Housing Our Families (HOF) was the original sponsor that was awarded Housing and Urban Development (HUD) PRAC 202 Funds to build Alberta Simmons Plaza. HOF was a grassroots women’s community development corporation formed in 1989 to create affordable housing for families in inner North and Northeast Portland. In 1991, the group secured its 501(c) 3 status and started their first project. HOF acquired and renovated existing properties that were derelict, poorly managed, or otherwise detracting from the community. Housing Our Families was then able to rent quality housing to families, manage, and preserve their affordability for the surrounding community.
Alberta Simmons Plaza originally opened it’s doors to low income seniors in July of 1999. Since that time, Alberta Simmons Plaza has become an important part of the Piedmont neighborhood. Seniors who no longer want the hassles of home ownership have a safe, affordable, and quality living community giving them the choice to remain in the community they know and love. Throughout the years, as a result of their hard work and dedication, Housing Our Families was instrumental in improving the livability in North and Northeast Portland.