This week, we were honored to celebrate the Alberta Alive Naming Dedication, recognizing the remarkable contributions of Mr. Ronnie Herndon and Mr. Paul Knauls within the community. Their unwavering dedication and passion have touched countless lives, making a lasting impact. The project team commemorated their legacy by naming the first two Alberta Alive buildings in their honor. The speaking program featured Mr. Tony Hopson Sr., Nancy Harris Alexander, THRP, Mr. Ronnie Herndon, Mr. Paul Knauls, and Dr. S. Renee Mitchell.
The Ronnie Herndon Building offers 21 units of affordable housing tailored to residents earning 30% and 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Comprising a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, this project prioritizes family housing, with 90% of the units being two- or three-bedrooms. The Paul & Geneva Knauls Building provides 31 units, offering a combination of studios and one-bedrooms. The Knauls Building also includes 25 VASH housing voucher units and wraparound case management services.
The Alberta Alive initiative represents a beacon of celebration and empowerment in Portland's historically Black North/Northeast neighborhoods. By providing affordable housing, culturally responsive support services, and fostering a shared sense of community, the Ronnie Herndon and Paul & Geneva Knauls Buildings, situated just two blocks apart on NE Alberta, mark the inaugural properties under the Alberta Alive umbrella.
The shared Alberta Alive vision is a collaboration with CDP and Self Enhancement, Inc. We are deeply grateful for our partnership with SEI, who we’ve collaborated with every step of the way. SEI's deep and genuine connections within the communities they serve that make our partnership particularly special.
We are so thankful for all of our partners that have worked tirelessly on these projects: Self Enhancement, Inc., Do Good Multnomah, Multnomah County Joint Office of Homeless Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Network for Oregon Affordable Housing, Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS), Banner Bank, Red Stone Equity Partners, LLC, Home Forward, Aetna, a CVS Health Company, CVS Health, North by Northeast Community Health Center, Meyer Memorial Trust, Energy Trust of Oregon, Access Architecture, and Colas Construction. Your dedication has made this initiative possible, and we're excited to continue making a difference together!