Northwest Housing Alternatives

Supporting Attainable Housing in Rural Communities

Stable, affordable housing is more than a place to live—it’s the foundation for strong, healthy families and vibrant communities. Recognizing this, Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) has dedicated itself to addressing the growing need for affordable housing across rural Oregon. From Central and Eastern Oregon to the Oregon Coast, NHA is working with local partners to bring meaningful solutions to communities facing housing shortages.

“We know that stable housing is critical—not only for economic development but for the health and well-being of families,” said Trell Anderson, Executive Director of NHA.

Over the years, NHA has prioritized listening to rural communities to better understand the unique challenges they face. By breaking ground on new projects and collaborating with local governments, organizations, and residents, NHA continues to deliver housing that meets local needs.

This year, NHA will break ground on Trinity Place in Sisters, Oregon, which will provide 40 affordable apartments for families earning middle incomes and below. In The Dalles, NHA has secured $3 million in Congressional funding for the Chenowith project, a 76-unit housing development in partnership with Mid-Columbia Community Housing. With final approval expected by the end of the year, this project is one step closer to reality.

On the Oregon Coast, NHA is evaluating two sites in Coos Bay, where they plan to add 94 affordable homes through partnerships with the City and a local church. In Ontario, NHA is working with the Housing Authority of Malheur & Harney County on a multi-site project that will offer 30 family-sized apartments, including 2- and 3-bedroom units.

Every property NHA develops includes its signature suite of resident services, designed to ensure long-term housing stability while connecting residents to valuable resources and opportunities for growth.

Addressing rural housing challenges often requires creative thinking. NHA’s rural housing development team, based in Bend, is focused on exploring mixed-income and mixed-style developments that include both homeownership and rental housing. Over the next two years, the team will implement innovative funding models to better serve rural communities.

For NHA, providing housing is just the beginning. Every property has a Resident Service Coordinator who helps households connect to resources and support. Programs like NHA’s after-school initiative provide educational opportunities for families. Since the program launched, 99% of participating students have progressed to the next grade level compared to the 81% statewide graduation average. These programs are expanding to serve even more families in diverse communities.

NHA also puts residents at the center of its decision-making. A third of its board members are current or former residents, and the Resident Advisory Council, established in 2019, ensures that community voices guide programming and housing projects. This approach ensures each development meets the needs of the people it serves.

Collaboration is at the heart of NHA’s mission. In Ontario, the River Bend project highlights the power of partnerships, combining affordable housing with community-focused amenities like a medical clinic, remote workspaces, and an Oregon Food Bank warehouse. Projects like River Bend transform housing developments into vibrant hubs that benefit both residents and the surrounding community.

In 2024 alone, NHA opened 279 affordable homes in Florence, SE Portland, and NW Portland, providing stability for seniors, people with disabilities, immigrant and refugee families, and rural residents.

With support from partners like the Roundhouse Foundation, NHA continues to make strides in addressing housing challenges across the state.

“We’re focused on finding solutions that reflect the unique needs of each community,” Anderson said. “Every new home represents more than a roof—it’s an opportunity for families to thrive and communities to grow.”