Building Community
Physically reconstructing a community, does not mean that a sense of commaraderie comes with the new construction. Building community takes time, energy and creativity. New Columbia’s theme of “Building Community Together” is a great vision for all of the programming in the 82 acres that make up the community.
Community Builders
When walking around New Columbia on a summer’s day, it is apparent that all staff are not just point people for resources or to answer questions about rent. New Columbia Community Builders create activities, events and programs that encompass the theme of creating an engaged community, one that is empowering, socially sustainable and positively driven. The overarching goal is that Community Builders will create programs, recruit residents to get involved, take on leadership and in time, lead the program. This process creates a leadership driven community that has pride and ownership in the projects and events taking place in the neighborhood. The overall goal of course, building community together.
Resident Community Builder Program
While having professional Community Builders as staff is a wonderful way to organize community projects, it is imperative to incorporate community residents to truly understand where the community wants to grow. The Resident Community Builder Program teaches residents about organizing events, volunteer recruitment & retainment, and project management.
The six month program is available for residents in Public Housing, who are in good standing, who are willing to take the initiative to work on community projects along with Community Builders and other staff to create a positive community. Residents must visit the Community Building Office, speak with a Community Builder, fill out an application and go through an interview process. If approved, the Resident Community Builder will be awarded financially for their community building efforts. This is a sliding scale and depends on the income of the participant. The Resident Community Builder is a representative of the community, and must be a leader and positive representation of New Columbia.
Resident Community Builders will assist in various projects, including:
- Supervise and accompany the K-CHING! Youth Employment Program and Keep New Columbia Beautiful litter patrol.
- Assist with compilation and distribution of the New Columbia Neighbor community newsletter.
- Participate in the walking foot patrol
- Attend and participate in the monthly Community Town Hall meetings.
- Assist with the planning and implementation of large scale events, such as National Night Out, and McCoy Park Summer Concert Series.
- Brainstorm and design future activities for New Columbia.
Download the HAP Volunteer Application here.
Hello Everyone,
My name is Thurman Landers. I am currently working with the Housing Authority of Portland as a Community Builder Intern. I see this position as an opportunity and a welcomed challenge. Having the opportunity to work with the quality, professional staff here at New Columbia is a plus for me. I do and always have enjoyed working with people regardless of age and ethnicity.
I graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, and a Masters Degree. I taught for fifteen years. In those years I got married, and have been married to my wife Kathy for 37 years. We have two grown children and three beautiful grandchildren. We have been residing in Portland for 22 years, and have been residing here in the New Columbia for the past three years. I enjoy teaching and instructing martial arts (Karate) through Portland Parks and Recreation. I also work with the Portland Public Schools transporting students.
Measure Twice, Cut Once: The Trade Secrets of Community Building
Jodi, Marchelle, Guadalupe, and Agripina showing off their new coat racks.
HAP and Oregon Tradeswomen’s Katie Hughes have brought the women of New Columbia together in a series of free, practical workshops introducing them to the art of carpentry. Any mule can kick down a barn but it takes a good carpenter to rebuild it! Katie took the mystery out of basic tools and set them to work on simple projects that they could take home and enjoy. Cordless drills, table saws with more teeth than a shark, and taking measurements became second nature. They worked together on their last project: three display carts for the community’s Village Market. Everyone knows that if you build it, they will come… Look for their handiwork when the market opens!