East Side for a while. That was partly to shorten my commute, and so clients can avoid the hassle of going downtown for a meeting,” said Hill. The search for a property spanned the East Side. However, the SE 80th Avenue location best fits the law office’s needs with an affordable price and space to support income from leasing offices to other legal service providers. Its proximity to the Historic Montavilla Town also appealed to Hill, who frequents the shops in the area. “I’m happy to be in the neighborhood. Montavilla has always seemed like a neighborhood with a sense of place and a unique identity,” remarked Hill.

*Interior 300 SE 80th Ave with new paint and carpet, image courtesy Christopher T. Hill*

Although initially built as a medical office in 1948, this is not the first law office at this location, according to Hill. “I discovered through the purchase process that a friend of mine, Kathleen O’Brien, who’s also a lawyer, had the building.” O’Brien sold the building to the owners of Hand Therapy Specialists in 2002, who worked from the building for nearly 20 years before selling the business and building.

Christopher T. Hill specializes in injury law with the aid of a paralegal. “I work on injury and insurance cases. That’s mostly car crashes. I’m a plaintiff’s side lawyer. I represent the folks who were injured and typically work on a contingent fee,” explained Hill. “I would not wish the need for my services on anybody, but bad things do happen, and I help people get compensation for bad stuff that happened to them. I help a lot of people out with solutions that they don’t necessarily see with injury claims, getting the medical bills, lost wages, or the property damage paid.”

*Christopher T. Hill*, *image courtesy Christopher T. Hill*

Hill does not take on other types of legal work. Instead, he has focused the last 20 years of his career on injury law. He feels that makes him a skilled advocate for his clients during a uniquely challenging time in their lives. “I work to understand how injuries affect people and why it’s important to them, and that’s just to make sure that I can authentically communicate those impacts to judges, juries, adjusters, and whoever needs to know.”

After construction crews create the additional office space, Hill expects to rent to other attorneys with different areas of expertise. Until then, he can help direct people to the appropriate legal council if he is not the best person to assist. Look for new signs advertising the law office in the coming months, and if you have a legal need, reach out to Christopher T. Hill through the website portlandinjurylaw.com or by calling 503-227-4330.

Jacob Loeb

We thank our long-time paid subscribers including Jamey Jensen, Weston Ruter, and Garrett D.

Business Relocating, New Business February 16, 2023May 30, 2024

Endure Vintage Furnishings on SE Stark

Last weekend, Endure vintage furniture opened at its new location in Downtown Montavilla. The store moved to 7848 SE Stark Street after relocating from a temporary space on E Burnside Street. The mid-century modern focused furniture store joins a handful of other shops selling classic items on SE Stark Street.

Endure began as a pop-up shop in late 2022, and its success kept the doors open. A steady interest in the store’s collection prompted the owners to relocate to a permeant storefront with more space. Although this business’ name is relatively new, co-owner Brandon Laws has eight years of experience selling furniture online and operates other vintage enterprises outside of Oregon.

During their location search, Laws and his partner, Stephanie Trimble, considered one space near a collection of vintage shops on SE Hawthorne Boulevard. However, they ultimately chose to take the storefront next door to Flipside Hats in that recently remodeled building. “The space itself is beautiful and has light and really good windows. I just kind of fell in love with the space,” explained Laws. “It just seems like Montavilla is in a better position of its arc. People are moving east in our city, and I feel like Montavilla’s time is just around the corner.” Said Laws. He recognizes the neighborhood is already an established Portland destination but feels there is plenty of room to mature, particularly around the growing number of Vintage shops clustering together on the main street.

SE Stark Street has featured antique shops for decades, but the number of shops has increased dramatically over the last three years. In this competitive market, Endure sets itself apart from the other shops by focusing on a particular era of furniture. “Though a handful of vintage shops have opened on that little stretch of Stark Street, we have a little bit different flavor of inventory than the other ones,” said Laws. “We’re a little bit more strictly mid-century modern than most folks. We focus on case goods, so credenzas dressers and things that are shaped like boxes.”

The bulk of inventory comes from the 1950s through the 1960s, and store staff refinish most pieces, restoring them to their original condition. Laws and Trimble feel that those years were the best era for American-made home goods. “We’re drawn to things that are really well crafted. We focus on a time period where there was a lot of bounty in the United States, and there were actually big-name designers designing pieces of furniture, which stopped happening in the US after a certain amount of time,” explained Laws. During that time, people invested more of their income towards quality furniture made with hardwoods and other durable materials.

The search for mid-century modern furniture takes a nationwide hunt by a group of enthusiasts. “I have a few friends that pick for me out in the Midwest and East Coast. We travel the country and load up the biggest truck we can get,” said Laws. They then transport those items to a warehouse or other storage locations to be cleaned up and made ready for a new home. On average, Laws and Trimble only display ten percent of the available inventory in the shop. Consequentially, they often have access to the particular item a customer wants. “We’re pretty good at finding things for people,” remarked Laws.

Endure’s inventory is not restricted to vintage furniture. Stephanie Trimble has collected an assortment of vintage dresses over the last 15 years. The store will rotate through the 1000 peace collection, which covers styles from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. They will also have a selection of new handmade items and works from Pacific Northwest artists, rounding out the store’s offerings.

Endure is open Friday through Monday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with extended weekend hours starting at noon. These limited hours will expand after they hire an employee later this year. Expect a rotating collection of mid-century modern furniture alongside other vintage items on display, and stop in to make special requests for that particular piece you are seeking.

Update: Endure closed at the end of April 2024. The storefront at 7848 SE Stark Street is now available for rent.

Jacob Loeb

We thank our long-time paid subscribers including Jamey Jensen, Weston Ruter, and Garrett D.