Designed by Carleton Hart Architecture, the Nesika Illahee project, currently under construction in the Cully neighborhood of Portland, will help mitigate a rapidly increasing need for affordable housing within Portland’s Urban Growth Boundary. Through a partnership between project sponsors Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) and Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest (NARA) emphasis is placed on the needs of the Native American community by reserving 20 of its 59 units for members of federally-recognized tribes.
The project, whose name means “Our Place” in Chinook, will incorporate on-site medical, dental, and behavioral health services available to residents. Private “talking rooms” are planned for NARA’s use in serving those in their rehabilitation programs. Other planned amenities include a community garden, community room with kitchen, and exterior plaza. The three-story, wood-frame building will incorporate art by Native artists.
The project received funding from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians in the form of a Native American Housing Block grant, a significant precedent since such funding is normally restricted to housing on reservations. Community Development Partners is serving as the project’s developer, working closely with the Siletz tribes, NAYA, and NARA.
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